The living room was a sea of discarded wrapping paper and half-opened gifts, the soft glow of Christmas lights casting a warm, golden hue over everything. Laughter and conversation filled the space, but Ava was only half-listening, her attention split between the presents in front of her and the man sitting so close beside her that she could feel his warmth seeping through the fabric of her sweater.
Giovanni hadn’t moved an inch since they’d started opening presents, his presence a constant and palpable reminder of what had happened the night before. Every time she shifted or reached for another gift, she brushed against him, the brief contact sending a strange shiver through her that she stubbornly tried to ignore.
Half of the presents under the tree had already been opened, the room cl
