Lunch went off without a hitch, and as everyone gathered in the living room to exchange gifts, the ambiance was cozy, with the crackling fireplace spreading warmth throughout the room. Despite the lingering tension between Ethan and Olivia, they managed to maintain a façade of normalcy, hiding their feelings from prying eyes.
Mary was the first to open a gift, and when she unwrapped the espresso machine from Olivia, her face lit up with delight. "Thank you, honey!" she exclaimed. "This is perfect and will get a lot of use."
Richard's eyes twinkled with amusement as he received the remote caddy from Olivia. He chuckled at his propensity for losing things. "This is just what I needed," he admitted with a grin.
Logan's laughter filled the room when he opened the fuzzy dice Olivia had picked out for him. "These are perfect!" he exclaimed, dangling them triumphantly in the air. Olivia couldn't help but smile, appreciating the joy her gifts had brought. "I thought those would look great in your Jeep!" she exclaimed. "It's such a fun ride, and I think the ladies will like them," she giggled.
Logan and Ethan had joined forces to surprise Richard and Mary with an all-inclusive vacation package. The couple's faces lit up with pure excitement when they unwrapped the thoughtful gift. "This is incredible!" Mary exclaimed. "We've been needing a getaway. Thank you both so much!"
As Richard and Mary reveled in their upcoming trip, they handed Olivia a gift certificate to an all-day spa. Olivia's eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she couldn't help but express her gratitude. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "This is going to be such a treat."
The boys, in return, received new sweaters from Mary. They both smiled at the thoughtful gifts, appreciating her warmth and generosity.
Logan handed Olivia a gift card with a generous amount on it, causing her to exclaim, "Logan! This is too much." His generosity genuinely touched her.
Logan smiled warmly and replied, "I know you didn't get a chance to shop for clothes, so I hope this goes a little way in purchasing your work attire."
"Thank you, Logan," Olivia said, her appreciation evident. He was clearly incredibly attentive and considerate, and his thoughtful gift meant a lot to her. Olivia watched nervously as Ethan began to open her gift. She hoped that he liked it.
Ethan
Ethan was surprised when he opened the gift from Olivia. It was a pair of shield-shaped cufflinks. He couldn't help but wonder about the significance of this choice. Did she see him as her protector, the one who would shield her from life's challenges?
"Thank you, Olivia," he said sincerely, his eyes locking onto hers in a heated gaze as he acknowledged her thoughtful gift.
"What a great Christmas," Mary exclaimed. She was so happy and content to have everyone together. Mary was right. It had been a wonderful Christmas. As everyone was preparing to enjoy dessert, Ethan interrupted, "Wait, I have a gift for Olivia."
The room fell into hushed anticipation as Olivia nervously waited to see what it could be. Ethan retrieved a small box from his pocket and handed it to her. Excitedly, Her hands trembled as she opened it, revealing a delicate gold key inside.
"What is this?" Olivia asked, her curiosity piqued.
Ethan smiled and explained, "Olivia, I know you've just started a new job, and you're working hard to regain your independence. This is the key to an apartment I own. I'd love for you to have it so you can have your own space as you continue to move forward."
Olivia's eyes widened in astonishment. It was a generous and thoughtful gift that held great significance for her future.
Ethan watched as Olivia's eyes glistened with gratitude, her hesitation giving way to appreciation. She began, "Ethan, I... I don't know what to say. I don't think I can take this. It's too much."
He smiled reassuringly and responded, "Consider it a loan, Olivia. You can have it until you get back on your feet. Plus, it's closer to the office, so you won't have to fight traffic to get downtown."
Ethan's generosity deeply moved Olivia. She expressed her heartfelt thanks, saying, "Thank you, Ethan. This means a lot to me. I'm truly touched."
Mary flashed a knowing smile as she beckoned Logan and Richard to join her in the kitchen to prepare dessert, leaving Ethan and Olivia alone. The atmosphere was charged with an unspoken tension as they exchanged glances, unsure of what to say next.
Ethan leaned close to Olivia, his breath hot on her neck as he growled the words into her ear. This gift is more for me than you. I can finally have you all to myself and see you without prying eyes watching. Olivia's face flushed scarlet at the hidden meanings of his words.
Her heart raced violently in her chest as the reality of being alone with Ethan surged through her veins. This was too soon, she knew it, but her defenses were an illusion around him, and somehow, that felt safer than running away. Every second that passed made it harder to restrain herself from throwing caution to the wind and giving in to what felt so right.
Ethan pressed his lips against her forehead, leaving a lingering warmth. His voice was deep and passionate as he said, 'I'll see you at work on Monday. Do not keep me waiting - I need to see you. This weekend will seem like an eternity without you."