“Me, too,” Jenna said, mimicking my motion. “So…” She dropped her hand and intently focused on me, “anything new?”

“Not much,” I replied, continuing what I was doing.

“I’m not talking about your daily routine.”

I was pretty sure I knew what she meant, but I wanted to give her a hard time and besides there was nothing going on. Still, I didn’t want to give her any reason to think otherwise.

“You know what I mean. Don’t try to steer away from the subject. You know what I’m talking about.” Jenna narrowed her eyes at me, as if that could get me to answer faster. Truthfully?

“I have no idea.”

“Matthew. Sound familiar?”

I don’t know why but just hearing his name got my full attention, even knowing she would spit his name out. Placing my hand on Jenna’s, I stated matter-of-factly, “we’re just friends.” I didn’t want this to be awkward for her, plus I didn’t want her to tell Max all the details of what had happened between Matthew and I, so I left it at that. This also reinforced why it was best if Matthew and I just remained friends. Though I was sure that was the way he thought of me anyway.

“Did you get him anything for Christmas?” Jenna asked softly, sounding unsure if she should have asked that question.

“Of course not. I hardly know him. I only gave your parents a little gift because you are my best friend and it was the first time meeting them.”

“Thank you. That was so sweet of you.” Jenna stood up. “Stay here.” She went into her room and came back holding a wrapped box.

“That’s not for me, is it?” I asked worriedly. Jenna’s parents had already given me a gift certificate to Nordstrom.

Handing it to me she said, “It’s from Matthew. He told me to give it to you after he left. It was difficult to hide it from you. First, I hid it in the kitchen and then I brought it to my room when you weren’t looking.”

“Sneaky,” I said, referring to her. “But I didn’t get him anything.”

“You can always take him out to eat. After all, that’s what friends do.”

There was something mischievous about Jenna’s tone or was it just me freaking out?

“Well I think this was one of the best Christmases ever. I got to spend it with my three favorite people and my parents.” Jenna reached down to give me a hug. “Merry Christmas, Becky.”

“Merry Christmas, Jenna.” I hugged her back.

“Anyway,” she started heading to her room. “I’m meeting Max and his parents for Christmas dinner tomorrow night. Matthew will be there too, of course. Do you want to come?”

“No!” That came out short and quick. “I mean no, thanks. I have things to do.” I quickly diverted the subject. “Are your parents going too?”

“Max asked me if I wanted to invite them, but I thought it would be too soon.”

“Yeah. I understand.” I looked at the gift I was holding, wondering what he got me. A book?

Jenna swung her door open. Before she could enter I asked her a question. “Did you get your gift from Max?”

“Yesss,” she replied, sounding more than a little happy. “He got me a diamond pendant and matching earrings. Now I don’t have to borrow yours.”

“That’s one expensive gift. He did great. I approve, but you can borrow my fake ones any time.”

“It really was sweet of him, but I think it’s too much.”

“Nah, he’s got tons of money. He should shower you with tons of gifts.”

“Becky, you know I’m not comfortable with that, especially when I can’t give him equally in return.”

“So what did you end up getting him?” Recalling the conversation Jenna and I had about what to get Max for Christmas. What do you give to a person who has everything?

“I got him an engraved picture frame with a picture of us, some dress shirts and ties. I know, I know… lame, but it was so hard to shop for him.”

“I can imagine,” I muttered. “I think he would love anything you give him, even if you tied yourself with a pretty bow and walked in naked.”

“Becky,” she squealed.

I loved making her blush. It was the cutest thing to see. Jenna had that angelic appearance. With the right makeup, she could look like a sexy vixen, but she could never act like one. She was too innocent and sweet.

“I’m just saying. He would love that lingerie I bought for you. It’s just as much his gift as it is yours,” I reminded.

“Good night, Becca.” She giggled and shut the door behind her.

Shaking my head, I let out a breath. I knew sooner or later, she would tease me about that. Deciding to open the card first, I pulled it out of the envelope.

Becca,

I can’t believe you don’t have one!

Hope this comes in handy when you’re reading all those manuscripts.

Don’t read on the computer. It’s bad for your eyes.

You owe me lunch or a trip to Victoria’s Secret.

Your friend who actually works.

I guessed it was an e-reader and I was right. His gift and words touched my heart deeply. On Christmas Eve, he showed me how sweet and caring he could be, but that wasn’t the first time. There was a side to him some lucky girl would get to see often, if she was his. Tonight he stole a bit more of my heart, though I had not wanted to give it to him.