She was never supposed to be mine.

Kitty has been mine in every way that matters—just not the one that counts. Not in the way that lets me touch her. Keep her. Claim her.

I’ve spent years holding the line between us.

Best friends. Safe. Untouchable.

Until she shows up on my doorstep on Christmas Eve carrying a tree, a box of decorations, and a smile that feels too much like coming home.

Then the storm hits. The city shuts down and suddenly, she’s in my bed.

One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. One night to get it out of my system. But I don’t do things halfway.

And I don’t let go of what’s mine.