< It had cost enough >

I then pictured Elizabeth's beautiful face.

< She was worth it >

I gave the ring one last look and then shut the case. I then quickly wrapped it up in the prettiest wrapping paper I could find. I then gently placed the box in the drawer and shut it.
< P >
I sat down on the bed and sighed.

< What was I doing? >

< Giving her a ring?! That's the dumbest thing I could ever do!..... but.. I can't hide from it any more >

"I love her." I said.

I looked up at the stockings on the wall. Then, at our tree.

"I love her." I repeated.

< There's no way I can hide this >

I looked at the tree again. We had hung one of the pictures we had taken the other day on the tree. We were both smiling. Elizabeth looked so beautiful. Just like she always does.

I rubbed my eye.

< Absolutely no way. .>

************

"Lucky?"

< Is someone saying my name? >

"Lucky?" the voice persisted.

"Hmmhmmm?"

"Hey! Earth to Lucky! Come in!"

Elizabeth snapped her fingers in front of my face.

"Huh? What?"

Elizabeth took one look at my face and burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"You. I called your name four times in the last two minutes. Where were you?"

"On Mars, I think." I said, grinning sheepishly.

"Guess so." she said, sitting down next to me on the bed.

"So, what have you been doing all day?" she asked.

< I took a deep breath. I had to tell her. Now..>

"Elizabeth.." I began. "I've been thinking.. about you and me..."

"I've been thinking about us too." she said, softly.

< You can't interupt me... I'll chicken out >

"You see, after you were raped.. I felt.. guiltly, about what happened. I also felt angry, because I knew you didn't deserve to be raped. No woman does."

< Come on.. get to the point >

"And.. after spending alot of time with you.. I-uh.. I began to have feelings for you.."

Liz smiled.

"I know. I have feelings for you too."

< DON'T INTERRUPT! >

"And... those feelings have become-"

"Lucky?" I heard Jason's voice from behind the door.

< damn! >

"What?" I yelled.

Liz shot me a strange look. She then got up and open the door.

"Hi Elizabeth." said, Jason, smiling.

Hi." she said, stepping aside. "Come on in."

"Sorry to bother you. This will only take a second. I-uh.. need to talk to you.." he looked at me.

< oh brother.. what now? >

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Actually. Yea." He shut the door.

"I'm moving back into the penthouse." he said.

I stared at him.

"And this involves me how?"

"Lucky, I won't be able to work at the garage any more."

"You mean.. you're going back to the organization?"

"Yes and no. Its a long story. But for now, working at the garage isn't a prority. And, Mike is on his way out of town."

"Why? Jason, I am missing something here. What's going on?"

"Its a long story, Lucky, and I can't fill you in on everything. Mac's been shot, Robin and Michael are in danger, and I have to keep them safe. With Mike out of town, the garage is going to be closed down for a while."

"How long?" I asked.

"I don't know. Monthes probably. Which is why I am going to give you money in advance."

He pulled out a stack of bills and slapped them into my hand.

"Here's your pay for the next two monthes. If you need more, you let me know."

"Jason, I can't accept this. I-"

"Lucky, trust me on this one. You are a good worker. You have earned that money."

I stole a glance at Elizabeth. She seemed paniced.

"Lucky isn't in any danger is he?" she asked.

"I doubt it. Moreno wants me. I don't think he's going to go after Lucky, who just happened to be working for me in the garage. He's in no danger."

I nodded at Elizabeth.

She gave me a forced smile. I could tell she was troubled by this.

I was tempted to ask something.

"Is.. uh.. Sonny the reason why Mike is leaving?"

Jason looked at me.

"You are too smart for your own good, Lucky." he shook his head and patted me on the back.

I smiled a little.

"Well, I better get going. I gotta go help Carly pack." He turned to the door.

"Jason.." I called.

He turned.

"Thanks. For everything." I said.

"Your welcome." he smiled at me and Elizabeth.

"Bye Elizabeth."

"Bye." she called timidly.

Jason left.

I sat down on the bed, still holding the wad of money.

"Wow." I said.

"Wow is right." said, Elizabeth, sitting down next to me. She tried to grab the money. "How much is in there?"

I held the money beyond her reach.

"Enough." I said.

She smiled.

I stuffed the money in my pocket.

"I'll take you out to dinner one night." I said.

Elizabeth grinned.

"I'd like that."

She then snuggled up to my side.

< now..where was I? >

"Elizabeth... back to us... I-uh.. I really care for you and.."

"And?" she said.

"And.. uh..I-uh.. I want to make this Christmas the best your ever had."

< chicken >

Elizabeth smiled.

"Lucky, I am spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with you. What else could make this the best Christmas ever?"

She gave me a little kiss on the cheek and then laced her fingers into mine. She laid her head on my shoulder.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and savored her closeness. I inhaled her scent.

Still, that word ran in and out of head..