Page 124 of Taming the CEO

I chuckled. "Mom, this is Cami."

"Hi, dear," she said.

Cami melted against me. "Hi."

"I'm so happy that you're there with my son and the family for Thanksgiving. And I'm happy to finally meet you even if just virtually."

"Where are you?" Cami asked. "Indonesia, right?"

"No. I decided to move on to Sri Lanka last week. It is amazing. I cooked a makeshift Thanksgiving dinner, but I'm not big on these sorts of traditions. I’m not a fan of turkey." Mom smiled brilliantly. I'd actually never seen her this happy. "Happy Thanksgiving, you two. And congratulations on the sale. I hear it's finalized."

"Yes, it is." Cami said. "Your son was very good at wearing me down."

Mom laughed. "Oh, that's my Maddox. All right, I won't keep you two."

"Have fun, Mom," I said. "And let me know when you plan on coming back to the States."

"Sure, darling. Thank you."

After hanging up, I put my brother's phone in my back pocket and turned to look at Cami. To my astonishment, her eyes were glassy.

"Babe, what's wrong?" I asked, cupping her face.

She sighed. "Talking to your mom kind of reminded me of mine. I miss her more around holidays."

I kissed her temple, inhaling the scent of her strawberry shampoo. Even though there were so many food smells mingling in the air, I could pick hers out quite easily.

"Is today overwhelming for you?" I hadn't considered this.

"A bit, but in the best way." Then she pulled back, placing both hands on my shoulders. "It feels so wonderful to celebrate together with family."

"I'm glad you think that. I enjoy it, but I'm looking forward to going back to Essex with you."

"Hmm, it is growing on you, isn't it? Mr. 'I don't like small towns.'"

I swallowed hard. "You're in Essex. That’s a big draw."

"Don't pretend like you don't actually enjoy it."

"Fine, I admit it. I'm as surprised as anyone. It's..."

"Cozy," she put in.

"Exactly." And I did like that it was close to Boston.

"Right. So you're driving me and Dad back?"

I wiggled my eyebrows. "Why do you think I insisted on you not taking your own car?"

"Hmm... so I’d have no other choice but to invite you to stay with me. Uh-huh, what a hardship."

I kissed the side of her neck, but laughter filtered in from the living room.

"Let's go back," she said.

"I just want a few more minutes with you." I wrapped my arms around her waist.

“I love this day. Now that I know you plan to stay with me tonight, it just got so much better. Then on Monday, I have to hit the ground running with the permits and such."

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