Page 91 of The Wrong Move

My hand freezes on the handle. I turn and give my mother a look, failing to hide the fear of knowing it could be true. Not that I don’t want it to be. More that it is true, and there is a chance I could lose her again.

23

GIANA

Byron promisedhe would visit after his family’s Thanksgiving dinner.

When I heard the knock, my heart thumped in my chest. Why am I nervous? He has met my family and is no stranger to my house. I don’t need to pretend with him. This is the first time he has visited on Thanksgiving, and it speaks volumes he would leave his fancy family to visit mine.

I spring from the table to answer the door. Looking through the peephole, I suck in a breath.He is wearing a freaking suit.I’m not used to seeing him dressed like this, yet with all his family functions and outings, he would have a collection of designer suits. I yank the door open, then lean against the jamb and stare at him. “You are a very handsome man, Byron Hendricks.”

He steps closer to me, his gaze holding mine. “Is that so?”

“Mm-hmm.” I eye his fancy navy suit, white shirt, and pale-pink tie as I imagine what Thanksgiving at his home would belike. “Come here.” I undo his tie and slide it off, then loosen the first three buttons on his shirt. “That’s more like it.”

“And what do you intend to do with my tie?” he says in his best toe-curling sexy voice.

“I’ll give you one clue.” I wrap the tie around one wrist as I look up into his eyes. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me.

“Giana Monroe. You drive me crazy.” He kisses me like there is no tomorrow—only today, this minute, this second.

I wrap my arms around his neck, arch my pelvis to his, and grind against him. He lifts me into his arms and carries me through the door, his lips still on mine. “That’s the only way I was getting inside,” he murmurs against my lips. “Otherwise, I’d carry you to my car.”

I giggle and jump out of his arms, my hands still looped around his neck. “Did I tell you how much I love that you’re here?”

He flashes a smile. “Did I hear you say theLword?”

I playfully hit his chest. “I love that you’re here. Love you in a fancy suit.” I waggle my eyebrows.

“And?” He pulls me into his side and nibbles my ear. “What else?”

I haven’t told him those three words, although I’m sure he knows how I feel about him. I wanted the first time I say it to him to be special, yet every second I get to spend with Byron feels special. I take his face in my hands and pull his lips to mine. “I like you.”

He embraces the humor, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist and pushing his crotch into mine with a single thrust. “You’re using me for sex.”

I giggle like a horny teenager. Blame Mom’s cognac. “Come and say hi to my parents.” I take Byron’s hand and lead him into the kitchen, where we are serving dessert.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Mom says to Byron. He goes to her and gives her a hug. “You look very handsome today.”

“Just today, ma’am?” he jokes. He moves to my father, now standing by his chair. “Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Monroe.”

“Happy Thanksgiving, son.” The way Dad says son makes my stomach flip. I can see in his eyes he likes Byron. He covers his top hand so he has both hands on Byron’s, and it almost brings me to tears.

Mom seems more reserved about her feelings for Byron. She wants what’s best for me, and mostly wants me to explore my career choices in Italy. She hasn’t said it, but I sense she feels Byron will hold me back emotionally. Dad has flipped the situation, showing Byron his support. I move behind Dad and wrap my arms around his middle to lean my head on his shoulder. “I love you, Dad.”

Byron leans close to my father. “You know she hasn’t told me that yet.”

I lift my head and eye Byron. “Do not make me look like the bad person here,” I say, half joke, half serious.

“I think someone has had too much to drink,” Mom says with a laugh.

“Wait for the right time, son.” Dad winks at Byron.Winks.

“Okay, let’s eat dessert,” I suggest, and sit next to Mom. Byron sits beside my father on the other side of the table.

“I hope you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving,” he says on a more serious note.

“We did, thank you, Byron. And we have Giana’s new contract to be grateful for. The Lord is blessing her in so many ways.”

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