Page 46 of Mistle-Ho

My mother loved my grandmother—I know that. But she never understood her—never understood me. I’m starting to think Gavin does, and that’s a rare thing for me. “Okay.”

Gavin gives me a tender smile before turning me toward my room, giving my ass a little swat, and telling me to hurry.

I grab a bag and get to work. I changed into my pajamas while we were waiting for dinner, so all I need is some clothes for tomorrow. After adding a few toiletries and my toothbrush, Icome out to the living room to find him holding something that confirms my suspicions.

Gavin comes to stand in front of me, gently winding my most prized possession around my neck. His big hands stroke over the thinning weave of the yarn with an almost reverent touch. “Now I see why you were less than impressed with the scarf I got you.”

“The scarf you gave me is beautiful.” I defend his gift immediately. Not just because it’s cashmere and gorgeous, but because he put thought into it. Chose something he knew I would like.

“Anyone can buy a scarf off the rack, Al.” His big hands are still gently holding the scarf my grandma made me. “It takes a lot of love for someone to spend hours of their life making a gift.”

Again Gavin hits the nail on the head. Seems to understand exactly why the scarf is so important to me. It’s not simply because it came from my grandma, but because it is a physical embodiment of her love for me.

He tips his head to the door. “You ready to go?”

My eyes are burning again, and my throat is still tight, so I just smile, giving the surprisingly sentimental man in front of me a little nod.

Gavin takes my bag, hooking the floral printed overnight tote onto one shoulder, then slips his hand around mine. After snagging my keys off the counter, he opens the door. I start to follow him out, but then stop.

“Hang on.” I turn, rushing back to collect the rest of our dinner and dessert, stacking the foam boxes into the paper bag they came in before hurrying back to his side. This time I’m the one taking his hand, and Gavin looks down at where my fingers weave between his, studying them for a second before tugging me out into the hall.

When we reach my car, he doesn’t even ask, just loads me into the passenger side then drops my bag into the back seat andclimbs behind the wheel. The sight of him in my small crossover is still hilarious, and I huff out a little laugh over it.

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” He turns out of the parking lot. “I’m sure everyone thinks I bought my Hummer because it’s flashy, but I just wanted to drive without getting a fucking leg cramp and a crick in my neck.”

I tip my head his direction, offering a disbelieving look. “You can admit you also like that it’s flashy.” My stern expression melts into a smile. I can’t help it. “Especially to me, because we both know I like pretty things.”

Gavin glances my way, giving me a slow grin. “Youarea pretty thing, Al.” He turns back to the road before confessing, “And I do kinda like that it’s flashy.”

I look over where he sits in the driver’s seat, wondering. “Do I get to drive your car since you get to drive mine?”

Gavin barks out a laugh, and it has me expecting him to say no. But—like he’s in the habit of doing—Gavin surprises me. “I would love to see you behind the wheel of my Hummer, Al.” He gives my body the same appraising look I just gave his. “You might need a booster seat though.”

I scoff in mock outrage. “I’m not that short.”

“To me, everyone is that short.” Gavin’s tone is teasing, and it’s hard for me to remember how much I used to hate it.

“That’s because you’re an overgrown beast.” I’m terrible at teasing him back, but I give it a try even though it still comes off serious and dry.

Gavin sits up as straight as my small crossover will allow, giving me a wink. “Flattery will get you everywhere with me.”

“Only you would take that as a compliment.”

“Not true.” Gavin’s eyes come my way again. “Your brother would too.”

The reminder of Leo sobers me a little. “I’m worried about him.”

Gavin’s jaw sets. “It’s none of Leo’s business what we do.”

“I didn’t mean that way. I don’t give a shit what Leo thinks about my personal life.” I gave that up back in college when he was so clearly against Hugo. Now I know he wasn’t the only one. “I’m talking about him and Maddie Miller.”

A little of the tension bleeds from Gavin’s body, his shoulders easing down. “I’m worried too.” He gives me a sidelong glance but doesn’t fully look my way. “I know how crazy men can get over the women they care about.” Gavin’s frame stiffens. Like he’s waiting to see how I respond.

I can admit, I don’t know a whole lot about fucked-up relationships. My parents have a great marriage. The one boyfriend I had didn’t treat me badly, just indifferent. But I do know a thing or two about human nature. I’m not a big talker, but I am a big listener. And I people watch better than anyone I know.

“Leo’s situation is very different from the one your parents had, but feeling insecure can bring out the worst in people.” I think back to the guy at the bar and his knee-jerk response to being shut down. “Leo’s probably not worried about Maddie dumping him, but he is scared he’ll lose her. Just in a different way.” One that’s way more terrifying than a simple breakup.

“I know I pissed him off tonight, but I wanted him to think this through. Reacting is easy. Deciding how to handle shit is hard.” Gavin’s hands flex against the steering wheel. “I can’t judge him for what he’s doing, though, because I don’t think a lot of shit through either.”

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