Page 5 of A Very Grumpy Thanksgiving

“I need to talk to you about something,” he says, his tone serious, and I can tell by the look on his face that this isn’t just a casual visit.

“Okay,” I say slowly, setting down the book I’d been holding. “What’s going on?”

He runs a hand through his dark hair, glancing toward the front door to make sure no one else is around before turning back to me. “I... I told my family that we’re dating.”

I blink, certain I haven’t heard him right. “What? You what?”

“I told my mom we were dating,” he repeats, rubbing the back of his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable. “It just... slipped out.”

My heart sinks. Oh. So that was why he was here. This wasn’t some romantic declaration. This was a mess.

“How does that just…slip out? Why would you do that?” I ask, feeling a knot of disappointment form in my chest.

I try to ignore that sinking feeling as I study him.

Nolan sighs, stepping closer to me, his eyes meeting mine. “Because my mom’s been trying to set me up with half the town, and I just... panicked, okay? I told her I was seeing someone, and when she asked me who, the first name that popped into my head was yours.”

I stare at him, trying to process what he was saying. “So... you lied.”

“Yeah,” he admits. “And now she expects me to bring you to Thanksgiving.”

The room feels suddenly smaller like the walls are closing in.

Thanksgiving with Nolan’s family? Pretending to be his girlfriend?

I open my mouth to say something, but no words came out.

“I know it’s a lot,” Nolan says quickly, his tone softer now. “But I’m here to make you a deal.”

“A deal?” I echo, my mind racing.

He nods, his expression serious. “I’ve seen you trying to fix up that house, Saffron. You’re going to hurt yourself—or worse—if you keep going at it alone.”

I bristle a little, even though he isn’t wrong. “I’m managing,” I mumble, though we both know I’m not.

Nolan crosses his arms, his gaze steady. “Let me help. I’ll fix the house, get it into shape so you don’t kill yourself trying to do it. In exchange, you come to Thanksgiving with me. Just pretend to be my girlfriend for one day, and we’ll call it even.”

I stare at him, my mind spinning. This feels like something straight out of one of my romance books—a grumpy, brooding hero making a deal with the heroine, all in the name of convenience. But this wasn’t a story. This was real life.

“Why me?” I ask quietly, my heart pounding. “You could have told your mom you were dating anyone. Why pick me?”

Nolan hesitates, his jaw tightening for a moment before he speaks. “Because... you’re the only person I could think of. You’re my neighbor. We see each other all the time. It just made sense.”

I don’t know what to say. Part of me wants to turn him down, to tell him this was ridiculous. But another part of me—an embarrassingly large part,is tempted. I need help with the house. That much was obvious. And spending more time with Nolan? I can’t deny that the thought makes my heart flutter.

But can I really do this? Can I pretend to be his girlfriend and not let my feelings get in the way? I already have a crush on him, and the last thing I need is to fall for him even more. I’m not sure my heart could take it.

“I don’t know,” I say, biting my lip as I look away.

“I’m not asking for much, Saffron,” Nolan says, his voice gentle. “Just one day. One Thanksgiving. In exchange, I’ll fix up your house, and you won’t have to worry about getting hurt trying to do it yourself.”

It was tempting. So tempting. And the truth was, I needed help. The house was too much for me to handle alone, and I couldn’t afford to hire anyone. Nolan’s offer was a lifeline.

But what about my heart?

I swallow hard, trying to push down the rush of emotions swirling inside me. “Okay,” I say finally, my voice soft. “It’s a deal.”

Nolan’s blue eyes met mine, and for just a moment, I think I see something flicker in his expression—something deeper, something real. But then it’s gone, replaced by the same stoic mask he always wears.

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