Page 23 of Merry Kissmas

“What do you mean?”My dad tilts his head.

Thank you, Dad.

“I was Brynn’s teacher’s assistant back at university when she studied in London.”

“Say what?”Carter stops right before he’s about to walk into the house, turns back around, and heads back our way.

“Leave, Carter,” Dad scolds, pointing at the house.

“Did you say teacher’s assistant?”My mom faces Pierce, giving him all her attention.

I glare at him and step between my mom and Pierce.“That doesn’t mean he isn’t a stranger.It’s been six years.”

“I can vouch for my cousin,” Andrew says from behind me.“He’s a good guy and would never?—”

“Dad, I’m your baby girl.”I give him my puppy dog eyes.Surely they’ll pull at his heartstrings, and he’ll see that there’s another way.

My mom shakes her head, places her hand on my shoulder, and nudges me out of the way.“So, you two know one another?”

Of course she’s not going to let this go.My mom loves to be in the know.

“Yes.”Pierce nods.“It’s quite funny really.We interviewed for the same job in New York.We reconnected, and this whole thing with the holiday is completely coincidental.”

Mom’s gaze floats to me, her eyes questioning whether he’s telling the truth.I nod.It’s all very weird and unusual, but here we are.

“Well, that’s something for sure.Sounds like a little Christmas magic, huh, Abe?”

I roll my eyes.“There’s nothing going on between us.”I wave my finger between Pierce and me, though he’s now standing a little too close.

“I just meant that I’m sure it’s nice for Pierce to know not only Andrew but you as well.It’s Christmas, and you should be around friends and family.Now he’s got both.”My mom holds her arms out as if we’re one big happy family.

And I know she’s probably listing all the questions in her head to slam me with when we’re alone.I’m fooling myself if I think the fact that Pierce and I had a fling is going to stay quiet this entire trip.

“Sure do.I’ve never forgotten Brynn.She really kept me on my toes that semester.”

Stop laying it on so thick, Pierce.

“That’s so sweet.We think she’s pretty great too.”Mom stares at me with pride in her eyes.Little does she know he’s referring to how good I was in bed.“Then it’s settled, let me show you to your villa.Abe can get you guys settled, Andrew.”

“Great,” Andrew says, and he and my dad head back to the SUV.

Mom bypasses me, linking arms with Pierce and following my dad and Andrew to the SUV.I trail behind them.We take our suitcases from the vehicle, and Andrew unstraps Pierce’s skis from the roof.

“Oh, you’re a skier?”Mom asks, pursing her lips while she looks at me.

Pierce doesn’t miss a beat, which doesn’t surprise me.“You’re a snowboarder?”

“I am.”

“Then I look forward to some friendly competition.”

I burst out laughing.

Mom pulls up the handles of the suitcases to wheel them to our villa.“Oh, Pierce, you just flipped the switch.Our Brynn is pretty biased on which is better.”

My dad walks the opposite way to head to Andrew and Kenzie’s villa.I assume they’re next to Tessa and Tre, which means I’m next to Carter and Faith.This week keeps on giving.

“I’m pretty passionate as well.”Pierce winks at me, and I scowl in return.

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