Page 9 of A Christmas Collin

"Uh, no," I answer, resisting the urge to lower my gaze to the floor. Images of Dani in her bedroom with nothing but her sleepwear on shuffle through my mind, and I shake them off. Not the time to think about being alone with her.

Heat rises to my cheeks, my face, neck, and ears getting impossibly warm, and I feel more like a teenager than a grown fucking adult. I can see Danielle blushing as well as she sets the table with her sister, her eyes flicking toward me every so often. They're putting us on the spot, and I'm not sure I like it. Not one bit.

"Right, all those nights you stayed in her studio apartment on Piedmont Drive," Josh says, his word choice oddly specific.

However, Evelyn is oblivious that he's trying to trip me up as she blurts out, "Josh, Dani doesn't live in Piedmont anymore. She moved into that swanky condo on Bahama Way last year."

Josh kisses his teeth. "I know that. I just wanted to see if he knew that."

"Most of the time, I stay in a hotel when I'm in D.C. I like Dani staying with me to give her a little vacation while at home, you know?" I tell them.

The joke's on me since thinking of Dani in my hotel room and all the things I want to do to her makes blood rush down south, forcing me to shift uncomfortably in my chair. Not fun, especially with her mother sitting beside me.

Mrs. Brogan swoons, resting a palm on her chest. "That is so sweet. I don't remember you being this sweet, Collin."

"He wasn't." Josh grimaces.

"I wasn’t, and I'm sorry to all of you for that." I offer Josh the apology more so than everyone else. They were good to me, but I had way too many issues to deal with back then. "I regret not showing my appreciation, especially to your father, Josh, your husband, Mrs. Brogan."

"Oh, sweetie. Call me Donna. Frank always said the only thing you needed was a helping hand with a little understanding. I wish you could have stayed with us longer, but I guess you found your way right back home, huh?" She giggles and pushes herself off the sofa.

It's funny how life works out. This morning, when I woke up, I mentally cataloged everything I needed to do. I never for once considered my life was about to take a sharp turn.

Now I’m here at the Brogans’ and about to stay the night in Danielle’s bed.

"Dinner's ready," Evelyn calls out from the kitchen.

Danielle's warm smile of admiration graces her face as I sit beside her. That damned smile always makes me feel like slamming my fists into my chest like a caveman. I used to live for her smiles, and dammit, I still do, apparently.

Josh sits at the head of the table while Mrs. Brogan and Evelyn take seats across from us. The food is delicious, but it's possible because my talents with cars don't translate to the kitchen. I know how to cook just enough to keep myself fed, but this meal, I can taste the love that went into it.

"This is delicious, Mrs. Brogan. I mean Donna. Thank you again for having me." I almost choke on my own spit as Danielle rubs my leg under the table.

"It's not a problem. Now, the table needs to be cleared, and the kitchen needs to be cleaned. You all figure it out. I'm going to watch my show with the rest of this lovely bottle of wine. Thank you for this, Collin. It was very thoughtful. You kids have a good night. Merry Christmas, my darlings.” Donna pushes herself away from the table, grabs the bottle of wine, and leaves us.

We all mumble a Merry Christmas to her, but she just blows us a kiss.

"She's going to pass out in like twenty minutes." Josh scoffs. "You two have fun. I'm going to see if I can figure out how to get Hilary here."

"Not fair, I've been kneading and baking with Mom all day," Evelyn whines before jabbing a finger in our direction. "You and Dani need to clean."

"Scissors, rock, and paper for the chores," Dani says, drawing a chuckle out of me. She turns to me. "What's so funny?"

"That's the first time I ever heard it that way."

"Ignore him, Dani. Come on. I'll play ya for it." Josh puts his fist in the palm of his hand. "Scissor, rock, paper, shoot."

Dani throws out a flat hand to Josh's fist and cheers as she covers it.

"No, two out of three." Josh shakes his head.

"I'll do it," I tell them.

"No, babe. You're the guest," Dani objects. "We'll play for it."

I hook a finger under her chin, drawing her close so she only sees me. My gaze drops to her mouth, remembering the kiss earlier, pleasure singing through my veins. "What did I say, Jelly Bean? Your family's done so much for me.Youhave done so much for me. Go relax. Have a glass of wine with your brother and sister. I'll clean up."

My lips brush against hers, kissing her tenderly and slipping my hand around the back of her neck to hold her in place firmly. I should care that her siblings are still here with us, but I don't.

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