Page 124 of My Sweetest Temptation

As we pulled up to the one-story brick home, it reminded me of our house back in Canada. The yard was meticulously trimmed, and the bushes by the flower beds were sculpted with care, a testament to the love poured into this place.

We climbed out of the car, the air cool and damp against my face, and began the trek to the front door. I glanced back at Enzo, who remained seated in the driver’s seat.

I walked back to the vehicle and tapped on the window of the passenger side. He lowered it.

“Are you going to stay in the car?” I asked, concern threading through my voice.

He nodded, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. “I’ll be right here, waiting for you when you’re ready to head out.”

“Enzo,” I said softly, “the thought of you being all alone while we’re eating doesn’t seem right.”

Just then, the front door swung open, and there stood Liam, his infectious grin making me smile.

He was dressed casually in jeans and a black hoodie. Moments later, a man, whom I presumed was his father, came up behind him. He gazed at me as if he already knew me.

“Winter,” Liam called, pulling my attention back to him. “What are you doing over there?” He jogged down the steps, high-fiving Tristan, who giggled in response. “What’s up, little man?”

Liam turned to face his dad. “Dad, this is Tabi and her boy Tristan. Guys, that’s my father, Dan.”

“Hello, Tristan,” Dan remarked, kneeling to Tristan’s level. “What are you thankful for today, young man?”

Tristan’s face scrunched in thought. “My Nintendo Switch!” he shouted.

“Of course that’s what he’s thankful for,” Tabi groaned. “That thing’s practically glued to your hands,” she teased.

Dan stood up and approached me. When he reached me, he took my hand and covered it with his. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Winter,” he said, his voice filled with tenderness.

I returned his smile. “Nice to meet you too, Dan.”

He clasped my hand for just a heartbeat longer than necessary, his eyes searching mine. There was something about Dan that felt oddly familiar, yet I couldn’t quite place it. It wasn’t uncomfortable; rather, it made me feel at peace.

For a moment, it seemed as though we were the only ones there, and our surroundings faded into the background. Then, a sudden gust of wind made me shiver, breaking our connection. Dan let go of my hand and took a step back. Clearing his throat, he gestured toward the door. “Please, come inside.”

Dan ushered Tabi and Tristan into the house while I stayed behind with Liam.

Liam turned back to me, a question lingering in his eyes. “What gives?”

I glanced back at Enzo, still sitting quietly in the driver’s seat. “He’s alone, and I don’t like it,” I explained.

“Always so soft,” he remarked with a smile. He walked over to the car and knocked on Enzo’s window. I strained to catch their conversation, but the words were muffled, lost in the distance.

Liam stepped back with a triumphant smile, his arm sliding around my shoulders once he reached me. “He’s going to join us.”

“Really?” Relief flooded through me at the thought of Enzo not being alone.

“Yeah. And you’re right. No one should be alone.” Liam moved closer and pressed his lips against my cheek. He jogged up the path to his house, leaving me with Enzo.

I wondered what he said to Enzo to make him change his mind?

Enzo strode alongside me, a playful grin lighting up his face. “I would’ve been fine out in the car.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have.” I bumped him lightly with my shoulder, a smile spreading across my lips. “And you’re welcome.”

Inside, the aroma of turkey and stuffing filled the air, making my mouth water. I had skipped breakfast to leave space for the turkey feast.

Enzo took my coat and handed it over to Liam, who hung it in the coat closet.

“Come on, dinner’s almost ready,” Liam remarked. He motioned for us to come along, guiding us through the house.

---