Page 45 of Being Julia

“No pouting.” He smiled as he cupped my chin in his hand and softly kissed my lips.

That was the night that sealed the deal for our relationship. Those three words bonded us in a way we could never have imagined.

CHAPTER 14

Thanksgiving was approaching, and I was busy studying hard for my exams. The past few months at Columbia were amazing. I met some wonderful people who became instant friends. I was sitting on my bed doing homework when my dad walked into my room.

“Do you have a minute to talk to your dad?” he asked.

“Of course, I do, Daddy.” I smiled.

He walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed next to me.

“I miss you.”

I tilted my head as I looked at him because I didn’t know what he meant.

“Dad, I see you every day. What do you mean you miss me?”

“You’re so busy between college and Jake. There isn’t time for anything else, and I miss our little talks.”

“Aw, Dad. I’m sorry. I’m still trying to balance everything. You know I’ll always have time for you,” I said as I sat up and hugged him.

“I just don’t want us to drift apart because we get so caught up in the day-to-day stuff.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll always be here for you, Dad.” I smiled. “Now, I know you didn’t just come here to discuss that.”

“No. Actually, I need to talk to you about Thanksgiving. Your mom and I decided we’re taking the whole family to Aspen to celebrate the holiday and do some skiing. We would like Jake and his family to come.”

“That sounds great. We can ask him when he comes over later. I think he said something about his parents wanting to go to the Hamptons for Thanksgiving.”

“Well, just so we’re clear, you’re spending Thanksgiving with us.” He winked.

“Of course I am, Dad.” I smiled.

He leaned over and kissed my head. “I’ll let you get back to studying.”

A couple of hours had passed, and I was so engrossed in my studies that I didn’t even notice Jake leaning up against my bedroom doorframe. He was standing there smiling at me when I looked up. He was so sexy. At that moment, I wished my parents weren’t home.

“You look so hot when you study like that,” he said.

I set my laptop to the side and held out my arms. “Come here.” I smiled.

He walked in, sat on the edge of my bed, kissed me, and pulled me into him.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too. What are your parents doing for Thanksgiving?”

“They’re going to the Hamptons and having some huge dinner with the rest of my family and friends. Why?”

“My dad decided he’s taking the whole family to Aspen for Thanksgiving. He wants you and your parents to come.”

“Well, I know they won’t be able to because they’ve already made plans for the Hamptons. They invited you, and I told them I’d probably just stay in the city with you and your family because I know your dad would flip if you weren’t here for Thanksgiving.”

“Yeah. He already warned me.” I laughed.

Jake held my face in his hands. “I will go wherever you go because I refuse to spend a holiday without you.

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