Page 148 of The 21-Day Boyfriend
“I would never.” His voice is serious now, making me regret ever breathing life into that thought.
“I didn’t mean to imply that…”
“Relax.” His voice is gentle again. “It just means that if you keep drinking, I’m going to have to put you to bed. If I have your permission, I mean…”
I blush up to the tips of my ears.
“Granted.”
* * *
AFTER DINNER,ERIC’S grandmother drags Larry and Jake into a game of poker, while Eric, Mila, and I have started a game of Monopoly.
“We used to play this until sunrise when we were little,” Mila says, nostalgic. “We never wanted to go to bed, or sleep. We always wanted to wait up and meet Santa Claus.”
Eric smiles, looking at her.
“It was so nice, even though I only really appreciate it now.”
“There are some things you only appreciate when they’re gone,” I say then, an unexpected bitterness staining my vocal cords.
“But this… This evening,” Mila continues, looking at Eric. “Thank you. Sean and I haven’t done something like this for a long time.”
“I’m happy you feel comfortable here, at my grandmother’s house.”
“Speaking of grandmothers…” Jake sits on the carpet beside Mila. “She’s said it’s time for her to hit the hay, as tomorrow will be a busy day and she’ll have to put up with her son-in-law and his ego throughout the whole of Christmas dinner.”
We laugh, all getting to our feet to say goodnight to Evelyn and Larry. Once the four of us are alone, Jake clears his throat to get my attention.
“I’ve told you we’re sharing a room, right?”
I sigh and nod.
“So we’re…”
“Are you looking for my blessing?” I ask him.
“I’m a gentleman.”
Mila looks at him and he looks at her. My sister places her hand on his arm, and I watch as Jake gently strokes her face.
“I’m guessing I’m going to have to get used to having you under my feet?”
“What, you thought you were getting rid of me?” Jake asks.
“Go on up,” Eric says, waving them away. “We’ll clear up down here.”
Mila steps over to give me a kiss, then does the same with Eric, before she and Jake disappear upstairs to the bedrooms.
“She’s in good hands,” Eric says, reading my mind.
I study him. “What about me? Am I in good hands?”
Eric takes my hand in his.
“Why don’t we head into our room, Mr. Quinn? I’d like to continue this conversation elsewhere.”
I bite my lip and Eric watches, his eyes devouring me.
