Page 61 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
Why did that send a ripple of anticipation through me?
Holly:[boxing glove emoji]
I handed Mom the bag of green beans and told her to get snapping. Taking out butter, celery, and onion, I started on the homemade stuffing.
While sautéing the celery and onion, the doorbell rang. Who was coming to our house so early on a holiday? I turned the stove off, then went to the door.
Rhett stood on the porch holding two brown paper bags. His black sweater and khaki pants fit him to perfection. He must have employed a tailor who ensured his clothes hugged every muscle on his chiseled body.
My cheeks flooded with heat as I stared at the sexy man before me. “What are you doing here? We said five.”Not ten.
He shrugged. “Thought I’d help cook since you do it every day at the restaurant.”
I folded my arms over my braless chest. Here Rhett stood looking like a GQ model, and I resembled a slob with my stained, holey sweats, greasy hair piled on top of my head, no makeup, the girls set free, and a Christmas apron covered in flour.
“A little notice would’ve been nice.” At least I’d brushed my teeth.
He smiled. “I knew you would have refused my help if I’d told you I was coming over early.”
I would have. “Fine.” I waved him in. “But this”—I swept my hands up and down my body—“is not up for any judgements. I didn’t know you were coming and haven’t had time to shower yet. It’s on the schedule after the turkey is in the oven.”
“You scheduled your shower?”
I shot him a dry look. “That really surprises you?”
“Not even a little. It’s just who you are.” He smiled at me in a way that made me forgive him for his early arrival.
“If you want to help, I’ll put you to work.”
“Excellent.”
We went to the kitchen, where Mom and Rhett fawned over one another. Rhett took a seat at the dining table and helped snap beans. Trevor arrived shortly after, and I asked him to peel potatoes. I loved moments like this, when we all came together and worked on a meal as one. We joked, laughed, remembered past Thanksgivings, and shared our favorite memories. My cheeks hurt from smiling.
Finally, we were at a point with the food prep that we could take a break. Removing my apron, I announced, “I’m going to take a shower. Trevor, keep an eye on the turkey, please.”
“What am I watching for?”
“I’ll help.” Mom patted his shoulder. To me, she said, “Go rest. You look tired.”
“Jeez, thanks,” I said, pretending to be offended.
“Anything I can do to help while you’re gone?” Rhett asked.
Yeah, stop looking so hot that I want to kiss you.“Why don’t you watch a movie with my mom so she can rest? That would be great.”
“Absolutely.”
“Thanks.” I scurried off to get clean and presentable. Since it was a holiday and Rhett was joining us, I’d chosen a killer outfit. But now I would be spending even extra time getting ready to make up for my slob-like appearance. I wouldn’t mind leaving a lasting impression on Rhett, but I wanted it to be unforgettable forgoodreasons.
Chapter 24
Rhett
Isettledintothesame spot on the couch as the last time I’d watched a movie at the Dewhurst’s house. Deidre was in the green recliner, and Trevor sat two seats away on the sectional.
“What are we watching, Dee?” I asked.
Her eyes glazed over, like she was completely worn out.
