Page 14 of Christmas Escape
“Of course, we have cable,” he scoffed. “But, actually, I was kind of hoping you’d want to come with me.”
“I couldn’t,” I said, my eyes widening in surprise. Even so, hope fluttered through me. “It’s bad enough I’m inconveniencing you here. I couldn’t possibly intrude on a family Christmas.”
“It’s not intruding,” he said. “I’m inviting you. Actually, my mom is expecting you to come. She’ll be heartbroken if you turn me down.”
“She will?” I cocked my head as I studied his face.
“I’d like you to be there,” he finally admitted, looking down to his coffee. “If you want to come.”
My heart soared at his confession. It wasn’t exactly a declaration of adoration, but he wanted to spend the day with me. Which was great, since I wanted to spend it with him, too.
“Then I’d be happy to come,” I said. “I should go change.”
“You look beautiful,” he said, his gaze lifting back to mine.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “But I can’t go out looking like this.”
“If you insist,” he agreed. “I guess the reindeer sweatshirt can be just for me.”
“I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else,” I teased as I stood. “I’ll be quick.”
I ran upstairs, hoping I’d packed something appropriate for dinner with Caleb’s family. Mostly, I’d just tossed jeans and sweatshirts into my bag, but at least, I’d grabbed my makeup tote, so I wouldn’t look a complete mess when I met his family.
It was silly to care so much, but I wanted to make a good impression. I’d only met his mother briefly, and she’d seemed lovely, but it was important to me that they liked me. Especially if I was going to convince Caleb to let me stay beyond the end of my reservation date.
Like, maybe, forever.
Eight
Caleb
I ignored the football game on the big screen in the family room of my parents’ house and watched Melody instead. She smiled, occasionally laughing, while she looked way too interested in the baby albums my mom had pulled out. I swore to God…if my mother ruined my chances with this girl, I would lose my mind.
Hell, I’d lost my mind earlier when I hadn’t leaned in and kissed the hell out of Melody. But if we’d started something there on the couch, there would have been no way we’d get here on time. And…if we’d started something, I would have wanted to finish it. Finishing it didn’t include letting Melody leave me in a few days to head back to where she’d lived before coming up here.
Letting her leave…
Yep, I’d definitely lost my senses. I already pictured her staying here forever.
Leaving the couch, I meandered toward Melody where she was huddled with my mom and sister. It was under the guise of grabbing another cookie from the tray my mom had put out on the counter, but really, I just wanted to be closer.
“Anna and I always bake for all the big holidays. For the next one, you’ll have to come help,” my mom was saying while my sister nodded. “Do you like to bake?”
“A little. I’m not very good at it.” Melody looked up and color flooded her face when she saw I was within earshot. “But I’d like that,” she added, still watching me.
“You’ll be a pro by the time we’re finished with Easter.” Mom patted her arm.
I was stuck on Melody agreeing to bake…for the next holiday. In March or April, wherever Easter fell next year. Holding Melody’s gaze, I grinned, letting her know I’d heard, and I was absolutely fine with it.
“Can I steal Melody for a few minutes?” I asked, taking her hand and lacing our fingers. The instant spark went through me again. I hoped I never grew accustomed to it, that every day would always be new to us.
I didn’t wait for an answer before I pulled her away and toward the sunroom on the front of the house. Though it was dark now, my mom kept it warm for her plants. And best of all, I could close a door and give us complete privacy.
The moonlight shone through the glass that curved overhead, forming part of the ceiling and illuminating us just enough so we weren’t in total darkness. Melody looked up at me, the tip of her tongue flicking over her bottom lip before her teeth sank into it. Lifting my hands, I cupped her face.
“I thought maybe you didn’t want to kiss me.”
Her words were barely more than a whisper, but as sharp as a slap, though I didn’t think she meant them to be.
