Page 91 of UnLucky Christmas
“We made it,” I shout as soon as we turn off Mom’s street.
“Good job.” He holds up his hand to give me a high five.
“What did you think of everyone?” I ask, resting my head against the back of the seat.
He gives me a thoughtful look.
“You know I think Ben and Emme are great.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, you and Ben are besties. It’s very cute.”
He laughs.
“Chef Bill thinks very highly of himself. And he likes to be the center of attention.”
“Oh, doesn’t he ever,” I agree. “I felt like today was all about him. You were a great sport though.”
“Your mom strokes his ego, which he loves.”
I make a gagging sound.
“She’s nice. She made me feel very welcome.”
“She definitely liked you,” I tease, imitating her squeezing his arm.
He gives a shrug. “Can you blame her?”
“No.” I lean over and kiss him on the cheek.
“The day wasn’t all bad though,” he points out.
“It wasn’t. I can admit that the food was fantastic,” I gush. “I’m not going to tell my mother that though. She’ll never leave it alone, and she’ll be inviting us to join them for dinner all the time.”
“I wasn’t talking about the food.”
I give him a questioning look.
“That one minute of kissing you in your old bedroom was the best part of the day.”
A surge of electricity shoots through my body.
“It was amazing, until my mother’s voice interrupted us.”
His face twists.
“Yes, that was a buzz kill.”
I run my fingers up and down his arm. “At least we’re alone now and will remain so for the rest of the evening.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” he says, his voice low and silky.
Dasher is waiting for us at the door when we return. I give him the new toys Emme bought for him, and he happily rolls the little balls along the floor. Grant sits down on the floor to play with him.
“Hey, I can open my present now,” he exclaims.
I kick off my shoes and grab his present from under the tree. I sit on the floor next to him and give it to him.
“It’s not anything expensive,” I tell him. “I got the idea from Macy, so I hope you like it.”
