Page 65 of UnLucky Christmas
“Maybe both.”
He pushes my hair behind my ears. “Alright, if I get a tree, will you go out with me again?”
I feel my cheeks grow hot as a wide grin spreads across my face. “That’s a deal.”
“Done,” he says.
I clap my hands excitedly.
“I’m still not kissing you first,” I tell him.
“Okay, I surrender,” he whispers, touching his lips to my mine. Heat floods my body, and I don’t even care that I won the game. I’m just happy. Happy he’s kissing me and that I’m here with him.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Having coffee with my mom and herfriendBill is the last thing I want to be doing later this morning. I’d even rather get dental work or watch Star Wars.
I arrive at the office early to do a few things before the dreaded meet up.
“When are you going to tell me more about this mystery man?” Callie asks as she gently blows on her coffee.
“Soon,” I say. “In the meantime, I’m trying to mentally prepare to meet my mom’s new man.”
She gives me a sympathetic look. “Oh wow, I’m sorry.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I tell her. “And it’s better to get it over with now before Christmas Eve.”
“Definitely,” she exclaims. “Let me know how it goes.”
After she’s gone, I reach for my phone. There’s a text from Grant waiting for me, which automatically makes everything better.
Good luck this morning. Just be your usual charming self. I’ll see you tonight.
It’s been two days since my evening with Grant, and I’ve been on cloud nine ever since. Tonight, we’re telling Macy about us which is just adding to my anxiety. Even though Grant says she’ll be happy about it, I have a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. It’s one thing for me to date her husband’s best friend, but her brother is a different story, and I know how protective she is of him. And then there’s Chad. He’s been texting me, and I just keep giving him excuses for being busy. They are all true—I am getting ready for the holidays and dealing with family stuff. I know I didn’t give us a chance however I can’t deny how Grant makes me feel.
I type a response to his text.
I am rather charming.
I chew on my fingernail while I wait for him to finish typing.
Charming, feisty, and sexy.
Heat fills my cheeks. I’m still shaken by the effect Grant has on me. Even his texts make me weak in the knees.
See you tonight.
Grant asked Macy if he could stop by her house, so she’s expecting him, but not me. I thought he should give her a heads up by telling her we both wanted to talk to her, but he said she’d be blowing up his phone all day with questions.
I glance at the time. I’m so ready to get this meeting over with. I told my mother that I only had a small window of time, which is why I planned meeting for coffee instead of a lunch. She probably thinks I’m being immature about it, and maybe I am. My brother certainly doesn’t seem fazed by her new relationship, which is typical Ben behavior.
I give myself a pep talk as I walk down the street to the Starbucks. I asked them to meet close to my office so I’d have an excuse to make my exit.
I’m the first to arrive, so I order a peppermint latte and sit down at an empty table. I’m scrolling through my phone when I hear my mother’s voice. I glance up to see her waving. She’s walking toward me and trailing behind her is a distinguished looking man with silver-gray hair. He’s wearing a blue collared shirt and faded jeans. He looks like he’s a bit younger than my father and he’s clearly in better physical shape. I guess that’s why my mother suddenly looks like she’s had a makeover. Today she’s wearing a pink sweater, jeans, and a full face of makeup.
“Hi, honey,” she exclaims cheerfully, giving me a hug.
“Whitney, I’d like you to meet my friend, Bill Andrews.”
