Page 79 of UnLucky Christmas
“Good. I appreciate you, kiddo.”
I blink back tears. It’s hard to see my father looking so helpless in this bed.
The four of us step out of the room, and I exhale.
“I think that went well,” Ben says with a shrug.
Emme grabs his arm and pulls him down the hall leaving Grant and me standing alone.
He grits his teeth and puts his hands on my shoulders. “Are you mad I said you were bossy?”
I frown. “Yes, but I might forgive you since my dad seems to like you.”
He gives me a sheepish grin. “I’m glad because I like him. And your brother’s great.”
I roll my eyes. “Oh yeah, you guys are becoming besties really quickly.”
He reaches for my hand and kisses it. “I’m just trying to make a good first impression on your family. I don’t do that often.”
I snort. “That’s true.”
“You must be exhausted. Let me take you home.”
It suddenly hits me just how tired I am. We say good-bye to Ben and Emme, and Grant walks me to my car.
“I’ll follow you home.”
“I probably won’t be the best company,” I tell him.
He shrugs and kisses me on the forehead. “I’ve been warned.”
As I drive home, I have an overwhelming feeling of peace knowing that Grant is right behind me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Dasher is waiting at the door when Grant and I get back to my house. They say animals can sense when their people are stressed, and Dasher proves it true as he immediately rubs against my legs.
“There’s my emotional support cat,” I exclaim, swooping him up into my arms.
“Is that a thing?” Grant asks, reaching over to pet Dasher.
“Yes, I looked it up.”
“Do you want me to make you something?” he asks, while I sit down on a barstool.
“Mmm…I think I could use some hot tea.”
He gives me a faint smile. “My mom used to drink hot tea when she couldn’t sleep.”
It occurs to me that I only know bits and pieces about Grant’s parents.
“Will you tell me about her?”
“Sure. Go get comfortable, and I’ll make the tea.”
I go to my bedroom and change into a baggy pair of Christmas pajamas and slippers. It feels so good to be home, and I’m beyond grateful my dad is okay.
When I return to the kitchen, Grant looks me up and down, an amused expression spreading across his face. “Wow. Those are sexy.”
