Page 52 of That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe
“No, nothing like that.”
She studies my face for a moment. “Are you sure?”
“I think I just ate too fast.”
“Hmm.” She bobs her head, hopefully satisfied by my answer. “Well, that sandwich was just what I needed.”
I clear my throat so my gruff voice won’t give me away. “If you’re done, I can do the dishes.”
“No way.” She throws her palms up. “You cooked, I clean.Those are the rules.”
“Can I at least dry while you wash?”
Her lips curve up. “Nope, thanks.” There’s that smile again. I hope she’s not thinking about Mr. Two Texts. He didn’t make Sara grilled cheese for dinner tonight. He wasn’t in the kitchen with her, just being himself and listening to his heart.
Ugh.
Out of habit, I reach up to scratch my hand along the back of my neck. The bandage there is loose and probably should be replaced. This could be my out to escape and regroup for a moment, to remind myself Sara’s not mine to be jealous and possessive over. “I’m gonna go get a fresh bandage,” I mumble.
Before she can answer, I slip out of the kitchen, and head straight to the guest room. I need to put some distance between Sara and my feelings for her. Unfortunately, the first thing I spot is the blanket piled on the chair in the corner of the room. The same chair where Sara spent the whole night watching over me. Taking care of me. Caringforme.
Couldshe really care for me again? I wonder if that’s even possible after all these years. After how badly I hurt her.
Forget the fresh bandage and distance. What I really need is some sound advice from someone I trust as much as I trust my sister.
Ford.
He’ll tell me to get a grip. To get over myself and get over Sara Hathaway. So hopefully, the ship still has a working signal wherever they are on the Pacific Ocean. I’d try calling, but the guest room is just down the hall from the kitchen, and Sara’s in there doing the dishes. I don’t want to risk her overhearing our conversation.
So I settle on the bed to text instead. He’s always got his phone glued to him, so if there’s a signal, he should respond quickly. Then again, he’s never been on a cruise before.
Please be there. Please be there. Please be there.
Me
Any chance you’re not stuffing your face at the all-you-can-eat buffet right now? Or bobbing for pineapple chunks in a giant mai tai?
Ford
I’m actually warming up for the limbo contest out on the Lido deck.
A wave of relief washes over me. Ford is there and responding. He’s also about to … limbo.
Me
Didn’t mean to interrupt such vital festivities.
Ford
The contest doesn’t start for another five minutes. And anyway, you’re more important. I was gonna try you earlier, but Nella called dibs after she talked to Carver.
Speaking of which, everyone here knows Sara’s the one taking care of you now. That includes your parents who just returned from a couples massages sporting rosy glows.
Me
Yeah. Nella told me they won some spa treatment, and that’s all the details I need about that. But what’s the general reaction to my being here with Sara?
Bubbles ripple in the text box, then disappear.
