Page 31 of Loving Words
“Oh, Hare, couldn’t wait to find a dark corner, could ya?” Jack teased.
Harrison crossed his arms and sat back. “Whatever. That’s not what I remember.”
“You’re going to want to turn at the next stop sign. The lodge is at the end.” I pointed as I gave directions.
We were greeted as soon as we walked in. The room was decorated to the nines with silver-and-blue lights, garland, and a grouping of Christmas trees in each corner with a different theme. The scents of coffee and baked goods permeated the air. I smiled when I recognized the set Dixie had decorated, all coffee and bakery-goodness decorations, along with... I had to squint, and I laughed when I verified it was a coffee bean garland.
“I’ll be back,” Harrison said as he straightened his shirt and walked toward Dixie.
“Am I missing something?” I looked at Gran and Jack.
Jack tucked his hands in his front pockets. “I think Harrison has a crush on the coffee shop owner.”
Gran shook her head. “She’ll eat him up and spit him out before he can blink an eye.”
Cocktail hour ended, and we made our way toward our table. Harrison had been chatting Dixie up the entire time. I waved at him to join us, and he raised a finger at me. That little shit. I watched as Dixie said something that had Harrison hanging his head. Hers fell back as she laughed.
“Wonder what she finds so funny,” Jack said.
I grinned. “I’ll bet you a hundred bucks that it was a rejection of his advances.”
Harrison joined us, and we spent the rest of dinner reliving memories of Christmases past. Every time Jack found something funny, his laugh sent tingles through my belly. I really needed to get a hold of my reactions and emotions.
Gran and Harrison continued to drink all through dinner and dessert. I had cut myself off after my second glass of wine, and Jack only had one beer. We both switched to coffee after that, along with water.
I was so stuffed, if I stayed any longer, I might burst out of my dress. “I think it’s time we head home.”
“Wait!” Harrison stood on wobbly legs and went to Dixie’s table.
Jack leaned to my side and whispered, “I believe he’s had a few too many.”
“Gran too,” I whispered back.
She giggled and turned her glossy eyes our way. “I think you’re right, sweetheart.”
Jack got our coats, and I went and pulled Harrison away from Dixie, who mouthedthank youto me.
Once we had them settled into the Jeep, Jack and I climbed into the front. Jack started the engine while I rubbed my arms, trying to get warm until his heat kicked in.
“Kennedy, why did you do that? I was talking with Dixie. I think she likes me. I was about to take her away from the crowd to reschedule our date.” Harrison’s words were running together.
Jack snorted and peered around before backing out of the parking spot. “Sure, ask her out again, then what? We all go back home the day after tomorrow.” His words felt like a pail of ice water had been dumped over my head.
“There’s not a damn thing wrong with a one-night stand,” Gran said. “Back when I was touring with the hottest burlesque show in the country, I had a string of one-night lovers across the states. I’m not ashamed of any of it. One of my most memorable was Pat from Pittsburgh. That night I had more orgasms than any other lover had ever given me.”
“Aww, Gran,” we groaned in unison. I did not need to hear how great Pat had been with his mouth or his dick.
“It really does take another woman to know exactly what you want and need. It was a beautiful night—and the only time I fell asleep from orgasmic exhaustion.”
My eyes bugged at the realization I’d assumed Pat was a male. I shook my head, not even wanting to touch on that subject. Gran didn’t look progressive for her generation, but I guessed I shouldn’t have been surprised. I was proud of the woman she was and how she judged no one, but I didn’t want to imagine her having sex with anyone. The mere thought made me cringe.
When we arrived back at the house, I helped Gran inside and to her room, where she assured me she could get herself ready for bed. Jack helped Harrison upstairs and into his room. I wasn’t quite ready for bed myself. I took my heels off with an exhale of relief. Grabbing the half bottle of Voga from the fridge and a glass, I prepared to settle onto the couch to admire the tree all lit up. I filled my glass and scooted back into a corner, so I could put my feet up as well.
I was halfway done with my glass and had decided that Gran was right. A one-night stand wasn’t a bad thing.
Jack came down the stairs in flannel pants and a T-shirt and stopped when he saw me on the couch. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, nodding toward my wine glass.
“Nope, grab a glass. I’ve got the bottle.”
