Page 7 of Forever Yours on Christmas Eve
“That’s amazing,” she said, digging her fork into the cup of coleslaw on the side. “I’ve often wondered what it’s like to be part of a big family like that.”
“We were lucky,” he said. “My stepdad’s a great guy, and his sonand my little brother were the same age, so they became best friends almost instantly.”
“Oh, but still,” she said, her face reading sadness. “There wasn’t anyone there for you to latch onto.”
“Don’t worry about that,” he said, reaching for a fry. “My little sister was born just after they got married. We’re a bit apart in age, but she became mine, too, the day she was born. She’s my ride or die.”
Kelsey looked at him with fondness in her eyes. “How old is she?”
“She just started high school.”
Her mouth dropped open. “A teenager? Oh, my gosh, you weren’t kidding that there was an age gap.”
“Nope.” Sev found himself laughing again while shaking his head at his newfound companion. He couldn’t get over how fun she was, making him wonder why on earth she’d been brought into his life just days before he had to leave. It was ironic, for sure.
Even so, if he had only one date with her, it was still worth it.
Speaking of… “So when was the last time yourfiancébrought you flowers?”
Kelsey’s face darkened as her expression went from happy to passive. She took her time as she chewed, almost as if she were mulling things over in her head. “He sent me some for my birthday. Just before we started school back at the start of September.”
“Nah, that doesn’t count,” Sev said, shaking his head. “What I mean is, when was the last time he showed up with a bouquet in hand?”
“I don’t think he’s ever done that,” she said.
“That’s a red flag,” Sev said. “If a guy doesn’t show up with flowers, don’t bother opening the door. He didn’t think it through and isn’t trying hard enough.”
“Well, you’re the one who proposed this date,” Kelsey teased. “Where are your flowers?”
“Hmmm, good point,” he said, his head swiveling as he searched the room. Setting his eyes on a stack of yellowfliers toward the end of the bar, he stood up, pinched a few off the top, and brought them back over.
“What are you doing with those?” she asked as he began folding them, dragging his nail across the folds.
“Never you mind,” he said, nodding his head behind her as Carter approached them.
“Can I get you lovebirds anything else?” he asked, resting his hand on the back of Kelsey’s chair. He winked, making Sev want to burst out in laughter. Carter always brought his A game.
“I think we’re good,” Kelsey said, smiling up at him. “Thank you.”
“If you need anything else, just holler for me, gorgeous.”
“We will, Carter,” Sev said, doing his best to shoo the young man off. Kelsey chuckled as Carter gave him a grumpy look back and gave her one more suave wink before he sauntered off again. “You have to excuse him. His parents own the bar, so they’re obligated to put him to work.”
“Yeah, I think I got that when he came out and caught them kissing.” Kelsey chuckled as she looked down, amazed at the two perfectly formed origami roses sitting next to the pile of fliers. “Did you—did you just make those?”
“Nah,” he teased, taking a page from Carter’s book and giving her a quick wink. “They were here the whole time.”
“Oh my gosh, would you stop,” she said, smacking his arm across the table, eliciting a fake yelp out of him before they dissolved into laughter.
It took only moments for him to finish the third rose, and he slid the three over to her in offering.
“They’re beautiful, thank you,” she said, as if he’d given her a massive bouquet. “Although I feel like I should be thanking your girlfriend, who obviously put such care into training you.”
“That your way of asking me if I’m seeing someone, Kels?” He smiled back at her and reached for her hand.
Even though the look she gave him suggested she felt like she wascaught in a trap, he could almost hear her sigh as his fingers wrapped around hers.
“No, I don’t have a girlfriend. If I did, I wouldn’t be doing this with you. I’m not that guy.”
