Page 131 of A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime

“Ask Dad.” He sounds amused.

“Hell no.” His answer is always no when I ask him for almost anything. “That’s why I’m calling you.”

“What exactly are you doing this weekend? And where are you going?”

“Just a quick trip with a friend. We’re going to Vermont.”

I found a town that has snow, an overabundance of Christmas spirit and a luxury hotel with room service. The only rooms they had left all had single king beds. Hopefully Wren doesn’t mind.

I know I don’t.

“With a woman?”

One thing about Grant is that he treats me like I’m an actual adult, which I like. “Yes.”

“I’m warning you. Don’t do it, little brother. You’ll dazzle her with your wealth and then you’ll never be able to shake her. You’re too young to tie yourself down.”

With Wren, it doesn’t feel like I’m tying myself down. I like spending time with her. When I’m not with her, I’m thinking about the next time we’re together. Shit happens and I want to tell her about it.

I’ve never felt this way before. My parents’ relationship is more like a business deal. She tolerates him, he barely tolerates her, they don’t really talk, they cheat on each other…

I could go on and on.

My father is a controlling fucking monster. He tells people what to do and they do it. Grant got older and basically told our dad to fuck off—which he respected. Finn did much the same. Charlotte was just bartered off to the highest bidder.

And then there’s me. The baby of the family. Dear old dad has zero expectations for me. Most of the time, he forgets I exist, which is fine.

I’d rather avoid him every chance I can.

“Her parents are wealthy. She’s used to it.”

“There is nothing like our family, and you know it.”

He’s right, but fuck it.

“Is the plane available or not?”

“It’s available. I can have it headed your way in thirty minutes. The pilot is on call,” Grant says.

“I need it at the airport by around five. I want to leave by five-thirty,” I tell him.

“I’ll let them know.”

I can tell he’s about to end the call, but I stop him. “Hey, Grant.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“Consider it your Christmas present.”

There’s a clicking sound and then he’s gone.

I call Wren next.

“I have a surprise for you,” is what I say when she answers.

“Are you actually planning a trip, Crew?”

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