They both chuckled, and a moment later, he placed one hand on top of hers.“Listen, I meant no harm, and you didn’t even have to answer my question.”
“Count yourself lucky,” she said in a flippant tone.“The season has made me generous.”
The overhead lights came on, and Eli and Zack walked into the room.
“Sorry to interrupt.”Zack grabbed a laptop bag off one of the small sofas.“We were up before dawn, so we’re heading home and taking Mari with us.”
“Of course.”
As he withdrew his hand, Lizette wanted to say something about the smirk on Zack’s face, but couldn’t, not with Shomari present.
He stood and tipped his head toward the patio.“I should tell your parents thanks.”
“We were glad to have you,” Mrs.Winter said, following her husband into the room.“I’m sure we’ll see you again.”
“Call us when you’re home, Little Bit,” Eli said over his shoulder on the way outside.
Her father switched on the television and sat next to her.“I don’t see you making any moves, so are you staying the night?”
“Nope, I’m helping Mom to put things back in order.After that, I’m out.”
His lips twitched before he said, “Why are you sitting around then?”
“Stop being mean to Lizette,” Mom said, laughing.“Thanks, baby.I won’t keep you long.”
“No problem.”Lizette stretched and rose from the sofa.“Tomorrow is Saturday, so it’s all good.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t sleep in,” she said, “Your little army keeps you busy, I know.”
“And that’s putting it mildly.”
While they washed up, they chatted about Christmas preparations.Scanning the spacious kitchen, Lizette asked, “I know you’ve been prepping already, but I don’t see even a crumb of cake.”
“You mean you didn’t eat enough at dinner?”
She nudged Mom with her shoulder.“You’rebeing mean, and you accused Dad of that just minutes ago.I’m not leaving here tonight without some of that cake you’re hiding somewhere.”
“You know me too well.It’s in the oven.Leave some for the boys.I’m sure they’ll be back tomorrow for dinner.”
“Of course,” Lizette said dryly.“You spoil them every time they go away and fly back in.”
Her mother shrugged, then continued wiping the counter.“When you have kids, you’ll learn they’re never too old for some TLC.”
“You and Dad exemplify that,” Lizette agreed while laying out foil paper and moving to the oven to retrieve the cake tin.She was nose deep in a fragrant whiff when Mom handed her a knife.
“Speaking of which, it seems like you and Shomari would make a good couple.”
Her heart lurched, and with one eyebrow raised, Lizette asked, “Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know.”A smarmy smile crossed Mom’s lips.“It could be the way the two of you look at each other.”
Holding the knife in midair, Lizette said, “Really?I’m not aware that he treats me like I’m special.”
“I never said that.”Mom smiled and leaned on the combination cupboard and work surface in the middle of the kitchen.“There’s a certain way his eyes speak that tells me he’s interested.”
“I’m sure you’re wrong.”
Still, the memory of his lips brushing hers chose that moment to blindside her.
