CHAPTER 11
HOPE
Staring in the mirror, I reflect on the past week that Frost has been staying with me and how much I absolutely love sharing my space. He seems comfortable here with the way his boots are placed next to my shoes by the front door, and his cut hangs on the hook with my jacket. I love the way his scent lingers on my pillows like he belongs, and honestly, if I have my way, he’ll stay.
The slam of a cupboard door startles me as I rush into the kitchen. Frost’s hair is sticking straight up as he rummages through the cabinets. All I can do is stand there and watch him like a lovesick teenager.
Frost’s head swings in my direction. “What’re you doing clear over there, darlin’?”
My cheeks burn. “I’m thinking.”
“That so?” He shuts the cabinet and leans against the counter, arms crossed over his chest. “About what?”
I fiddle with the hem of my sweater. “About Thanksgiving.”
His eyebrows lift. “Didn’t peg you for someone who gets stressed over holidays.”
“I don’t.” I chew my lip. “Usually.”
His gaze softens. “What’s going on?”
I inhale slowly. “My parents invited me over for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Amy’s going too, she’s always been invited to any family gathering since we’ve been friends since elementary school,” I ramble. “They… uh… asked if I was bringing anyone.”
Frost goes completely still.
“I want you to come with me,” I blurt out before I lose my nerve. “Only if you want to. And only if you’re comfortable. My parents are… well, they’re a lot, and Amy will probably interrogate you again, but it would mean a lot to me if you were there.”
A slow smile spreads across his face, the kind that crinkles the corners of his eyes and makes my knee joints turn to soup. “You want me to meet your family?” he asks.
“I do.” My throat goes dry. “I really do.”
He pushes off the counter and walks toward me, each step purposeful. When he reaches me, he hooks a finger under my chin to tilt up my head.
“You sure about that?” he murmurs.
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. “You said you claimed me, Frost. When my parents asked me if I was bringing someone, I said yes. I’m sorry I didn’t discuss it with you first. They asked, and it just felt right to include you.”
His thumb drags gently across my cheek. “Then I’ll be there, baby, for Thanksgiving, your parents, and even Amy.”
Relief pours out of me. “Really?”
“Really.” He kisses my forehead, soft and certain. “Wouldn’t let you face all that alone.”
I laugh a little hysterically. “Amy is going to take this to the next level.”
“I’ll survive,” he says, dead serious. “Just promise me that you’ll sit next to me.”
Frost opens his arms, and I step into them as I slide mine around his waist. “Thanksgiving is going to be a disaster,” I mumble into his chest.
“Probably,” he agrees. “But it’ll be our disaster.”
My heart jumps in my chest, and warmth spreads throughout my body. “Okay,” I whisper. “We’ll survive it together.”
“Damn right,” he murmurs into my hair. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Standing in the middle of my kitchen, it hits me… I don’t want him to.
Frost parks the bike at the curb in front of my parents’ house, and I see Amy through the front window. She’s got her face pressed to the glass like a nosey neighbor.
