“No.” The three of us laugh at that. “Sure, but this is important. He’s alone, right?”
I nod.
“Bobby and I’ll be just fine.”
That’s another notable change in all of this. Bobby has accepted the notion that his plain, boring little sister landed a hottie. I hope it gives him the encouragement he needs.
“Here.” Kimmy hands me her phone. “My gift to you is the plane ticket.”
“No.” I shake my head. “That’s too much.”
“No, it’s not. The only catch is… you have to promise me you and I will do a little shopping before you go.” She looks me over. “And maybe go to my salon for a little upkeep.”
“I’m not doing that.” She’s always trying to talk me into waxing my lady bits, but I’m terrified. I’ve seen YouTube videos of the process, and that’s enough to turn anyone off that beauty ritual.
“You’ll be so happy when you do. It feels—”
“No.”
“Then you need new lingerie.”
“On that note, I’m out of here.” My dad turns and goes back the way he came.
Kimmy snickers. “Good idea, Buck.” Her attention returns to me. “Seriously,” she says in a loud whisper, “you need to clean that area up some.” She points at my crotch, in case you were wondering.
“I’ll do it myself.”
“Not the same.”
“Don’t care.”
“Lingerie, then?”
“I’ll give that some thought.”
“You do that.”
* * *
When my planetouches down at three in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, I’m nervous as hell. I had to change planes two times on this trip just to get to Killeen’s little airport. It took twice as long as the first time, but that’s okay. Landing in Killeen meant less driving once I got here, which is why I’ve ordered a rental car that I can drive right over to Alec’s house, lickety-split.
Once I pick up the compact car at the rental counter, I throw my carry-on in the trunk and slide behind the wheel. I’ve got his address in my phone to help lead me to his place. I know he’s off tonight because I’d asked him his plans for the holiday. He said, “I’m off Christmas Eve but I work on Christmas Day.”
I just hope he’s home.
Sitting in the rental car in his complex parking lot, I can see one of his windows from here. The lights are on, which means he’s home. Probably.
Stepping out of the car, I grab my purse and leave my suitcase in the trunk. I can come down and get it later. Taking in a lungful of air for courage, I push my shoulders back and make my way up the steps to his front door. Once there, I raise my hand and knock.
“God, what am I doing?”
When the door swings open and I see a beautiful brunette woman standing there instead of Alec, I gasp. “Oh, um.” Should I ask for Alec, or should I run? The urge to run is so strong right now.
“May I help you?” She sounds so nice. I hate her.
“Is Alec home?”
She glances behind her. “He went to get food. He should be back any minute. Do you want to wait for him inside?”
