It was the truth. Not that I minded spending Christmas alone. I was used to it. But this was for sure a lot better.
A beautiful woman and her two adorable kids. Along with delicious food, good drinks, and positive energy.
What more could a guy ask for?
CHAPTER THREE
Adilene
A man was sittingin my kitchen, eating and chatting with my children.
It didn’t feel real.
I pinched myself and blinked several times, but he was still there. How would the story sound to anyone? He showed up with my wallet, and I invited him inside.
Glancing at the clock, I knew my mother would be here any minute. Hopefully, she wouldn’t ask too many questions.
I mean, honestly, she could take one look at him and see what I meant. Shaw was a silver fox, and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never let go.
Slow it down. You barely know the guy.
But damn, did his strong sexiness draw me in. I wanted to get to know him more, a craving I couldn’t ignore.
The front door to the cabin opened and closed, which could be easily heard from the kitchen. “Yoo-hoo! Nana’s here!” my mother called, and both of my kids broke out into huge smiles.
I snuck a peek at Shaw, but he didn’t look fazed one bit.
“I’m here! Finally, I’m here!” My mother rushed into the kitchen, her arms already open for hugs.
My kids jumped out of their seats and ran over to her, hugging her tight. “Hi, Nana!” Lenny said, with Lolly repeating hi over and over.
When the kids were done hanging all over her, she looked at me and smiled before turning her head toward Shaw. Her mouth formed a small O shape before she looked back at me with raised eyebrows.
Oh, she liked what she saw.
“And who is this fine-looking gentleman?” my mother asked, holding her hand out to Shaw, who promptly shook it. “I was wondering whose car was in the driveway. Introduce me to your friend, Adi.”
“Mom, this is Shaw. Shaw, this is my mother, Deb. He returned my wallet to me, so I invited him in for breakfast.” I passed Mom the plate of pancakes after she slid into the seat next to me.
“You found her wallet? And returned it on Christmas? How kind of you!”
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure meeting you. Your lovely daughter cooks a delicious meal.” Shaw smiled at me, and my insides melted like a girl whose crush sees her, likereallysees her, for the first time.
“Doesn’t she? I taught her well.” Mom winked at me, and my cheeks flushed. I cannot believe she just said that. “Thanks. So, kids, tell Nana what Santa brought.” I shifted the subject to my children, needing the heat off me. There was already enough just from the way Shaw looked at me.
The weight of his stare pulsated through me, and I shifted in my seat. If it were only him and me in this room, I don’t know if I’d be able to hold myself back. Some type of magnetic force pulled me toward him, something I’d never felt before towardanything or anyone. It was foreign and strange, but I wanted more.Neededmore.
It would have to wait.
My kids came first. And it was time to make it a spectacular Christmas.
“So areyou going to tell me this is really a movie set and that handsome man in the living room, currently playing game after game with your children, is really a paid actor?” Mom asked as she leaned against the counter and sipped on her mimosa. She made a batch while I cleaned up, and Shaw got roped into opening toys and playing games.
“Yep. That explains it. It has to. Because I can’t believe it either.”
“Did you try this?” Mom lightly pinched my arm, and I laughed, smacking her hand away.
“Of course I tried the oldest trick in the book. I definitely am not dreaming, Ma. And neither are you. This guy showed up at my door with my wallet, and when he said he had nowhere to be, I invited him in.”
