“Watch the attitude or you know what will happen,” I threaten and don’t miss the shiver that runs down her spine. Yeah, I’ve always had a sense of what she likes but ever since whatever this is between us began, I’ve gotten to know her on a whole different level. What she craves, which lately has been anything to do with me. I’ve never experienced a connection like this before. It’s addicting and comes with its own set of fears.
The last time I relied on something so heavily was my job, and that was ripped away from me. Even before that I rarely got close to anyone, never dated seriously or made any big commitments. The biggest and only one I ever made was to the Army.
“I think your threats have an opposite effect on me now,” she taunts.
“Well,I thinkit just proves that you’ll never learn.”
“It’s been thirty-one years for me; I’m already set in my ways.”
“Good thing I like your ways.” The words slip out without me thinking about it. This has been happening more and more with her. I’m so out of my mind when she’s with me that my filter is nonexistent.
Just another thing that makes me worry about what’s going on between us. I know she feels the same. It helps to not have the pressure knowing she’s not going to hound me for a relationship that’s sure to send me far away.
We get to the main house on Jameson’s family property and Bailey tenses up next to me as I park. “I’ll go in first, then you can come in a few minutes later.”
I raise an eyebrow at her. “Why can’t we walk in together?”
“Because that leads to questions that neither of us wants to answer.”
“Or we’re neighbors who carpooled,” I tell her seriously and she seems to realize that is a completely valid explanation.
“Fine, but as far as everyone knows we still can’t stand each other.”
“Whatever you say, Angel.”
We get out of the car and walk to the door, close but not touching. Even though I’m tempted knowing I shouldn’t.
I knock on the door, and am greeted by Jameson, right before Sutton ducks under his arm and smiles. “Welcome!”
“Come on in.” Jameson opens the door wider for us to enter.
The house smells delicious and it brings back distant memories of my childhood, the only time I ever had a real Thanksgiving. The myriad of scents wafting through the house makes my stomach growl.
“So nice of you to join us,” Emily greets from the kitchen as we enter the large combined kitchen and dining area.
“Thank you for having me,” I tell her honestly. She opens upthe oven and I see the large pan with a turkey in it. “Do you need help?”
“If you wouldn’t mind.” She steps aside, giving me the oven mitts.
“Oh, you let someoneelsehelp you, but when I offer, you tell me to go away,” Jameson says from across the room.
“That’s different. You coddle me,” Emily retorts.
“I care.”
“I know you do.” Emily lowers her voice so only I can hear. “Sometimes too much.”
The smallest smile peeks out as I lean down to lift out the large cooked bird and place it on top of the stove. Emily checks the temperature before announcing it’s done.
Another loud voice announces their presence, and I turn around seeing it’s a little blonde woman that’s here often. I think her name is Lily. When I look closer, I believe this is the same woman whose car Bailey asked me to look at before Jameson and Sutton’s rehearsal.
“Gross. I didn’t realize you let justanyonecome,” she says when she sees Jameson’s coworker, Parker.
“Come give me a hug, Lil, I know how much you’ve missed me.” Parker stretches out his arms toward her and she makes a face, displaying her extreme disgust at the idea.
“I have a boyfriend, don’t touch me.”
Parker narrows his eyes at her. “You’re still dating that asshole?”
