Mom went into the living room, probably to tell Dad that dessert was almost ready.
Tucker stuck a finger in one of the slices, then licked the filling. "So you're not seeing Eve?"
My mind jumped to that kiss on my couch.
He smacked me. "Good for you."
"It's not like that—" But whatever I was going to say was drowned out by the doorbell and Sofia racing toward the door. Tucker probably thought I was just fucking Eve when I'd only kissed her. That made me wonder what it would be like if I invited her to my place tonight.
I didn't want her to be alone, but I also wanted to make her feel good. Forget about everything for a few minutes.
Sofia tugged Eve into the kitchen, and I couldn't help the smile that spread over my face. "You save room for dessert?"
Eve smiled, noticing my brother sitting on the stool next to me. "A little."
Mom bustled in, greeting Eve with a hug. "We're so glad you could join us, dear."
"Thank you for inviting me," Eve said, even though she was here by my invitation.
"We'll eat in the dining room." Mom picked up several plates, and we followed suit.
I hadn't felt this content in a long time. I was exactly where I needed to be and with the people I wanted to be with.
CHAPTER 11
MADDOX
Since Eve was visiting, we sat at the dining room table to eat dessert, talking and laughing over stories from our childhood. Then conversation turned to Mistletoe Inn and Christmas Town.
"Let me know when you visit, and I'll show you around," Eve offered.
"You're like the mayor of the town?" Dad asked.
"We aren't a real town. More like a tourist destination. But I certainly feel like one. My office is in the town-hall building, and I have an open-door policy which the shop and restaurant owners take advantage of to air their complaints."
"That must be tough," Mom said.
"It's a lot, but this is the job I've always wanted. I was in party planning before this, but I wanted something that was more community involvement."
"It feels like a real town though. You're hosting a parade, and the fire department is participating," Mom said.
"I suppose so."
"Your job is important," I said, in case she didn't think it was. She wasn't just running a tourist destination. She was hosting atoy drive and building community. I was impressed with her and everything she'd accomplished in a short amount of time.
I felt Mom watching us. She was probably wondering if something was really going on between us. But we could be friends. We didn't have to kiss each other, even if I wanted that more than anything.
After dessert, Sofia drew Eve into a card game, and when I said it was time for bed, Eve left with us, thanking my parents for dessert.
At home, I got Sofia into bed.
She was chatting about what she called her favorite people, which included her grandparents, her favorite uncle, and now, Eve. She didn't bring up her mother or her family, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Was she worried about upsetting me, or was she only thinking about those who were currently in her life?
When she was tucked in, I turned out the light and closed the door. I clicked on the TV in the sunroom, mindlessly watching holiday movies and trying not to think about what happened the last time I sat on this couch. I was restless, and it had nothing to do with the busy day.
I wanted to see Eve. I wanted to ensure she was okay and not wallowing in her grief. And if I was being honest with myself, I wanted her to straddle my lap again. Except this time, I wouldn't stop.
I picked up my phone, debating whether I should bother Eve late at night. I'd wanted to wait until Sofia was asleep. But now it was late, close to midnight.
