Jett and I, along with the rest of the Landry brothers, grew up together as family friends. Winnie, the woman who stepped in to help care for the boys after Mrs. Landry diedwas best friends with my aunt. Although, in school, Jett was always way out of my league.
He ran with the popular crowd, he was charismatic, if not a bit of a cad. And I was…quirky.
Still, just because I was an introvert didn’t mean I was immune to Jett’s charm. I always found my palms sweating when I was around him at family functions, and found myself tripping over my words.
I flash her a quizzical expression.
“He’s wrapped up in some big scandal. If you haven’t heard about it by now, you will soon.”
“Wait, what big scandal?” I ask. I try to keep off social media, and away from the news as much as possible, and Wren hasn’t filled me in.
She rests her hand on the passenger door. “I’ll explain later. Just, don’t mention it tonight.”
“Got it.”
Honestly, I’m not that surprised. Jett is something of a womanizer, and he’s so…unserious.A large-scale scandal was only a matter of time.
I pick my present up off the seat beside me, a small bag with sparkly blue snowflakes on it and a silver envelope, along with my purse and hop out of the backseat.
Hudson opens the front door to Grady’s house, and we’re hit with a heavenly smell, like warm spices, turkey, and evergreen, with a hint of something sweet and citrus.
The whole place is warmed by the fire crackling up the stairs, and Hudson, Wren and I peel our snow-covered coats off. I untie the laces of my Doc Marten’s, sliding them off, and adjusting my thick wool socks.
“Hey, the gang’s all here!” Spencer shouts as she gets upfrom the couch and greets us at the top of the stairs. Her fiery red hair is tied up in a bun, with tendrils poking out here and there. It contrasts beautifully against the emerald sweater she’s wearing. “Can I get you both a drink? We have mulled wine. Rum and eggnog. Beer. Whatever you want. I also have non-alcoholic options.”
She disappears into the kitchen next to the living room and I follow.
I normally steer clear of alcohol, it’s highly inflammatory, and can sometimes cause a wicked arthritis flare. But I’ll deal with the aftermath if I have to. With all the stress surrounding the fate of the café, and my recent foray into the dating scene, I want something to help me unwind.
“A mulled wine would be great, thanks,” I answer.
Grady is busy cooking what looks like a feast for a whole army, so Spencer ladles out a mug of the warm, spiced wine.
She leans in and gives me a peck on the cheek as she hands me the mug.
“Merry Christmas, Pops.”
The emotion in her voice tells me this holiday is special to her now, and I understand why. It’s only her third Christmas since she decided to give up her travel blogger lifestyle and settle in Heartwood, that she’s spent with loved ones around her.
“Merry Christmas, Spence.”
I take the mulled wine and head back to the living room, taking a seat on the floor in front of the crackling fire.
My friends are already engaged in lively discussion. Ally is sitting with Hazel on the floor next to Ruby, fisting clumps of fur with her tiny hands and giggling maniacally. She’s almost three now.
I glance over at Mason, who is admiring his daughter with more love in his eyes than I’ve ever seen in them. His girls have brought that jaded grump back to life, and it makes my heart warm to see it.
The only person missing from the group is Jett.
I’m about to ask where he is, when he emerges at the top of the stairs. His shaggy dark hair is slightly mussed, and there’s a faint shadow along his square jaw. He’s more dishevelled than normal, and the bright, mischievous sparkle in his storm-dark eyes is gone.
I wonder about the scandal Wren mentioned, and if it’s weighing on him more than she let on.
His eyes lock with mine from across the room, and in a blink, that sparkle is back like he’s turned on a light switch. The weight of his gaze on me makes my skin heat.
I’m suddenly self-conscious about what I chose to wear tonight; comfy leggings and the tacky vintage sweater. I pull my knees up and fidget with the cuffs of my chunky wool socks.
A moment later, he looks away from me, and his mouth turns up into a cheeky grin.
