“And he didn’t invite you.”
I groan. “It’s so stupid because even if he did invite me, I’d have said no. I don’t meet guys’ families, Gwen. I’ve never even come close to wanting to. And whatever Holt and I are doing has an expiration date. I’m supposed to be leaving in a week. Meeting his family doesn’t factor into that.”
She’s quiet for a second before she seems to come to a decision. “Do you want to leave?”
I shrug. “I don’t have any logical reason to stay. I’m almost done with the stuff for Mayor Dillion. I honestly could’ve been done with it last week, but I’ve been delaying the final pieces. I also can’t afford to stay any longer. The Airbnb is great, but it’s expensive.”
“Okay, but setting aside everything with Holt, would you want to?”
The answer comes without thought. “Yes.” I’ve wanted to stay for weeks now, which is asinine. How the fuck could I want to stay in a town I’m barely familiar with?
“You could stay with me. I have plenty of space, and it would be kind of nice to have someone around again. Charlie used to live with me, but they moved into the apartment above the Grind once it was renovated.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. It’s totally cool if you want to say no. There won’t be any hard feelings, but I just thought I’d offer in case you truly wanted to stay.”
“Can I think about it?” I’ve had it in my head that I’d begoing home next week. Changing my plans in a matter of seconds is too much to attempt right now, especially when I’m already emotional over Holt acting as any sane person would.
Gwen reaches across the table and pats my hand. “Of course. I can afford the place by myself, so it’s not a money thing. Although it would be amazing to be able to save a little more than I am. I’ve been lusting after these boots I can’t actually afford.”
I burst out laughing. “Preach, friend.”
We chat for a little while longer before her break ends. I’m contemplating the rest of my afternoon when Holt’s name pops up on my phone. I didn’t expect to hear from him all day. I figured he’d be with his family the whole time.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Hi. Okay, so here’s the deal. My mom knows we’ve been spending time together, and she just tore me a new one for not inviting you to lunch today. I didn’t want to put you in an uncomfortable position of having to say no, so that’s why I didn’t in the first place. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be allowed to eat if you don’t come. It’s cool if you don’t want to. I’m starving, but I’ll be fine. I think. Dad made a huge pot of chili and his famous cherry pie, but I’ll be fine.”
His rambling words make me grin. Holt has always been a confident man. There has only been one occasion when he went into a nervous monologue, and that was because one of his mom’s friends asked if he’d be interested in dating multiple women now that he’s back on the market. “Hmm. I don’t know. Seems to me like you really need me. What’s in it for me?”
Holt’s voice drops. “Anything you want.”
“How would you feel about being pegged?” There’s a long, pregnant pause, and I can practically hear the gears grinding in Holt’s head. I can’t hold my laughter back. “I’mteasing, Holt. You wouldn’t owe me anything. If you truly don’t mind me being there, I’ll come.”
“That was mean. And yes, I want you here. As long as you’re okay with my insane family getting all in your business.”
“I am a pro at deflection, just ask my mother. Will you promise this won’t make things weird between us?”
“It won’t, I swear.”
“Then all I need is an address.”
My stomach flutters as I get out of my car. Holt told me to come inside when I got here because they’d never be able to hear anyone knock over the noise.
He’s shared a little bit about his five adoptive brothers, and I’ve met two of them since I’ve been in town. Xander is the one who checked my rental car to ensure nothing was damaged or broken, and I’ve been in Gage’s bakery for breakfast several times.
I don’t think either one knew who I was to Holt—if they did, they didn’t say anything. I was grateful either way.
Taking a deep breath, I walk into the house. A wall of noise hits me the second I step over the threshold. It’s so reminiscent of my family gatherings back home that the nerves settle inside me. I follow the sound of chaos and curses and find a rowdy group of family crowded around the table.
“G!” Leah calls out first. A million eyes turn my direction as their voices trail off. Thankfully, Holt stands, and Leah barrels toward me like a wrecking ball. I squeeze her in a hug, happy to have a buffer between me and Holt’s family. She grabs my hand and pulls me to the table. “Sit by me. Sit by me.”
“Everyone, this is Gia Miller,” Holt introduces me. “Gia,this is my family. The old man down there is my dad, Stanley, and the meddling woman on the other end is my mom, Muriel. The rest of these crazies are my brothers. I’ll help you with names as we go. It’s easier that way.”
“I don’t meddle,” Muriel protests at the same time as Stanley grumbles about showing Holt some manners.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Basil.” I wave, since Leah hasn’t let go of my hand.
