Christmas music fills the car during the drive to John’s grandparents’ house, but I’m not in the mood to sing along. I’m still reeling fromfinallyhaving words with Rachel. It was time. Boy, was it time, but confrontation is never easy for me, especially when I’ve spent my entire life trying to make my family love me. I don’t know if it was having John witness their treatment or him wanting my forgiveness, but I couldn’t continue trying with my family when they have never apologized other than what Dad said about Rachel today.
It’s time to face the truth—nothing I do will ever be enough. I can never be Rachel. Not that I want to be her. I just want the same love and acceptance she receives from my parents.
Guess that’s too much to ask or even hope for.
Acceptance might take time, but I’m over it—overthem.
Ignoring the pang in my heart, I take in John’s handsome profile. My gaze drops to his lips, his full, kissable lips.
I hope his grandparents have mistletoe hanging at their house. I’d love another kiss from him.
Uh-oh. He might be my fake boyfriend, but he’s still my boss.
Can’t forget that.
Or that we’ll be at his grandparents’ house soon, which reminds me… “Anything I need to know about your family?”
“I hope you’re hungry.” John adjusts his hands on the steering wheel. He’s not wearing the gloves my parents gave him, and neither am I. “My grandmother will try to force-feed you until you burst.”
“I can always eat, so that won’t be a problem.”
“Good, because once you’ve been fed, my grandfather will challenge you to a game of chess.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve played.”
“Just so you know, he’s as ruthless as your grandfather was.”
“Appreciate the warning.” My bunched muscles relax. I hope dealing with strangers is easier than my own family. “I might need to hold your hand for moral support.”
Did I really say that aloud? Heat creeps up my neck and onto my face. I don’t get it. Something about John makes me constantly blush. I’m never like this at work, but maybe that’s because after our interactions there is smoke coming out of my ears.
John’s eyes meet mine. “That can be arranged.”
His flirty tone makes my face burn hotter. I want to pretend he’s not affecting me, but it’s clear on my cheeks. Probably my neck, too. Staying quiet would be for the best, but I need to know something important. “One more thing.”
“What?”
I take a deep breath, not sure what I want his answer to be. That makes me feel pathetic. “Are we still pretending to date?”
“Yes,” he says as if it’s no big deal, when it’s a humongous deal to me. “It’ll be easier, so we don’t make any mistakes when we go back to your parents’ house.”
I nod, not knowing how to feel and wishing he would’ve said, “Yes, but let’s make it real, not pretend.” That’s a stupid way to think, given the circumstances. Yes, we’ve kissed more than once, but I can’t let myself catch feelings for my boss.
B-O-S-S.
Even if some might’ve already developed. Yes, I’m in trouble or could be if I don’t nip my attraction to him in the bud. Maybe if I remember all the times he hurt my feelings at work, I’ll go back to thinking of him as a grouchy grump instead of the best boyfriend in the world.
“We’re here,” he says.
His voice startles me. I watch him drive into a circular driveway and park in front of a mansion.
A mansion. My stomach drops to my feet. I would’ve thought the place was a boutique hotel or something, except there’s no sign. Nothing but cars—nice ones.
My stomach churns. “This is your grandparents’ house?”
He turns the car off. “Yes. I grew up here.”
My parents’ house would fit in the garage. I had no idea his grandparents were wealthy.
