“I hope you consider me a friend and can talk to me.” She offered me a gentle smile. “About anything.” She rubbed my arm lightly, the gesture was almost motherly. For one insane second, I was tempted to open up about the dilemma I’d found myself in, then thought better of it. The last thing I needed was to cause undue drama in this household. I’d already jumped that barrier. I remained hopeful I could keep from going over the cliff if I managed to keep my balance.
“Thank you, I appreciate that, but I’m good.”
“Okay. Just remember, I’m only a door away.”
When she entered the spa, I chewed my lip, wondering what gave rise to her offer. Had she picked up on something between Drake and I? Shoving aside the worry for the moment, I descended the stairs and headed for the kitchen.
An hour later, I switched out the tray of baked biscuits with a new batch, eyeing the perfect gingerbread men. I set the tray down and moved the cooled biscuits consisting of Christmas trees and various shapes to a plate.
“Oh, my God. I don’t care if those goodies don’t taste nice, but the way they smell, I’m dying of starvation right now.” Kyra walked in, her nose wiggling like a cat that had just gotten wind of a mouse. Tamara followed.
“I must admit for a woman who doesn’t eat sweet stuff, my stomach’s rumbling.” Tamara grinned, inspecting the biscuits.
“Well, then you have to try one, at least.” I winked.
She rolled her eyes. “If you insist.” She feigned hurt, and I laughed.
“So, where do you want us?” Kyra asked, smacking her lips.
Grinning, I moved plates around and set up little decorating stations. “It’s easy. You choose whatever shape you want to decorate and get to it. The best ones go up on the Christmas tree.”
“Right. Competition times, ladies.” She rubbed her hands.
“Can I join?”
I turned to find Drake at the entrance. Even though I tried not to, my eyes drank in his robust build. It was the first time I’d seen him this casual. With his hand in the pockets of charcoal sweatpants and white t-shirt molded over his muscles, the image instilled visions of sexiness I was trying hard to forget. That was easier said than done.
I was glad when Kyra jumped up with a squeal of delight. “Dad!” She loped over to him and looped her arm with his, dragging him to the kitchen table. “Please tell me you’re joining us?” At his nod, she let out another squeak. “Yes!” When she pushed him down into the chair next to hers, she looked up at me. “The last time my father joined us, I was like...um, like nine, right, dad?” He nodded, inspecting the various shapes before settling on a gingerbread man and placing it on the plate in front of him. Kyra’s face fell. “Yeah, then he got too busy for the small things.”
I watched as he lavished his daughter with a tender gaze, his smile soft. “I tried, sweetheart.”
She faked a pout then laughed. “I know you did.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“Remember your Dad took over the company when grandpa got ill then, Kyra,” Tamara explained more for my benefit. “But he’s always made sacrifices for you guys.” Kyra nodded.
It was apparent Drake doted on his kids, and his family was close-knit. Something I’d longed for and the reality that it might not work out between Rayden and I , didn’t hesitate to knock my wish for family out of the park. Moving away, I poured hot chocolate into the mugs I’d set up earlier and carried them to the table. As Drake accepted his from me, our eyes met over the cup, and a hint of a smile gave me the comfort I needed. His gaze fell to my bottom lip, I’d unconsciously tucked between my teeth. I glanced away, trying unsuccessfully to calm my erratic pulse. I jumped when Kyra spoke. Only Drake noticed, and his lips twitched.
“You know what will make this complete,” she said, looking up from the tube of red icing she was opening to decorate her tree. “Dad, remember how pissed off grandma used to get when you’d paint our faces with the icing instead of the biscuits.” He chuckled at the memory. “Would you?”
He frowned at her. “Would I what?”
“Paint my face.”
“Jesus, sweetheart, you’re nineteen.” His husky laugh filled the air.
“Yeah, but just for old times, then we can take photos and send them to grandma.” She giggled.
I covered my laugh with a hand when I caught Drake’s expression, that devilish twinkle in his eyes held boyish appeal as he looked at his daughter in contemplation.
“Okay,” he agreed, earning a yay from his daughter.
“Would you do theirs as well?” She pointed to me and Tamara.
Her aunt shook her head. “Nope. Just applied a mask last night.”
“Oh, come on, Aunt Tammy.” Kyra rolled her eyes. Tamara scowled at her. “Please say yes, Sianna.”
“Sure.” I shrugged.
