Page 120 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Is there something wrong?” Anthony asked.

“No, why?”

“I don’t know. I guess I thought you’d head down there closer to Christmas or they’d come up here for a visit.”

“I’ve just been under a lot of stress this week and I thought a short visit with my mom might help me clear my head and put things in perspective.”

Anthony bit his tongue, afraid to ask what she needed perspective on. Her mom already wanted her to move closer to them and now that the only things tying her to Mistletoe were Holly and Anthony, would her argument make sense? They were her parents, after all. She wasn’t ready to live with him because she was afraid that they wouldn’t survive taking such a huge step too soon, but living with her parents was doable.

“Ow, Anthony. You’re holding me kind of tight.”

“Sorry,” he whispered, loosening his hold on her.

“Anyway,” she said, snuggling against him, her leg slipping between his. “I’ll be back Sunday or Monday.”

“I’ll be here waiting.”

“I know,” she whispered, sleepily. “This is your home.”

What about you, Lila? Will you be my home?

She’d become so dear to him that the thought of her not being here, even temporarily, made his chest ache.

Whatever Anthony was going to do to convince her to stay, he needed to work fast.

Chapter Thirty-two

Delilah stood on the sidelines with Holly, Erica, and Ryler, waiting for the winter games to start. The park was packed with people there to watch, curious about this new event. Anthony told her to wait at the finish line for him, so that’s where they set up their cheering section. The snow that had fallen over the last week had coated the trees and ground with a sparkling white blanket, and the large food and vendor tents were attracting a crowd. Many people were congregating around the outdoor heat lamps that were scattered around the park.

“I find it fascinating that someone picked up a chainsaw one day and thought, ‘This is the perfect tool to make ice sculptures,’” Holly said.

“I don’t give a fuck about any of this other stuff,” Erica said, looking up from her phone in a huff. “I just want to see these guys play hockey. Hmmm, love hockey.”

“I know. The only time I get a decent day of work out of you is in the off-season,” Holly teased.

Erica scoffed. “Please, I know that ain’t true because hockey isn’t on while I’m working at the shop.”

Delilah laughed, only partially listening to them talk. Delilah wanted to be here for Anthony since this was his baby. He’d put it together and planned everything with Pike, but a storm was going to roll through tonight and she didn’t want to get caught in it on her way to her parents.

“What’s got your knickers in a twist?” Holly asked, elbowing Delilah gently.

“Just thinking.”

“About?” Holly prodded.

“Anthony’s offer to stay with him.”

“The gall.”

“I’m serious, Holly.”

“I thought that was a no go. Why are we rehashing it?” Holly asked.

Erica looked away from the stretching hockey players, frowning. “What are you two going on about now?”

“Delilah’s boyfriend told her she could live with him but she’s afraid it’s too early.”

“Huh?” Erica shot Delilah a wide-eyed look. “That makes no sense! What’s wrong with the man who loves you offering to help?”