Page 52 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

Anthony took a hard right into a gas station parking lot, and Delilah squealed in surprise. He pulled around back and put the car in park. He released her hand and cradled her face in both of his hands. “I want to date you, Delilah Gill. Is that clear enough for you?”

Delilah’s heart took off like a shot when he kissed her, the rapid pounding drowning out the cars passing by on the roadway, lost in Anthony’s touch, in the taste of his mouth as he opened his lips over hers, his tongue delving inside to play with hers. It was deep and possessive, things she’d never thought to experience with any man, and it sent a shiver of excitement up her spine. She wanted this man like she’d never desired anything else, and he wanted her, too, which was a heady feeling.

Anthony pulled away slowly, giving her one more soft peck on the lips. She opened her eyes in time to catch his smile as he put her car in reverse and started backing up.

“We don’t want to keep your parents waiting.”

Delilah laughed breathlessly. “They’re probably watching me on our location app.”

“Damn, they still track your phone?”

“Don’t stress about it. They’ll think we pulled off to get something to drink.” Delilah turned in her seat, watching him drive the last few minutes to her parent’s house. They lived in a quiet neighborhood with mostly retired people their age and the street was tranquil this time of morning.

“This is a nice area. I prefer the mountains, but your parents chose a great location.”

“My aunt bought a house here a few years before my parents moved. I think they thought I’d eventually settle down here close to them, but writing jobs in Boise aren’t abundant.”

“I thought you had a job?”

“My writing is all freelance. I sub to supplement my income, but I’ve been applying for permanent writing jobs. Some have been remote, but most want you to live locally.”

“So, you’re thinking about leaving Mistletoe?” he asked softly.

The navigation announced they’d reached their destination, and Delilah unbuckled her seat belt once Anthony put the car into park. “I’m not ruling it out. My rent is going up again in January and substitute teachers make less than a kid working at Taco Bell. I have a call next week that I hope will bring some good news, but I’m not holding my breath.”

Leia barked rapidly, and Delilah turned, noticing she was staring out the window. Delilah saw her parents coming out the door waving, and she smiled. “There they are.”

“We better get out and say hi,” Anthony said, exiting the vehicle. Delilah was surprised by his brisk tone but didn’t have time to analyze it before someone pulled open her door.

“Hi, Mom,” Delilah said, climbing out of the car. She was immediately enveloped in her mom’s warm embrace and returned it with enthusiasm. She really did miss her parents.

Her mom pulled away, holding Delilah’s shoulders in her hands. Natalia Gill was a few inches taller than her daughter, with dark hair and blue eyes, although hers were a shade lighter than Delilah’s.

“I was getting worried!”

“We’re not that late. Besides, I know you were stalking my location.”

“Guilty.”

She saw her dad hold out his hand to Anthony from the corner of her eye. “Bernard Gill.”

“Anthony Russo. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I remember you. Your mom was a good woman. I was sorry to hear about her passing.”

“Thank you.”

“Mom,” Delilah said, linking her arm through her mother’s and leading her to the two men. “This is Anthony Russo. Anthony, meet my mom, Natalia.”

“It’s very nice to meet you.”

Natalia held her arms open. “We don’t need to be so formal.”

Anthony chuckled and hugged her mom.

“My, you are tall!”

“How was the drive, Pip?” Her dad walked around her mom and Anthony to hug her, using his nickname for her affectionately.