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“Because he offered to buy me out first and I didn’t tell him my uncles want to do the same.” I couldn’t stand the thought of potentially ruining whatever was happening between me and Huxley. I was being selfish, but I wanted our relationship to be about us and not my house. It would always be about this property as long as I couldn’t afford it and he wanted it.
“If you take Huxley’s offer, the property won’t belong to your family.”
“Either way, it won’t belong to me.” I leaned back in my chair, wishing Huxley had only been the charismatic stranger who invited me to his suite. Why did our relationship have to be so complicated? “I don’t know what to do, but this tax situation has pushed up my timeline.”
“I don’t trust your uncles.”
“I don’t either, but I don’t think my grandmother would want me to sell to a stranger. That isn’t why she left me this house.”
“He’s not a stranger to you.”
“He is.” There were so many things we didn’t know about one another, and I wasn’t sure we would ever get the chance to explore us further if I didn’t figure out a way to keep my house. “I want to get to know him better, but I feel like this house is hanging over us. If I end up selling to my uncles, he won’t forgive me for that. But if I sell to him, my family will never understand.”
“Your family hasn’t really been there for you these past few years.”
That was true. My uncles, especially Travis, were confused and hurt that their mother left me the house. I didn’t like the rift it created. She never would have wanted that, but now I could mend those fences and give it back to them. Was that the right thing to do? Keep the property in the family? Where is my freakin’ sign?
“Huxley has been rather attentive.” Jay smirked. “He’s the horse you should back.”
“Huxley has control issues and a daddy complex.”
“What? OMG, girl. What are you holding back?”
“Too much for one conversation.”
“I knew you were walking funny.” He clapped his hands. “You’re getting railed by Sexy Santa all night long. No wonder you can’t go to work.”
“I don’t go to work because the diner closed.”
“Because Sexy Santa wants to rail you all night, so he bought it to keep you in his bed.”
“Are you done?” I cleared the mugs from the table. “Don’t you have to go to work?”
Jay taught seventh-grade social studies but picked up a few shifts a week at a bar in town. He was a local legend, and people flocked to the bar to have him mix them an amazing martini.
“You’re off the hook for now.” He stood. “But only because I do have to man the bar. My fans await me.”
“You’re so modest.”
“Why don’t you and Huxley come and sit at the bar. Do you know how many people he would attract? Plus, he looks like a really big tipper.”
“We’re going to spend a quiet night in tonight and watch a Christmas movie,” I said.
“How forty-ish of you.”
“Don’t make fun of my silver fox.” I hooked my arm in his and walked him to the front door. “He can out-fuck most of the men our age.”
“You little slut. Where can I find one just like him?” He kissed my cheek. “I can’t wait to hear all about the nasty things Daddy is teaching you.”
“By the way, it was me who suggested we order in and watch a movie.”
“I think it’s sweet. You’re an old soul. You always have been.” He opened the door. “You deserve this relationship. Enjoy all the newness of it.”
“Call me tomorrow.” I waved as he hurried to his car. “Be safe.”
Jay! What would I do without him?
I shut the door to keep the bitter chill outside. It was already cold enough in here. At least I could look forward to sleeping at Huxley’s house. Not only was it warm and cozy but he kept his arms around me most of the night. I had become accustomed to listening to him breathing as he slept. The more time we spent together, the more attached I became. Maybe he was the sign I needed.
