Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
“Thank you so much for doing this,” I whisper as we stand side by side, assembling the stuffing. Throwing dinner together is easy since I ordered it from a local restaurant.
He covers my hand with his. “I’d rather be here with you all than at home alone. How are you holding up?”
“The start of today was rough, but it’s better now.”
He strokes his thumb along my knuckles. “Always so strong. You’re a force, angel. I’m proud of the way you love these girls.”
I tip my chin up, butterflies fluttering in my stomach at the praise. Having him here has made today not just bearable, but joyful, and I don’t want it to end. “You don’t have to go after dinner, if you don’t want to.”
“Do you want me to stay?” he asks.
My need for him wipes out everything else. “Yes, please.”
He drops his head, eyes on my lips, but Callie rushes in to grab a paper towel because she spilled her water, breaking the moment.
“Sorry about that. I forgot myself,” Roman says softly.
“It’s okay. I did, too.”
We bring the food to the table and finally sit down to our Christmas feast.
“Can we still say one thing we’re thankful for before we eat?” Callie asks.
“Absolutely. Do you want to start?” I ask.
“Okay. Everyone take the hand of the person beside you,” Callie instructs.
I slide my hands into Roman’s and Fee’s.
“I’m thankful for Lexi and all her new friends, because without you, this Christmas would have been sad.”
My heart aches. Roman squeezes my hand.
Callie turns to Connor. “It’s your turn.”
“I’m thankful for being traded to Toronto, because it means I get to have Christmas dinner with my number one fan.” He winks at Callie.
She beams up at him. The girl is totally smitten. Clearly I need to watch out, because she has a thing for bad boys.
Dred is next. “I’m thankful that the condo across the hall from me came up for rent and brought new friends into my life who fill my heart, especially on days like today.”
Fee takes a deep breath and knocks her shoulder against mine. “I’m thankful for you, Lexi. You’re a really good big sister, and I know it’s not easy being our not-mom too, but you’re doing a great job.”
“I love you.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder and kiss her temple.
“I love you, too.”
Dred sniffs and looks away for a moment.
I make sure I'm composed before I speak. “I’m thankful for my sisters, who show me what perseverance and strength look like every day, and I’m thankful for this new job and all the wonderful people it’s brought into my life.”
Roman smiles, thumb brushing along my palm. “I’m thankful for takeout Thai, because without it, we might not all be together today.”
Dinner is filled with smiles and more laughter. Roman tells stories about how Hammer would always try to stay up so she could see Santa when she was young. Dred entertains us with hilarious, outlandish things that happen at the library—that place is hoppin’—while Connor sits back and mostly observes.
After dessert—Dred wasn’t wrong, Rix’s pumpkin pie is to die for—Connor offers to drive her home. We send them off with hugs and thank yous, then gather in the living room.
I pop on a movie, and Fee’s friend from school invites her for Boxing Day shopping, which turns into Fee asking if she can sleep over so they can get to the mall early, before the crowds. By the time her friend’s mom picks her up, Callie is already fast asleep. Roman helps me tuck her into bed around nine, and then it’s just him and me—and the wild sexual tension that’s been building all day.
I should send him home. We shouldn’t cross any more lines, but I don’t want all the good of today to disappear when he walks out that door. “You can stay a little longer?”
“I don’t want to be anywhere but here.” His raw honesty is breaking me.
“What should we do now?” I give in to the urge to touch him. I’m tired of being good—of staying in control. I long for the past, when it was just us and the rest of the world didn’t exist.
A roguish smile quirks the corner of his delightful mouth, and he leans down until his lips brush my ear. “It’s time for me to unwrap my present.”
CHAPTER 20
ROMAN
Lexi gives me a look that makes me want to take her directly to bed. “How am I supposed to resist you when you say things like that, Goalie?”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” Not with the head on my shoulders anyway.
Lexi fingers the buttons on my shirt. “I know what I’m supposed to say, but I’m having a hard time finding the will to say it.”
I understand her conflict. I share it, even. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. “Do you need me to make it easier on you? I can go.”