Page 96 of Keeping it Real

Max Kellogg appeared behind him, staying Alek with a hand on his shoulder.The Mayhem’s owner was dressed in black slacks and a dark purple cashmere quarter-zip with the Mayhem emblem on the chest in gold.He had on a pair of those “dress” sneakers.Apparently, that was as casual as the guy got.

“Happy Thanksgiving, all.”He smiled broadly at Aunt Eileen.“I hear I have you to thank for most of our dessert this afternoon.”

Aunt Eileen blushed.“It’s my pleasure.”

“Well, I’m sure it will be all our pleasures.”He gestured for Alek to retake his seat.“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to catch up with the senator.Enjoy your breakfast.”

They watched as the Mayhem owner dazzled his way into a chair at the senator’s table.A minute later, Parker was practically jogging over to sit with Valentine.Beside her, Alek sighed.

Sheridan arched an eyebrow at him.

Alek shook his head.“I’m not sure if that scenario is any better for the kid.”

She squeezed his hand.“He’s got you and the rest of the guys watching over him.He’ll be fine.”

He scoffed.

“Finn tells us you’ll be spending Christmas in Canada,” Uncle Alan said.

“You’re welcome to join us,” Alek offered.“My parents would love it.”He took Sheridan’s hand.“It would be fun to celebrate with all the family in one place.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his use of the word family.This was really happening.She and Alek were going to have the life she’d been dreaming of since she was sixteen.

But not without her coming clean.It would be wrong to build a life together with a lie between them.Even if it meant she risked losing him all over again.She chanced a glance at her aunt, who shot her a warning look as if she knew exactly what Sheridan was thinking.

“Alek!”Finn called before she could say anything.“Can we go swimming now?”

“Not until you’ve wiped all that chocolate off your face,” Alek teased.“Did you leave any chocolate chip pancakes for me?”

Uncle Alan rose from his seat.“I’ll take you, Finn.”

“Hurry up, Ice-Berg.”Valentine and Gus were herding all the kids in the direction of the pool.“We’re playing water polo.Lori’s daughter is talking smack.She says you won’t be able to keep the beach ball out of the net.”

Alek was out of his chair in an instant.“Challenge accepted.”He leaned down and kissed Sheridan thoroughly.“I hope you’re coming to cheer for me.”

“As long as you’re on the same team as Finn,” she teased.

“Always,” he whispered against her lips.“You, Finn, and Hattiearemy team.”

Sheridan chewed on her bottom lip as she watched him walk off with Finn and Uncle Alan.

She said a silent prayer that he’d still feel that way once she came clean.

Twenty-Five

The restof Thanksgiving passed by in a blur of pleasant moments.Sheridan was glad to have the distraction of Alek and the Mayhem family to help her through the first holiday she’d spent without Jamie.Rationally, she knew they would have spent the day apart anyway had she been in Spain as planned.But he would have been only a phone call away and not being together wouldn’t have hurt so badly.

Today, of all days, she wished she could speak with him one last time.As things progressed with Alek, the guilt she felt about her role in blowing up their friendship weighed even more heavily.Jamie had been an injured party, too.He just never knew it.

A giant television had been rolled out beside the pool after dinner.The kids were going to watchElfunder the stars.The WAGs spread out on chaise lounges along the pool deck, strategically placed to keep an eye on their children.Sheridan watched little Grace hang on every word Finn said, while Alek shared a joke with Gunner.

Freya sighed as she slid onto the chaise next to Sheridan’s.“We are going to have to go to Pilates every day next week after your aunt’s pies.”

Sheridan patted her belly.“I know.I might have indulged in too many helpings of stuffing.”

“You weren’t fooling anyone, you know.”

“About what?”