Page 42 of Christmas Bubble

I take his hand and pull him toward the cabin. Having just explored the back of my throat like he was looking for gold, he better not get funny about holding my hand.

“Do you want to grab a shower while I finish the vegetables?” I ask when we get in.

It’s clear he’s processing what happened. Hell, I’m processing what happened.

Although I’m sure we’re processing it in very different ways.

When Coach goes into the bathroom, I lean against the kitchen counter and stare out the window. It didn’t snow the whole time we were outside, but there are a few flakes falling again, and it’s getting darker.

How did I miss that?

Apparently, the worst of the storm is due to hit any time now.

This is one of those times I would call Juju and tell her everything. She’d probably argue that I’m being stupid and putting my heart on the line or tell me to stay away from Coach.

I can’t do that. I just can’t. If there’s a little part of him that wants me, I’m going to give myself. All of it.

I hear the shower going, so I start preparing the vegetables. The pork is cooked to perfection, if I say so myself, and the roasted potatoes are perfectly crispy.

“Grandma, I hope you’re right on this one because if he doesn’t ask me to marry him after this meal, then you’ve failed as my cooking teacher.”

Coach comes out wearing a pair of sweatpants and an old Marinos T-shirt. His hair is still wet from the shower, sticking out in all directions like he got ready too quickly.

“Everything smells amazing. What is it?” he asks.

“Pulled pork belly with roasted potatoes and boiled vegetables.”

His mouth literally gapes.

“You did all that todayandyou decorated the cabin?”

“Yup. Now sit and be prepared for the gastronomical orgasm of your life.”

He coughs. “Did you just…? You know what? Never mind, let’s eat.”

He picks his seat while I bring the food over.

“How come there’s a tablecloth? I don’t have a tablecloth,” he says.

“I didn’t know how equipped Mr. and Mrs. Crawford’s cabin was, so I overpacked. At least now I get to use all this stuff.”

He takes a piece of pork, a few potatoes, and a considerable amount of vegetables.

I wait until he eats something.

Self-confidence has never been an issue for me. I can easily get wrapped up in my world and ignore what everyone else thinks about me if I believe I’m fabulous. Now, I’m second-guessing everything I do and think.

What if Coach doesn’t like the way I seasoned the pork? What if the potatoes are too crispy? Or the vegetables not cooked enough?

“How did you learn to cook? And bake? Your cakes are amazing. I’ve had to start running with the kids to keep up with the amount of sugar you feed me.”

I laugh. “Eating it is optional. But I’m glad you like my cakes. I’ve been trying to figure out which one is your favorite.”

“I’ll let you know one day.”

“One day?”

He tastes the pork and moans. “It’s in my best interests to keep my options open.”