Page 42 of Holiday Crush

It was fun and life-affirming, the way really amazing sex could be. Yet it was…more. I couldn’t figure that part out, though. It was easier to believe this was what convenience, opportunity, and horniness looked like, but something shifted inside me whenever he was near. I wasn’t sure what that meant.

Maybe it was simply gratitude. Because I truly was grateful we’d become friends…and more.

Even if he confused the hell out of me.

How was turkey?he typed.

Excellent. I ate too much. How about you?

Same. I’m not a turkey guy, but I indulged in far too much stuffing. My mom’s is literally the best ever.

I smiled.My mom’s is too. Thankfully, she made a ton. There’re thirty or more adult-sized Hendersons here. It’s bonkers.

Oh, that’s fun.

Just bonkers. Are you still at your parents’ house?

No, I’m at the shop.

I sat up and frowned at my screen.Why?What are you doing?

Decorating for Christmas.

I snorted.It’s Thanksgiving Day.

Yes, I’m behind schedule and it’s stressing me out.

I cast my gaze from my family congregated in the kitchen, my brother snuggled up with his fiancée on the opposite end of the sectional, and my dad on his favorite recliner, to my phone. My fingers flew across the keyboard without a second thought.

Be there in 10.

“Who was that?” Dad asked, thanking my mom as she handed him a cup of coffee.

“A friend,” I said, hopping to my feet.

Mom set a hand on my elbow and smiled. “Did you want coffee too, hon?”

“No, thanks. I’m heading out. I’ll say good-bye to everyone first and—”

“Where are you going?”

Times like this, living with my folks wasn’t ideal. They wouldn’t have a problem with me seeing a guy per se, but Ivan…they’d have a million questions, and this wasn’t a great time.

Then again, what the hell?

“I told Ivan I’d help him hang snowflakes.” I kissed her cheek and fist-bumped my dad, my brother, and Tess. “Later.”

Mom pulled me aside, her brow quirked. “Ivan?”

“Yeah. Ivan.”

“Okay, that’s good. You…like him?” There was no mistaking her meaningful intonation.

“I like him a lot, actually,” I replied, jiggling my keys.

She nodded slowly. “He’s very likable. Tell him we said hello.”

“Will do.”