Page 84 of The Christmas Tree Farm

‘No…’ Chloe shook her head, her glossy hair flowing like dark waves over her shoulders. ‘No, you’re like glowing or something.’ Then her eyes lit up in a way that made Kira wish she’d left the room to take this call, and risked freezing to death.

‘You’re getting laid!’ her sister exclaimed triumphantly, and Kira wanted to dissolve into the cushions. Bennett chuckled softly at the other end of the couch.

‘That’s not it.’

‘That’s definitely it. You are aglow with orgasms!’

‘Maybe I gave them to myself.’

Bennett shifted in his seat, a blush working its way up his neck. Kira bit down on a smile.

‘Oh, my God, is he there right now?!’ Chloe looked like she would climb through the screen if she could.

‘Uh … nope.’

‘Liar!’

‘I’m not a liar. It’s nothing, okay. I met a guy in town and we hooked up and that’s it. Really.’ She wished that was a lie. She wished Bennett was more than a hookup. But there was no point in telling Chloe about it. About him. Just one more thing for her sister to worry about.

Chloe narrowed her eyes, still not quite believing her. ‘Well, he must have been pretty damn good. Your skin looks amazing.’

Bennett stood and gestured toward the kitchen, excusing himself from having to hear more of this painful conversation.

‘I’m staying hydrated.’

Chloe nodded. ‘Good.’

‘So how are things with you?’

A small frown crossed Chloe’s face.

‘What’s the matter?’

‘Just a little homesick, I guess.’

‘Homesick? What do you miss more, Dad’s disapproving silence or Mom’s disapproving lectures?’

Chloe huffed. ‘I miss you, you idiot.’

Kira’s heart ached.

‘I miss you, too.’

‘So, you’re not going home for Christmas?’ Chloe asked.

‘No, although I did receive Mama’s engraved invite for the Christmas Eve party.’

‘Oh, lord, I hope you RSVP’d promptly. You know how she hates a late response.’

Kira laughed. ‘I sent that thing right back with my “I regretfully decline” faster than you could say there’s not a chance in hell I’d go back for that pretentious party.’

‘We’ll have to go back eventually.’

Kira frowned. It had taken a lot out of her to leave. She didn’t want to think about going back. Not now. Not when she was just getting her footing.

‘I suppose. But not today. I doubt Mama was torn up about it.’

‘Your southern is coming out,’ Chloe teased, her own accent thickening the longer she spoke. Kira could feel it happening, her words slowing down, thick and syrupy like the sweet tea Elaine used to make in the summer.