Page 34 of Staying for You

“I have never been out of the US,” I admit.

“Really?”

“Nope. But I have my passport.”

“Just like inWhile You Were Sleeping!”Chloe giggles.

“Exactly like that. Man, isn’t that a great movie?”

“The best,” both women agree with me on a sigh.

We move into discussions of our favorite movies, especially our shared love of holiday-themed movies, while Owen brings the pot of soup to the table, filling up everyone’s bowls with a second helping. I have a tummy full of warmth not only from the ham and corn chowder we’re eating.

“Delicious,” Owen praises, pointing to his half-full bowl with his spoon.

“Thank you.”

“He’s right. It’s really good. Hit the spot, too, Cami.” I look up at Rex who’s still holding Issy on his lap.

“I’m glad y’all are enjoying it.”

After we’ve finished eating, we all clear the table together and I help Owen put the leftover soup into a container and place it in his fridge. I figure it’s time for me to leave them to it so they can catch up a little bit before Owen’s family leaves but apparently Liv and Chloe have other plans.

“Can we talk books? I’mdyingover here. I just want to ask you all the things!” Liv says, bouncing on her seat.

“Yes! Oh my gosh, I’ve been dying, too. Please tell us everything!”

“You’re such freaks. She didn’t come here to talk about books.”

“I beg to differ!” I protest. “I haven’t had people to talk about books with for ages and I’d love to sit and talk for a while but we might have to do it another time. Owen said you’re leaving tomorrow, right? I don’t want to interrupt your time with him before you leave.”

“Pssh. Like I care,” Olivia teases.

“I’m going to put Issy down for a nap,” Rex announces and Ethan agrees, saying he’s going to lie down with Brody.

“That’s code for they’re going to take a nap as well,” Owen explains with a yawn from his place on the couch, arm extended over the back. He stands, stretches his arms above his head, and twists.

I’m standing next to him and laugh when he yawns again. “Joining them, are you?”

“I just might,” he says then bends over slightly to me and stops abruptly with his mouth about three inches above the top of my head.

Everyone is looking at him, confused by his actions. I don’t blame them. I’m confused as well. Was he about to kiss me?

“I’ll uh,” he stammers, pointing down the hallway, “be back there. Make yourselves at home,” he says, looking back. He runs into the wall, ping-ponging back before practically running away.

We’re all staring after him and it’s Rex who speaks first. “Interesting,” he says in a way that it is, actually, very interesting to him to see Owen’s behavior.

Me, on the other hand, am just confused.

Chapter Eleven

Owen

“You fooling around with your guest?”Ethan asks, arms crossed over his chest as he leans against the doorway to my bedroom.

“Nope.”

“So, you almost kissed her in front of everyone, she made you and your family a meal, and she babysat for your niece and nephew, why?”

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