Page 98 of Love Me Boldly

“What? A present?! Mama, Mr. Graham got me a present!”

“I heard,” Holly said in a dry tone. “I think the whole neighborhood just heard.”

The kid definitely had a set of lungs on him.

“Sweet!”

He ran off, leaving Holly and me alone, and me feeling like I was in seventh grade with my first crush on a girl all over again.

“Thanks for inviting me.” I set down the gift bag with Jonah’s skates in it by the stairs right off the door.

“This is weird.”

“A little. But I like your home.” It was mostly cream walls with pops of color from artwork. There were blankets tossed over the worn, dark brown sectional couch, and books spread out all over the coffee table. She might have tried to pick up before my arrival, but she hadn’t gone overboard in making a home with a kid in it look perfect.

It looked lived in, aged some, sure.

Holly scanned her place like she was trying to see it from my eyes. “It’s not a lot…”

“It’s perfect,” I assured her. My own home wasn’t much larger, and the only reason I had that was because my dad handed me a substantial down payment. Holly had done this all on her own. There was no reason for her to be embarrassed.

“Come in,” she finally said, giggling like she was as nervous as I was. “We’re only making this weirder. Jonah wanted to help make dessert, so he’s probably destroying the kitchen right now.”

“Jonah bakes?”

“Brownies from a box mix. Don’t get overly excited.”

“I like brownies from a box mix.” I liked it even more that he was baking and with her in the kitchen. “I used to love helping my dad in the kitchen. I’m glad you do that with him.”

She smiled at me over her shoulder and then brought the flowers to her nose. “I remember.”

My mouth split into a grin.She remembered.

“I’ve learned a few things the last few years working with Caroline, so I hope you like what we made. Nothing special, but Jonah loves spaghetti, and it was easy, so…”

“Holly.” I reached out and tugged on her hand. She frowned down at my loose hold on her before lifting her confused and worried eyes to me.

“What?”

“I’m here because I like you. I already know I like you. You don’t have to worry about impressing me. I’m already impressed.” I tried to look around the corner for Jonah but couldn’t see him, so I took a risk. A quick tug on her hand had her falling back into my chest. “And trust me, I wasveryimpressed on Sunday.”

I kissed her quickly but firmly, and as she turned away, her cheeks were peachier than the roses.

I took that as a win.

* * *

Jonah shovedthe last bite of his brownie into his mouth and shouted, “Can I open my present yet?” Brownie dust flew out of his mouth.

“Jonah!” Holly cried. “Not with your mouth full. Please. Good gracious.” She wiped crumbs off the table and brushed them back onto his plate.

I covered my own mouth so he didn’t see me laughing.

There was no reason to be nervous at all. As soon as I saw Jonah dumping brownie mix into a large silver bowl when Holly guided me to the kitchen, the night became Jonah’s show. He gave me a tour of their house and pointed out where his bedroom was. Took his time showing me all the things he liked in there the best. His Lego, a couple hockey posters, and some Nerf guns I promised him I’d play with him another night.

He kept up his one-man show all through dinner, talking about school and hockey and all the things he loved, barely giving Holly and me a chance to say anything to each other.

What we did share were a bunch of glances and smiles and even laughter.

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