Page 48 of Holiday Hook Up

Chapter 11

Adam pulledinto his driveway and shut off the lights. He’d spent the whole afternoon shopping with his father who always waited until the last minute to buy his Christmas gifts. It’d involved a trip to a mall a few towns over followed by a relaxing dinner and a game of cards, in which Tom and Bridget joined them.

It would be another year—two tops—and then he suspected his brother and Bridget would start a family of their own. He was rather looking forward to being called Uncle Adam. He’d no doubt spoil any nieces or nephews like crazy, especially on Christmas.

He glanced over at the huge green Tupperware container his stepmom had given him full of her famous beef lasagna. His not being much of a cook was well known among his family. She always sent him home with enough leftovers to feed a small army, which he appreciated.

He climbed out of his truck, noticing that Bethany was home. Since her living room light was on and the curtains were drawn, he had a clear shot of her sitting on the sofa. She looked like she was settled in for the night, sporting red pajamas with her hair up in a long, messy ponytail.

Must be ready to retire early.

He cocked his head to the side, watching her bring up a wine bottle to her lips and tilt it up for several seconds.

Or not.

Someone was enjoying herself. Maybe he should go over there and see what was causing her to get smashed alone on Christmas Eve. At least he thought she was by herself. There wasn’t another car in her driveway.

He reached back in his truck for the lasagna that would go excellent with red wine if she hadn’t eaten. Crossing his driveway, he headed up her walkway and knocked on the door.

She didn’t make a move to get off the couch, so he pulled on the door handle, but it was locked. Stepping back, he moved to the window and tapped. “Hey, Bethany.”

For some odd reason, seeing him caused her to take cover. Did she purposely duck from him?

More amused than worried, he tapped again. “Hey, LB. Everything okay?”

She popped up and opened the window. “Oh, hey. Hi, Adam,” she said, while setting the wine bottle down on her glass coffee table. “How are you doing?”

“Good. Spent the evening at my dad’s.” He pointed to the ground. “Roads are getting a little slick, though. Thought it would be best to get home before it got messy out here.”

“That’s good.” She stared at him without another word.

“Want some company?” he finally asked.

“Sure,” she said, but made no motion to leave the couch.

“Right.” He nodded to the door. “Want to let me in?”

“Yes!”

He watched her leap up and proceed to stumble, straighten herself, and grab on to her recliner for balance.

Well, it was official: Bethany Wilson was tanked. Chuckling, he walked back over to her front door. Not only would he feed her his lasagna, but he’d encourage her to take a couple of aspirin before she went to bed.

She flung open the door and threw her arms around him, falling forward. “Hi, Adam the Elf. I’msohappy to see you.”

Her arms were latched around his middle, holding on for dear life. “Looks like I’ve come to the right place for some Christmas spirits. Have you eaten?”

She let go and eyed the lasagna container in his hand. “Not yet. Is that for me?”

“Yes. My stepmom sent it home with me.”

“It’s a Christmas miracle!” She waved him in and shut the door.

“I don’t know if it’s quite that miraculous, but it’s pretty damn good. I thought maybe you’d like some.” He wiggled out of his coat and hung it up on the coat hanger next to the door.

“I’d love it. Would you like a beer?” She stumbled toward her kitchen before he could answer, humming Jingle Bells.

A beer sounded good, and he was more than curious to why Bethany had decided to go on a binge tonight. He’d find out while he warmed up the lasagna.

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