Page 24 of Yes to The Holidays
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Odin. Enjoy the rest of your trip. If you’re around this area, don’t be a stranger,” Dad said as he shook his hand.
Mom went in for a hug. “What he said. And Janie, text me when you get home safely, please. I love you.”
“I love you, Mom. Love you, Dad.” I hugged them both and walked down the steps, letting Odin go ahead since my sister was walking with me.
“Bravo, Janie. Bravo,” Cassie said low near my ear.
“Shut up.”
“Hey, if anyone deserves it, it’s you. Does he have any brothers who aren’t married?”
I rolled my eyes. “Sorry, just the one. Plus, he’s leaving soon.”
“Sis, you really are the dumbest smart person I’ve ever met.”
I stopped before we got too close to the car. I looked over, and Odin was waiting at my door with it ajar. “What the hell?”
“He likes you more than a fling. But what I do I know. I’m your single baby sister. Now I’ll be attacked for this status once you guys take off, so thanks for that.”
“He’s leaving next weekend. It is what it is. But I didn’t want him to be alone on Thanksgiving.”
“Okay. But dudes don’t just go to random chick’s family gatherings but again, what do I know? I love you. Don’t keep that hunk waiting.”
I hugged her, and then waved up at the porch to my parents before I climbed into the car.
It was a quiet ride for a while, but the things said all day kept replaying in my head. My stomach was in knots as the words started to form on my lips. “Why did you say that?”
He glanced over, not taking his eyes off the road too long but acknowledging me. “What did I say? When?” His hand was on my thigh again, squeezing gently.
“Earlier, you said you didn’t love me but think you could. Why did even say that?”
His head jerked. Had my blunt question surprised him? “It was true. I was telling you how I felt.”
Clenching my jaw, I drew in a deep breath then released it. “I don’t want to argue, but that’s unfair, Odin. You leave in just over a week. I’m sure other girls want to hear that kinda mushy garbage, but I don’t need lies to sleep with you. I did that anyway with very little information.”Man, I sound like a whore.“To be fair, I had been with one man over ten years and–”
“Janie, I slept with you with the same amount of info about you as you had on me, so I am not judging you. Also, I’m notlyingto you. I’m not trying to get in your pants because, as you said, I already have. Yes, I planned to return home next weekend, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see where this goes. And things are looking good for me to need to be around here a bit, at least for a while. So, it doesn’t have to be over.”
My heart raced. This was a fling. It was fucking with an expiration. I would have never been so forward otherwise.
“Janie, I really like you. I know the timing is a little strange for you, but we don’t have to rush anything. But I already decided I’d like to see where this goes.”
I swallowed hard. I should have reservations. I just got divorced. But everything in me screamed to go for it. Hell, I had been done with my marriage for a while, I just happened to sign the official papers yesterday.
“I tell you what, Janie. Give me through the new year. I can travel to you, maybe you can fly to New York for a couple of days, and we can spend New Year’s Eve together here in your hometown.” He grabbed my hand and threaded his fingers through mine. “Say yes to the holidays, Janie.”
My throat bobbed. I was already going to agree, but that little speech sent pressure to my face. I fought back tears.
“Janie?”
I nodded frantically.
He glanced back over, so I turned to the window. Stupid tears wouldn’t stay in their lane.
“Janie, I didn’t mean to upset you. If you don’t want to–”
“Yes, dammit. I was trying not to sob like an idiot but yes!”
He laughed and let go of my hand to reach for my face. “Why are you crying?”
