Page 121 of Hold Me Instead
He turned, finding her in a bright red knit sweater adorned with snowflakes and puppies.
“I…what? When did you get here?” What expression had been on his face?
She smirked and squeezed him to her side. He put his arm over her shoulders, almost reluctantly.
“A little bit ago.” She glanced over her shoulder, then back to him. “Everyone’s very excited to see your father. He’s barely made it past the door.”
He hummed noncommittally, his gaze darting back to Charlie.
“So?”
He looked down at her. “What?”
“Never were that good at hiding your feelings. Have you asked her out yet?”
“I…” Charlie’s gaze met his. She perked at the sight of his mom, then slowly raised an eyebrow at him. He couldn’t help but smile at her, calming when she grinned back. “Yes.”
Jeanie clasped her hands together. “Oh my, I never thought this day would come.”
“No, Mom—”
“I won’t say anythingto your father.”
“Definitely don’t. We aren’t…this isn’t serious.”
She pursed her lips.
“She and I are on the same page, before you ask. Sandra made sure about that too.”
“Your sister knows?” Jeanie asked softly.
“Yes. It’s not a big deal. This was all supposed to be temporary.” Even as the words came out, he knew it was bullshit. As soon as he’d stepped foot in town, it was like his roots replanted. Seeing Charlie again had only made him more eager to stay. More curious. There was never going to be any “temporary” where he and Charlie were concerned.
“But the practice?” Jeanie asked.
“Yeah, well, that’s separate.”
Jeanie looked at Charlie, then back to him. “How?”
“It just is. We’re being open with each other about it all. Don’t worry. Don’t say anything to Charlie either, okay? I don’t want her to be embarrassed.”
“Oh, honey. With the way she’s been watching you this whole time, I’d say ‘embarrassed’ is highly unlikely. She looks completely smitten. She’s almost as bad as you at hiding it.”
Charlie was staring again and immediately blushed at being caught. She looked around, appearing to have just realized Maura and her husband had moved along and she was standing alone. Just watching him and his mom. She bit that lower lip and owned it. With a little wave, she lifted her head high and walked toward Jasmine. He chuckled softly.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you smile like that in years,” Jeanie mused.
He felt it in his cheeks, the strain of unused muscles there to prove his mom’s point.
“Son.” His father came up beside him, steps slow. “Nice little party you have here.”
“Charlie and Maura. All them,” Zachary said, taking a sip of the holiday punch.
“Of course. Can we go on into the hall for a minute?”
Zachary nodded, sparing his mom a quick glance as he followed his dad through the room and into the dim hallway.
“I talked to the new accountant.” Daniel threaded his fingers together. “We’re prepping the paperwork to transfer the practice to you.”
