Page 56 of Welcome Home for Christmas
“What was your mother’s feedback on that one when you were dating?”
Allison blew out a breath. “She had a lot to say about him. And all of it turned out to be true. She even predicted that he’d cheat on me.”
Troy’s brown eyes softened. “His loss.”
“Maybe. I decided after him that I’d take a break. And that I’d never bring a guy I like home to my mother for her to tear apart.”
“Which is where I come in,” he said.
“You’re my decoy. To keep my mother from thinking something is wrong with me.”
“For the record, there is nothing wrong with you. You’re perfect.”
Her heart did a silly little dance. “Thank you. You’re forgiven, though. You don’t have to keep trying.”
“I know. Just calling it like I see it.”
She sucked in a breath, filling her chest with air. She wanted to believe everything Troy said. Wanted to live in this pretend world that couldn’t possibly last.
And she didn’t want to use Troy as her decoy anymore. She didn’t want the veil to come off; she liked the guy in front of her. A lot.
They finished up breakfast and then took a walk down a few of the scenic streets in Seaside. Troy draped his jacket over her to keep her warm. It was cold enough to snow, although she’d given up on a white Christmas here a long time ago.
But she’d given up on finding Mr. Right, too, she thought, stealing a sideward glance at Troy.
“We have a little time before we need to go to Mercy’s Place. Do you still want to show me your place?” she asked. “You didn’t get a chance last night, too busy playing the town hero.”
Troy grinned. “I’d like that very much. Let’s go.”
