Page 11 of Love at First Slice
“It’s not horrible. We also host parties like birthdays, graduations, baby showers.”
“Sounds like a lot of organizing.”
“I love that, too.” I laughed.
“You do?” I nodded all too happily. Somehow, I was suddenly a lot more relaxed.
“You should see my pantry,” I admitted. “Everything is labeled and has a place. I think if I lived in a more metropolitan area, I would have totally started a home organizational business.”
“What is that?” he asked as we both seemingly gravitated closer to one another.
“Oh, where I would go in and organize a home. Like the closest, pantries, garage, etcetera. Get it all cleaned up and tidy so you can manage it easier.”
“Shit.” He grinned. “I think I might need you in my life.” My heart lurched with hope and excitement even though I knew he meant more about what I liked to do over me as a woman.
“Yeah? Are you more on the messy side, Principal Cosecha?” I asked, my tone slightly flirty. An image of just how messy he could get with me popped in my head, and I had to press my thighs tighter together for relief.
“I will admit, at work, my desk? Spotless. At home?” He winced in a self-deprecating way. “Not so much.” I laughed. His hand touched mine under the table, and my eyes drifted down to it. His dark-tanned skin looked so good against my own.
“How about you? Do you like what you do?” I asked, not pulling my hand away like I should have.
“I love it. I mean… I won’t lie; it can be a lot of headaches, but I enjoy it.”
“Do you miss your old school?”
“Yes and no.” His eyes searched mine. “I’m actually starting to like Moonlit Pines a lot more than I thought I would.” His deep tone made me want to lean closer, but if I did, I’d literally be sitting on his lap. His thick thumb started to stroke the top of my hand. “It’s starting to feel a lot like home.”
Like home.That’s exactly what it felt like to be around him.
“Well—“ Words lodged in my throat. God, I wanted to ask if he felt this gravitational pull, too, or if it was just my own delusions. I opened my mouth, but someone clinked their glass, and just like that, the little bubble we’d been in despite being surrounded by people popped.
“Okay, everyone!” Tabitha called out. I straightened, turning my attention to my friend as she stood. But Mark never let my hand go. He didn’t even try to loosen his grip so I could slide out of it.
Nope.
That thumb kept stroking the top of my fingers in the most calming yet seducing way imaginable.
“Every year has its shares of highs and lows,” she started, earning her some soft chuckles and head nods. “But no matter what, I think we always have something to appreciate. And since it’s Friendsgiving, I was hoping that before we dig in, maybe we could go around the table and say what we are thankful for this year?”
Everyone nodded, and my friend’s eyes sparkled with joy.
“Sweet. I will go first.” She cleared her throat, and I felt like I was about to hold my breath. I knew Tab.
Tab was sweet and shy and easily emotional.
Seeing her standing in front of everyone, about to speak about something personal, made me so damn proud of her. This was not something she would have ever done even a month earlier. Love had changed her, it seemed. And for the better.
“I am thankful for a lot this year. My girls, as most of you know, have been the only family I have had, well… for more than a couple of years.” She blinked away tears. Damn it if I did, too. “I love you three,” she rasped as her eyes bounced from Ember to Rosie then to me. “I hope you know that no matter what happens in life, that never changes. Ever.” My own eyes stung. “I’m also grateful for having everyone here with us tonight tocelebrate Thanksgiving. As I look at the people surrounding the table tonight, my cup feels like it’s overflowing with blessings and gratitude. But I think I am most thankful for the opportunity to take chances and doing just that.” Her brown eyes drifted towards Brew, who sat next to her and looked at her with nothing but adoration in his eyes.
“If I hadn’t, our paths wouldn’t have crossed. I know we’ve been together less than a month, but I can tell you without a doubt that I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you, Brew.”
I had to look away because Brewster stood and wrapped my friend up in his arms before kissing her. Something that made us all clap and catcall. Once the table had settled down, Brew went next.
Then, one by one, everyone at the table did, until it was suddenly Mark’s turn. He stood, his hand left mine for the first time, and he cleared his throat.
“I’m thankful for the invite tonight and meeting new people. I am a lot more grateful for having somehow landed in Moonlit Pines than I could have ever thought.” His attention dropped down to me and solely me. “I’m grateful”—his voice dropped to a raspier tone—“for my new home.”His new home.I wasn’t sure what I said when I stood up.
His new home.His words played on repeat as I sat down. Had he meant me? Why did it feel like he meant me? Why did I feel the same way?
