Page 14 of Mr. Merry Ex-Mas
Including Danny.
Planning his birthday party with Matt and Kylie was fun, and deep down, I wanted to give him the best day ever. I chalked it up to needing to get along because Matt and Kylie are having a baby, and of course, Matt and Danny are best friends. But in the back of my mind, I wanted him to see what I did for him. I enjoyed it, and I hoped he did, too.
The auditorium is empty and quiet, exactly how I had hoped to start the morning. I'll pretend I’m not upset that Danny leftwhen everyone else did. But when Kylie followed him right out the door, I knew something was up.
I shouldn’t be watching them. But I am. I stand to the side of the window, hoping they can’t see me looking out and watch as Kylie catches up to Danny in the parking lot, fast and sharp like she’s on a mission. I know that walk, well, slight waddle since she’s pregnant, but she’s in full interrogation mode, and Danny doesn’t even flinch.
He leans against his truck like he’s got all the time in the world.
I can’t hear anything they say, but I’ll give Danny credit. He doesn’t walk away from her, but I know he would never be rude to Kylie like that. She gestures wildly with her hands, and I can practically hear her calling him out. I’m sure she’s dragging our almost-kiss into the light, acting like it’s a big secret, and now she needs to know it’s true. Danny just watches her patiently, like he’s waiting for the moment she’ll stop talking so he can have his turn.
I know that move. I used to love hearing what one-liner he would drop, even if I bitched and complained about it.
But then something happens. He doesn't appear cocky anymore. He looks almost defeated. His shoulders sag, and his hands drop to his sides. I obviously can’t hear him, but by the look on Kylie’s face, whatever he just said impressed her.
She doesn't react, and her body language also goes soft. Kylie always has something to say, but she also listens very well.
She nods, then turns and starts walking back toward the building. She looks calmer, maybe even a little thoughtful. Danny stays where he is, staring at the spot she just left. And I duck back from the window before Kylie can spot me.
My heart beats fast, and I want to ask questions, but then she’ll know I was spying on them. I have to wait; I know she’ll tell me. But in the meantime, thoughts come at me, fast and sharp.
What if he’s really not just trying to mess with me?
What if he’s actually just trying to get me to relax?
What if I want him to?
I shake my head, quickly collecting my clipboard and purse, pretending I wasn’t watching my sister and ex make plans about my life.
10
DANNY
I’m halfway to my truck when I hear her.
“Hey!” Kylie’s voice echoes through the empty lot. “Don’t pretend you don’t hear me. I’m pregnant, not stupid.”
I stop, slowly turning around. I’ve already got the smirk on before I face her. “Didn’t think I needed a hall pass to leave.”
She stops a foot away, her arms crossed, ready to read me the riot act. “Cut the act, Romeo. Tell me what I walked in on this morning?”
I raise my hands. “Just a little fun with the mistletoe.”
“Don’t play dumb.” Her eyes narrow. “Something was going on between you and my sister. I walked in, and the air was practicallysweating.”
I snort. “Dramatic, even for you.”
She takes a step closer, staring me in my eyes. “You were about to kiss her.”
I don’t say anything. What’s the point?
“Are you trying to get her back?” she pushes.
I shrug. “Would it be the worst idea I've ever had?”
“No,” she fires back like she’s been holding it in but then tilts her head. “But it would be the most dangerous.”
I let out a breath and lean against the side of the truck. It’s cool and steadies me. “I’m not trying to be a dick here, Kylie.”
