“Damn, that was a bad idea,” he says. “Now I really want you to come home with me. Do you think Pops would notice if I stole you away?”
“Yeah, he might. Especially since I promised him I’d bake cinnamon buns for breakfast. They’re his favorite.”
“Well, you’remyfavorite. We haven’t even left yet, and I’m already looking forward to seeing you at dinner tomorrow. Are you sure you’re okay with my parents knowing about us?”
“Yeah. They’re going to find out sooner or later anyway. Might as well get it over with while we can use the holiday as a distraction.”
“Is it weird that I’m excited for them to know?” Jordan asks, his eyes shining. “They already love you, so seeing us together is going to make them so happy.”
“I hope so.”
“I don’t have a single doubt. The only problem with telling them is my mom will take every opportunity to remind me not to fuck it up.”
“I can do that too if you’d like,” I tease.
He rubs the cold tip of his nose against mine. “Nope. I don’t need anyone to remind me how fortunate I am to have you as a girlfriend.”
“I feel lucky to have you too,” I say.
He presses his forehead to mine. “Drive safe, and text me when you get home.”
“I will. You be safe too.”
“Always.” He opens my door for me, and I slide onto the seat. “Merry Christmas Eve.”
I smile. “Merry Christmas Eve.”
He closes me inside and places his hand on the outside of my window. I press my palm to the glass against his. He gives me that lazy smile that’s always been a weakness of mine, then turns and heads over to his truck.
And as I drive away, I realize I miss him already.
CHAPTER 24
JORDAN
I’ve been restless all morning, and nothing I’ve occupied myself with has been able to quell that feeling. So here I am, arriving early at my parents’ house, which is a first.
“What are you doing here?” my mom asks when I walk into the kitchen.
“Merry Christmas to you too.” I hug her, and she kisses my cheek.
“Merry Christmas, son.” She smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re here. I just didn’t expect you so early.”
“I wasn’t doing anything at home, so I figured I’d head over.”
“Can I put you to work?” She raises her eyebrows, looking hopeful.
“Sure. What do you need?” I roll up the sleeves on my new flannel shirt. The sales lady mentioned the dark green color complemented my brown eyes, so of course, I purchased it in the hopes that Ginger would agree.
“Can you drain the potatoes and mash them for me?”
“Yep.” I grab the large pan from the stove and dump the potatoes into the strainer in the sink.
“How’s everything going?” Mom asks.
I shake out the excess water and return them to the pan. “Good. Business has been really good. Everyone needs extra help chilling with all the family functions.”
She snickers. “Aren’t you lucky you don’t have that problem?”
