I wink at her, and she bites her bottom lip. I reluctantly release her now that she’s steady on her feet, but neither of us moves until someone clears their throat behind us, making us both snap our attention back to our tasks, Jessie on the cheese and crackers; me on the veggies.
My mom squeezes between us, reaching for a drawer we’re both standing in front of. She gets what she needs, not looking at either of us.
When we take our place at the counter again we exchange smiles and sideways glances.
I can’t wait for the album listen tonight.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
JESSIE
After we’ve watched all the sports and had all the leftovers, Mac starts to gather warm layers for us both. He instructs me to stay inside while he prepares the truck, so I wait in the kitchen with Amelia.
“I’ve never seen Mac like this.”
“Like what?” I ask.
“Like, so smitten.”
I tug at the neckline of my shirt, averting my eyes.
“I know you guys said you were just friends, but there is clearly something between you two,” she says, eyes narrowed, eyebrows raised, awaiting confirmation.
But I don’t have to say anything: she reads me like a book. She’s been reading me since I walked in the door twenty-four hours ago.
Amelia is giddy. “Oh, Jessie, don’t ever play poker. Your face tells me everything. The way you look at him… God, I hope that’s how I look at Michael. And don’t even get me started on how he looks at you, because frankly, I could drown in looks like that. Haven’t you noticed?”
Of course I’ve noticed the way Mac looks at me, but I guess I didn’t notice when it changed from a look full of nothing to a look full of something.
“Ready to go?” Mac leans through the doorway of the front hallway into the living room. He’s dressed warmly in a beanie, puff jacket, gloves, jeans, and boots. He’s so handsome I have to clench my fists to keep from reaching out to touch him. Inside me, a marching band has started playing their loudest, most rowdy number, cymbals, drums, trumpets, and trombones all blasting off inside. It’s an absolute riot in every corner of my body, heart, and mind.
“Ready?” he asks again.
Amelia gives my arm a gentle squeeze, and I follow Mac out to the driveway.
“Whose truck is this?” I ask as I climb in.
“Michael’s.”
“Where to?” I buckle up.
“It’s a surprise.” He gives me a devilish grin and a wink and starts the truck.
“Even if you told me the exact place, it would be a surprise. I have no idea where I am.”
“Perfect.”
“Is it perfect because you’re actually going to murder me?”
“Yep. Hope you’ve lived a good life.”
“I had a few things left that I hoped to accomplish. Would you be willing to give me a few more years? I’d go without a fight if we can negotiate this out.”
“You convinced me. Should we revisit in five years?”
I suck in air through my teeth. “Gosh, I’m actually suuuuuper busy in five years. Can we make it eight?”
“That seems reasonable. Let me just throw that on my Google calendar.”
