We sat quietly in front of the fire that night, her reading and me trying not to stare at her as she did so. Occasionally, I’d get caught in my staring, and she’d narrow her eyes and tilt her head. She’d been quiet since we arrived, and I worried she was having regret. But the look in her eyes now was more thoughtful and curious.
That was Mari’s scheming face. I recognized it just as I heard Janice come downstairs. I swallowed, wondering what Mari had in mind.
Janice came into the room and cleared her throat. We both looked at her, and she stood, coat on and an overnight bag on her shoulder. “I’m going to the Lodge for a few nights. I’ll be back by Christmas Eve.” She lifted her chin as she spoke.
I shot a look at Mari, who was biting back a smile.
“By yourself?” I asked.
“No,” she said, elaborating no further. “Once I’m gone, you can pull into the garage if you want, Mari.”
Mari nodded, a blush on her cheeks.
“Did you know about this?” I asked Mari.
She flipped a page in her book, avoiding me. “I did not.” But was this the same as that inside joke with Clara?
“You two are very schemey. I don’t know how I feel about that. If I hear a marching band, I’m leaving.”
“Mari had nothing to do with this. The Lodge is all decorated for theholidays, and I need a change of scenery. Unlike you, I need time outside these four walls.”
I held back, pointing out I was out of the house most days. I wasn’t looking to argue or make her stay. In fact, my heart began to hammer.
“Have fun, I guess?” I said, but felt weird, considering where she was headed.
“You two have fun too. Be mindful of shared spaces,” she said on a turn and walked out.
Mari’s face was bright red. Four whole days with Mari. No plans. Just Mari.
My heart went wild. I smoothed my hands on the couch and studied her where she was sprawled on the floor. The fire caused her features to glow, and her long hair flowed over her shoulder. She looked at me with a soft curve to her lips.
“Janice and I are weird, aren’t we?” I asked Mari.
She shrugged. “I’d prefer that sort of relationship to none at all.”
I frowned, desperate to reach for her. “Mari. I’m so sorry about your?—”
Mari launched herself at me.
CHAPTER 28
MARI
The time for subtlety had passed.
I straddled Leo and grabbed his cheeks. “I want you.”
His gaze moved over my face. “In any particular way? Just want to make sure?—”
“All the ways,” I said.
Four days. Four days of just Leo and me. No plans, no distractions or accidents. Nothing to get in our way.
“Merry Christmas to me.” He breathed.
“I’ll be right back,” I said as I shimmied to move off his lap.
He made a whimper of confusion and held on to my hips. “What? Where are you going?”
