Page 154 of Lucky Mother Pucker

Excitement bursts through me. Leo is asking me to spend the holidays with him. That’s such a couple-y thing to do.

You’re not a couple. You’re just two friends having fun. He’s just being a good friend by inviting you.

I tamp down on that hopeful feeling. Especially since I’m moving out in a month. I finally have enough money in my savings account from working both of my jobs that I can afford a deposit on an apartment of my own.

A soft pang lands at the center of my chest when I think about moving out—when I think about no longer living with Leo.

I can’t keep living with him though. He’s done more than enough generous things for me—like now, when he’s inviting me to spend the holiday with him.

“I’d understand if you don’t feel like it,” he says. “Your plan for the day sounds pretty awesome, honestly. I’d do that if I didn’t have to hang out with my family.”

I squeeze his hand. “I’d love to come to your family’s Thanksgiving.”

His eyes light up. “It’s a date then.”

He walks off, disappearing into the dressing room. I stand there, grinning like an idiot, a million butterflies swarming through my tummy.

Chapter 55

Leo

Ifinish the egg white omelette on my plate and set my fork down.

I glance over at Lucy, who’s sitting next to me. I grab a few of the fries from her basket and pop them in my mouth.

She lifts an eyebrow at me, her smile teasing. “You’re not gonna ask if you can steal my fries?”

I grab a couple more. “It’s not stealing if I ask.” I wink at her, and she laughs.

I’ve been smiling like a dumbass this whole night. The guys think it’s because I managed to score a goal against Richmond. I’m pumped about that for sure, but that’s not why I’m so excited.

It’s because Lucy was in the stands cheering for me. I’m happy because she wants to spend Thanksgiving with me.

That feels like a thing that couples do. And even though we’re not a couple, I like feeling like we are.

That’s probably weird, but I don’t care. I like her. So much. I want to spend as much time with her as I can. And I want to show her that I’m not going to rush her or push her into something more.

I want to show that I’m here for her, in whatever way she wants me. I want to show her that I want her in my life. I want her to be part of the things that I do.

I want her to see that she’s important to me and that I picture her in every part of my life.

I want to show her that when she’s ready for more, I’m already there.

“So what should I bring to your family’s Thanksgiving dinner?” Lucy asks.

“Nothing. My mom caters it. There’s gonna be plenty of food.

“What’s the dress code?”

I quirk my eyebrow at her. “Dress code?”

She tilts her head at me. “Your family is having a catered holiday meal. I’m guessing I can’t show up in yoga pants and a hoodie.”

I laugh softly. “We usually wear something nice but comfortable.”

She nods once. “I can do that.”

I lace my fingers through hers. “You don’t need to worry though. You can wear whatever you want.”