Page 99 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“She wanted to ask before you could change her mind.”

“I wasn’t going to change her mind.”

“She said you might worry it was too soon.”

The concern had crossed my mind, but not because I didn’t want him there. Thanksgiving belonged to family. Elijah had a big enough family of his own. I didn’t want to take him from that. And deep down, I didn’t want him to reject me, because if he did, it would make me think he didn’t want to come for other reasons. This was the way of my thoughts—wondering if someone would treat us like a second thought or like more than they could handle.

“I want you to come,” I said.

“I want to be there.”

“What about your family?”

“We have dinner early. I can spend the afternoon with them and come to your mother’s afterward.”

“That’s a lot of food.”

“I’ll prepare.”

I smiled and smoothed my hands over his chest.

“What time does your family eat?”

“Two.”

“Mama serves dinner at five, but everyone comes earlier.”

“Come with me.”

My hands stilled.

“To your father’s?”

“Yes.”

“With Malik?”

“Of course.”

Unease filled me, and I hated that emotion. I met Ron once. I knew Christian through Naomi and had spoken to Xander briefly, but entering their family home with Malik was different. It wasn’t simply another date with Elijah.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“Will your father be okay with us bringing Malik’s equipment?”

“My father will rearrange the entire house if necessary.”

A smile touched my mouth because I believed him.

“I need to think about it.”

“Take your time.”

No pressure entered his voice. He drew me closer and rested his forehead against mine. Thanksgiving was three weeks away and Christmas beyond that. I’d decided I wouldn’t let my thoughts run rampant with what-ifs and hypotheticals. Instead, I’d go with the flow.

I lifted my face and kissed him.