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“Fine.”
“You sure? I know it’s a big crowd, and it’s chaotic.”
“All good. Happy you’re happy.”
“Very happy. How did you even manage to pull this off? I had no idea Noah was planning to take everyone down here Christmas night.”
“It was no big deal. I just called Frank, who reached out to Drew, who knew a guy who worked with Noah. Next thing I know, I have his number, and I called.”
“And you ordered a sleigh. And hot cocoa. All so I wouldn’t miss this.”
She walked over and put her hands in my jacket pockets, her icy palms a shock to my warm ones, and I instinctively shuddered from the chill. I smiled, looking into her eyes, not fully registering the startled look on her face as the distance closed between us. I wanted…neededto kiss her…when she took a small step back.
I blinked and looked down at her hand in front of me.
She stared at her open palm, her eyes widening as she pressed her lips together in a thin line. “Is this my spark plug? Is this why my poor little SUV wouldn’t start?”
I swallowed a gulp of chilled air, needing to wake up my panicked brain.
“Maybe,” I ventured at last, not having the words to explain my little plan. That I’d needed her to stay to give her this. If she’d left, she’d never have made the proposal. They’d have all been here, and she would have been there.
A very rational explanation, and one I should have quickly given, except for the fact that, for once my life, my voice didn’t work.
Jenna growled, shook her head, and stormed off inside, leaving me standing there.
The air deflated out of my body.
Way to go, Dean. Way to go.
Chapter Twelve
J
enna
I hurried back into the house, my feet barely touching the crunchy snow on the patio. I took a deep breath the moment the sliding door closed behind me, separating us more. He hadn’t followed me in. Clearly, he’d been just as shocked about my little discovery as I was with the spark plug in his pocket.
I could hear the happy chatter of everyone off in the distance, the Christmas music still played, everyone still conversing in the living room. I’d bet no one had even noticed our disappearance. Good, because I needed to be alone. I needed a moment to calm myself. I looked at the spark plug in my hand. Of all the things, all the damn things—he’d sabotaged me.
I blinked away my tears. How long ago had he done it? How long had he manipulated me?
“Jenna! There you are,” Emma called.
Quickly, I slid the spark plug into my jeans pocket and put a smile on my face, hoping I could blame my glossy eyes on the cold outside. “Sorry, just went for some air.”
“Mmm.” Her eyes twinkled as she held out a glass of champagne. “You just wanted a few private minutes with Dean, and I can’t blame you.” She grinned. “You’re gonna have to fill me in later on the whole thing, Noah just gave me the abridged version on the drive down. Only in this family could someone end up stranded with a rock star over the holidays.”
I laughed then took a quick sip of my champagne. “Just air, I promise. The snow’s finally slowing.”
“Oh, good. We can go skiing tomorrow.”
“I’ve had enough of the snow.” A hint of bitterness crept into my voice. The snow was my enemy right now. If it hadn’t been for that, Dean would have been in Miami enjoying his Christmas in a hotel somewhere, and I would have been right where I stood, in the midst of my family Christmas, celebrating.
“Then you and Dean can curl up in front of the fireplace instead.” She smiled, her eyes turning serious. “What is it?”
“Nothing. Just the cold.” I shivered for effect, hoping she’d believe me.
Emma eyed me for a minute. “Why don’t I buy that?”
