AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And it would bring us good luck,” Eli adds.
I just shake my head. “There are children present.”
Bode looks at me. “Right. We’ll keep it PG. A fish it is.”
“Just a regular one,” Maggie says.
Declan stops working and looks at her. “As opposed to what, Maggie?”
She smirks. “I don’t know. An erotic one?”
One of the corners of his mouth turns up. “Explain that to me, Maggie. What is an erotic fish?”
She shoves him gently and then says, “I’ll tell you all about it later.”
He winks. “Can’t wait.”
“Where’s your boyfriend?” Declan asks, looking around.
“He was cold,” I say.
Eli gives me a look.
“What?” I say. “Not everyone likes the snow.”
“Or games or finding a Christmas tree or caroling,” Eli mutters.
I glare at him. “Mind your own business.”
“As long as you’re happy,” he says.
“I am,” I snap, sounding entirely too defensive.
“Good,” he nearly yells.
I return my attention to the snow I’m packing, but I feel eyes on me. I steal a glance up to see Bode just watching me. A look of concern on his face.
Ian wakes up from his nap, and Declan and Maggie disappear inside. Eli tells us he needs a hot chocolate break, so Bode and I are the only two who remain.
We work in silence for a moment until Bode says, “Areyou happy?”
I whip my head up. He’s not looking at me. He’s just focusing on the snow in front of him.
“Yes, Bode. I am. Are you?”
He pulls his face up until our eyes lock – he looks like he’s in pain. “No.”
I suck in a quick breath. He breaks eye contact and walks into the house without turning back. I just stare at him the entire way.
When I get inside, I rush over to Seth and wrap my arms around him. His whole body stiffens. I point up, “Mistletoe.”
“Oh.” He frowns. I lean in for a kiss. He gives me a quick peck before pulling away. I lean back toward him again, and he whispers, “Don’t make a scene.”
I laugh. “A scene? Did you see the President making out with the First Lady by the fireplace earlier? We’re an openly affectionate family.”
His frown grows. “It makes me uncomfortable.”
He steps back, and I fumble for words. “Oh, of course. I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable.”
