“Aww… daddy,” Quinn whispers, smiling bright as ever, then she looks at Nina, “The best advice ever.”
Nina glances around the table, then her eyes stop on her husband. “Another amazing year.”
“Ditto, baby,” Mr. Jackson agrees, his gaze filled with love as he looks at his wife.
Eli glances at his soon-to-be father-in-law. “Quinn.”
Everyone chuckles, then all eyes turn to Ethan. The smile drops from his face. “My turn?” Mr. Jackson nods, then Ethan’s eyes lock on me, and heat instantly bursts over my neck and face. “The two hours I got to listen to you yesterday.”
My heart starts to thunder in my chest. Not in a bad way, but also not in a way I’ve ever felt before. It’s unnerving.
I quickly turn my attention to Dad. “Coming home early.”
Dad leans into me, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re the biggest gift, sweetheart.”
Everyone digs into their food, and I shovel a scoop of potatoes into my mouth, my heart still racing a mile a minute. I glance up, and when my eyes connect with Ethan’s, I almost start choking and grab the glass of water to wash the food down.
Chill, Finlay. God.
“Finlay,” Nina says to get my attention. When I look at her, she continues, “I keep hearing how talented you are. I’m hoping I’ll get to hear you sing.” She gives me a sheepish grin. “Maybe after lunch?”
“Ah… I didn’t bring my guitar.”
“We can do karaoke?” Quinn mentions. “That’ll be fun.”
“Hell no, I’m not singing,” Uncle Josh grumbles.
“Whoever doesn’t sing washes the dishes,” Nina says teasingly.
“In that case, I’ll sing first.” Everyone chuckles at Uncle Josh’s sudden change of heart. “I’ll treat you all to the magical sounds of a dying cat.”
I almost spit out the bite of roast beef I just took and have to cover my mouth with my hand while I try to breathe, laugh, and chew all at once.
“He’s not lying,” Dad says. “The man can’t hold a tune to save his life.”
“So Finlay’s the only one who can sing in your family?” Nina asks.
“She got it from my late wife,” Dad explains.
I’m starting to feel a little self-conscious and tug my bottom lip between my teeth.
“Quinn, I’ve been meaning to thank you for all the business you’re sending my way,” Ethan jumps in, and I get a feeling he’s intentionally directing the conversation away from me.
My cousin gives him a puzzled look. “What business?”
“All those cupcakes you’re feeding everyone’s making them gain weight, which they come and sweat off at the gym.”
“Oh, in that case, you’re welcome,” she grins happily.
The conversation starts to revolve around the fireworks-themed cupcakes Quinn plans on baking for New Years, and when Ethan glances at me, I mouth, ‘Thank you.’
With a warm smile, he mouths back, ‘Welcome.’
When we’re all done feasting on the lunch Mr. Jackson prepared, I help clear the table. I set down the plates on top of the stack already waiting next to the sink, and just as I’m about to turn around, someone comes up behind me and sets a plate down on top of the pile.
Instantly panicking, I dart to the side. I step away as quickly as possible, putting the kitchen table between us. My eyes snap to Eli, the feel of him still behind me crawling up my spine.
“Ethan says you’re getting really good with the self-defense lessons,” Eli mentions before I can escape the kitchen. It’s just the two of us, and even though I know he won’t hurt me, I can’t help the fear coiling in my stomach.
“Ah… yeah… I think.” I take a step closer to the door, gripping hold of the table as if I can use it as a weapon or shield.
“You okay?” Eli asks, narrowing his eyes at me.
The air grows stuffy, and the light dims.
Just then, Ethan comes into the kitchen, and instead of completely freaking out, relief courses through my veins.
The realization rocks me on my feet.
I actually feel safe with Ethan. Not just a little but a lot.
My heartbeat speeds up, and I start to feel jittery for a whole different reason.
“Finlay?” Eli calls my name. “Are you okay?”
Ethan’s eyes snap to my face, then he tells Eli, “Don’t worry. You go ahead to the living room.”
When Eli leaves, Ethan doesn’t come closer, and it’s only then I realize I’m gripping the kitchen table like a life raft, my breaths exploding over my lips in short bursts.
Shit. Calm down.
Ethan moves slowly to open the back door, and stepping outside, he nods with his head for me to follow.
I peel my hands away from the kitchen table and follow him out into the backyard, forcing myself to not break out into a run.
Ethan gestures at a bush that’s wrapped with plastic. “You have no idea how hard it is to wrap those every year, but come hell or high water, my mom refuses to lose them to frost.”