Home for the Holidays

“Hands off, Logan.” I jump back at the deep rumble of my brother's voice. He’s standing in the open door on my side.

“She’s mine to have my hands on,” Logan states. I smack his chest. He gives a lazy shrug. It should piss me off, but the way he claimed me actually sounded hot. I feel my face start to heat more. Is he being serious or was this part of the acting we’re supposed to be doing?

“Listen here, mother—"

“Beau.” My mom cuts him off with only one word. My mom is one of the sweetest people in the whole world. That is until she thinks you stepped out of line, then she’s a force to be reckoned with. Even I sit up a bit straighter. “Be nice and let my baby girl out of that car.”

Beau doesn’t want to move, but he knows he has no choice. Not when it comes to listening to her. Mom hardly ever asks for anything, so when she does we all jump to.

After a beat, my brother steps back. I start to climb out, but I’m surprised to see Logan’s outstretched hand. How the heck did he get out so fast and around the car? For a big man he moves rather quickly.

I take his hand and let him guide me out. It feels natural to have my hand in his. I know I shouldn’t be thinking these things, but something about the way he kisses me doesn’t feel as if it’s only to put on an act.

My thoughts are interrupted when my mom engulfs me in a giant hug. “I missed you so much, sweetheart,” she says into my ear, making my eyes fill with tears. “Don’t you cry on me. We’re happy.” She kisses each of my cheeks. “Now introduce me to this Logan man that your brother has been cursing about.”

I let go of my mom. As soon as I do, Logan is pulling me back into his hold. He tucks me into his side. I fit perfectly.

“Mom, this is Logan. Logan this is my mom, Elizabeth.”

Logan holds his hand out for Mom to take. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“I’m a hugger, honey,” she tells him. I duck out of his hold, and Mom wraps him in a hug. For a moment he stands there stiff, but he quickly gets it together and hugs her back. “You’ll get better at hugging.” She pats him on the chest. “I’m going to take my daughter in. You two do whatever it is you need to. But you will not bring your differences into my home. Leave your drama at the door, boys.” She points between my brother and Logan.

“No, they should come in.”

Mom moves faster than me, snagging my arm to pull me toward the front of the house. I look back at Logan, but he doesn't look worried to be left alone with my brother. Seeing them next to each other, I notice they are about the same size. My brother might be an inch shorter, but he's built a touch broader.

“Let them do their man thing. Your dad will be home in a moment.” I try to turn back, but Mom’s hold is unbreakable. When we get inside, she finally releases her hold on me. I barely get my coat off and she’s grabbing my hand to look at the ring on my finger. Crap. I’d forgotten about that. Heck, I forget everything when Logan puts his mouth on me.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. Mom’s face softens. “It was really fast.” It’s the truth.

“I would say so.” She turns my hand back and forth, letting the light bounce off the ring. “It might be fast, but the man must have quickly learned your taste.” Yes, he has. The ring is better than anything I could have dreamed up. “Does this mean you’ll be moving home now? Your brother told me Logan doesn't live far from here.”

“We haven't talked about it really.” Again, not a lie. This is going to be hard. When I see the lights flick past the front door, I know Dad just pulled up. I try and go back out, but Mom stops me.

“Are you staying here tonight?” I can see the hope in her eyes that I am.

“Yes.”

“Good. It’ll give everyone time to get to know each other.” I follow her into the kitchen, sitting down at the island. My hand hits the mouse of the laptop that is sitting on one of the chairs. The picture of me and Logan going up the stairs of his plane fills the screen. “We were stalking you,” Mom admits, shutting the laptop with a smirk.

“Find out anything good?” She opens her mouth and then closes it. There is something she wants to say, and she’s trying to figure out how to do it without hurting my feelings. “Just say it.”