Home for the Holidays

“When was there a time since you’ve known me that I haven’t known what I’m doing?” My eyes flutter open to see Kelly talking to Logan.

“I’m starting to think right now.” Her eyes lock with mine. It wasn't a dream. I was sure it was. It was too crazy to not have been a dream. “Hi.” She gives me a warm smile. Logan turns to look at me. The firm line of his mouth softens when he looks at me. Or maybe that was my imagination wanting this thing between us to be more than it is. I’ll need to keep reminding myself that this is a business deal, nothing more.

“You’re awake.”

I sit up with a yawn. “I think this chair is nicer than my bed.” I stretch. My sweater rides up more than it already had while I was sleeping. Logan’s eyes drop to my stomach, and I quickly pull the sweater back down.

“You need a new bed then.”

“I need a lot of things when it comes to my apartment.” I open the screen on the window to see we’re on the ground. “We’ve landed?” I jump up from my seat. “Why didn't you wake me up?” I start to gather my things. I’m home. A sense of relief fills me knowing that I’m at least on my home turf.

“You were tired. You were talking and passed out mid-sentence.” Did I?

“Oops.” Oh noes. I was telling him about my life. We haven't really gotten into his life yet. He is a workaholic, and his family sounds cold. Even when he talked about them there was no emotion. It was sad. It made me realize that I was lucky. I may not have a lot of money, but I have a family that loves me. I’d take that over money any day.

“We can talk more in the car,” he says.

Kelly’s phone dings. “Which is here,” she lets us know. She and Logan share a look.

“Come.” He offers me his hand. “They will get your things.”

“I can carry my own stuff.” I start to go for it again, but Logan grabs my hand, leading me off the plane. A man standing next to a giant black SUV goes to open the back door, but Logan waves him off, opening the door for me himself. I climb up inside. “This is different.” The back of the SUV reminds me more of a limousine but shorter. There is even a divider between the front and the back for privacy.

“We’ll be in Rocky Hill soon. You need an SUV or truck to get around this time of year.” True. He shuts the door behind him.

“Are you dropping me off? Oh, my brother.” I start to look for my phone. “He's supposed to pick me up.” Logan pulls my phone out and hands it to me.

“Text him and tell him you have a ride.”

“You’re taking me to my parents’?”

“I thought we should stay at my house. Wouldn't that be more normal for an engaged couple?”

I stare at him. “You want me to stay with you?”

“Isn't that what an engaged couple would do?”

I suppose. My stomach starts to knot. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I was hoping to stay with my parents. There’s nothing like waking up to my mom’s fresh baked cinnamon buns in the morning. But I guess a deal is a deal.

“They aren't going to believe this. I barely believe this is happening.”

“Your mom believes in love at first sight,” he reminds me. Right. I’d told him how my parents met. I bite my lip. A small scream leaves me when I’m pulled into Logan’s lap.

“What are you doing?” My body melts into his.

“Getting you used to me.” His hand goes to the back of my neck to pull me closer to him.

He presses his mouth against mine. I sit there in shock for a moment. When his tongue slides across my lips I part them for him a little. He slips his tongue right in. My mouth moves against his as if it’s done it a million times before.

I wish I could say he sucks at it, but that’s not the case at all. He kisses me as though he were always meant to. My whole body lights up, feeling things I’ve never felt before.

I get lost in him for a few minutes, forgetting all about what this really is. He suddenly pulls his mouth from mine. I feel the loss immediately. When I open my eyes, he’s staring into mine.

“How was that?” His words break me from my thoughts of the kiss having more meaning to it.

He was only trying to perfect it so that everyone will buy into the lie we’re feeding them. I know I shouldn’t be, but somewhere deep down inside I’m disappointed. I remind myself that this man is a stranger even though it doesn’t feel that way. I get myself together realizing I haven’t responded to him.