I could totally picture Winter as a small girl having her turn at the table. She'd always been sweet and caring. "Let me guess. You were so thankful for some new toy, that you wanted to give it to a poor kid who wasn't as lucky as you."
She burrowed deeper into me, and I did nothing to stop her. I wished we weren't in my car right now so I could really hold her…and see her. "Sometimes…" she sniffed. "Participation was compulsory, and we had to listen to everyone else share theirs without making fun."
"You're such a good person, Win." She couldn't even deny that as a child she gave away her toys to those less fortunate. What kid even thinks about doing that? My Winter, that's who.
She's not mine though, no matter how much I want her to be.
"What are your Thanksgiving plans?" she asked softly.
My father's demand that I take my chosen bride to him for turkey dinner waved in my face like red flag. I hadn't forgotten his deadline—which made this conversation even harder. I had nobody to take home, because I refused to do my father's ridiculous bidding.
In a perfect world, the beautiful woman in my arms would be with me because she wanted to be. Because it was right and good. Because she loved me and we were the right fit.
I spoke against hair that smelled like oranges, wishing she was tucked against me in my bed right now. Wishing I woke to this scent each day. "The usual command performance at my parents'. My mom really wants us there, and I can't say no to her. You?"
"Well, on Thanksgiving Day, I'll be serving at the center for the dinner they're putting on for the homeless and less-fortunate families in the area."
"You're not having Thanksgiving with the rest of your family?" Her answer surprised the hell out of me. First time without JW and they won't be together?
She shook her head against my chest. "Since Mom will be in Charleston, we decided to do our own thing this year. I'll be at the center serving food. Caleb and Brooke will be holed up in Brooke's cottage on the island most likely. Willow will go with Roger to his parents' in Connecticut. Wyatt is working on a film in L.A., and said he can't get away."
"Th
at's not right, Win, for you to be alone on Thanksgiving."
"I'll be fine, because Lucas has invited us to his place on the day after. So, we're doing our Thanksgiving celebration on Friday instead of Thursday, sans parents. And one brother." She sighed into me. "It will be weird, but that's what we're doing this year. We'll cook a turkey and some pumpkin pies in Lucas's big gourmet kitchen, enjoy the spectacular view from his island beach house, and probably play drunk Scrabble and video games until we pass out." I could tell she was doing her best to sound cheerful, but fuck, she shouldn't have to. She shouldn't have to care that I wouldn't be upset by what she'd just told me.
"Family can be a difficult business sometimes," I told her, wishing I could take her with me to my parents' for Thanksgiving. My father would be motherfucking joyful. Which was just another really good reason why I shouldn't drag her into his insane plot.
"I know. I just wish it didn't have to be so difficult most of the time."
"Me too." God, how I wished the same thing about being with her.
"I think you are a good person, too," she said softly. No, I'm really fucking not. I could feel her lips moving through the fabric of my shirt as she spoke, and I nearly groaned out loud. Because I wanted those lips so badly I was in grave danger of losing my mind. All I could think about was kissing her breathless until her sadness had been pushed away.
"You're a saint, and I'm a sinner. There's a huge difference between us, and don't you ever forget it."
She shook her head against me. "Not so different. And I'm definitely no saint, James." Then she pulled out of my arms and looked me straight in the eye. "If you only knew what I really want, I think you wouldn't like it," she said carefully, her breathing picking up as she faced me.
Oh fuck. Here we go. The gloves were being thrown down for the first time, and Winter was the one brave enough to go there. My dick started throbbing as I took in her words. Oh, baby, you are fucking awesome.
"Why don't you tell me? I'm right here, and I'm listening."
She shook her head. "No. I can't."
"Yes, you can." I reached out and held her chin in my hand as I had earlier, watching her response carefully. "Tell me what you really want, Win," I demanded.
The rise and fall of her chest grew deeper, as did her breathing as I held her captive. I willed her to say the thing I wanted to hear most in the world. I didn't know what I'd do with it afterward, but at that moment, I didn't care. I needed to hear her say that she wanted me.
"James, I…I want—"
White lights flashed in our faces as my sister pulled into her spot opposite mine. I blinked my eyes to find Victoria waving at us cheerfully.
Winter pulled away and was out of my car in five seconds flat.
I didn't even try to stop her.
Instead, I watched as she greeted my sister with a hug, and then as they hooked their arms together, both waiting expectantly for me to get out and join them.