Mistletoe (K19 Security Solutions 3)

“Okay.”

“Sound good?”

“Sure. Who else will be there?”

“I don’t know, exactly, but my guess is you’re asking about Mantis, and he won’t be. He’s going to Connecticut.” He set the steaming bowl of soup in front of her and watched as she took three spoonfuls and then rested the spoon on the side of the bowl.

“I’m not as hungry as I thought.”

“You can have more later.”

Alegria shuffled back to the bedroom, leaving Dutch wondering if the news about Mantis being on the East Coast for Thanksgiving had ruined her appetite.

—:—

The first Thanksgiving she spent in America was at Mantis’ parents’ house in Connecticut. He’d invited her to go along when he realized that, as an international student, she’d be staying at the academy with a handful of other people for the holiday.

She was nervous on the flight, and he reassured her.

“My parents are really nice. You don’t have to worry. They’ve always been great about me inviting friends to the house,” he said.

“Is that what we are, Cadet Cassman?”

“What would you like us to be, Cadet Mondreau?” He smiled, leaned closer, and kissed her.

Later that night, Mantis sneaked into the room where she was sleeping, and she’d lost her virginity.

From that trip on, they’d been a couple. Sure, they’d broken up and gotten back together several times after they graduated. There were times she thought they’d never speak again, like she did now. They’d always wound up back together, though. Would this be the one time they didn’t?

Chapter 6

Zary and Gunner

“We aren’t eating until four. You’ll feel better by then. Don’t worry—your mom, my mom, and I got this.”

Zary smiled. There were so many things she loved about Gunner, but none more than how he was with her mother.

Little by little, they left the translation app behind and communicated in a mix of English and Azeri. Today, Gunner and his mom, Madeline, were teaching her how to make stuffing for the turkey. Zary could hear him asking her mom to read the ingredients

out loud. She struggled, but Madeline helped her sound out the words.

They were responsible for bringing the turkeys over to Razor’s while other guests pitched in with side dishes and pies. At least that’s what Gunner had told her was happening.

Their combined guest list had grown to a number Zary was unsure of, but most of them were staying at inns along Moonstone Beach rather than at the duplex. Even Gunner’s sister had opted to stay at one of the inns so their mother could stay at the house.

Every morning, Gunner brought a tray in with a bowl of cereal and a banana; the only thing she could keep down before noon.

“I can get it myself,” she’d say again and again.

“Let me take care of you,” Gunner would respond each time.

“Good morning,” Madeline said, poking her head in the bedroom doorway.

Zary smiled. Gunner’s mother was one of the nicest people she’d ever met, exhibiting no signs that Gunner inherited his grouchiness from her. His sister, Odette, was just as nice.

“Good morning,” Zary responded.

“How are you feeling?”