Chapter Thirty The Caldwells #2
“Oh, did you all see my text about Toby’s Christmas chorus concert next month?” Lauren asks. “He’s going to be an elf.”
“An elf?” Paige arches a brow. “They’re making them dress up for their concert? Are they doing it like a play or something? We only ever had to wear nice clothes when we were younger. No costumes.”
Lauren shrugs and sighs. “No, more like little skits between songs… maybe. I don’t really know, but he’s excited.”
“Ahhh, I probably won’t be able to come,” Rosie pouts.
“You and Kyle going to his family for Christmas?” Lauren asks.
“Yeah,” Rosie sighs. “It’ll be fun, and obviously we have to split up the holiday time somehow, but it’s always hard to miss out on these times with you guys.”
There’s never a gap in the conversation. It’s just like when I was a kid, my sisters dominating the conversation while Mom and Dad interject with random stories about the neighbors or relatives I vaguely remember from growing up.
Sitting back, I steal glances toward Rylee to make sure she’s not too overwhelmed.
She’s way more reserved and quiet than usual, but she’s smiling as she watches my family and listens to their rapid fire conversations.
She seems very at ease with everyone except me, but hey, that’s okay.
I just feel a rush of relief that she appears to be enjoying herself.
“So, Rylee,” Rosie says. “Tell us a little about yourself. Zander says you’re a photographer for ICON?”
“Uh, yeah,” Rylee answers. “That’s right.”
“That’s so cool,” Rosie gushes. “I love ICON!”
“Their Lifestyle Edition is fantastic,” Paige adds. “There was a really great article last month about a new boutique downtown that I’m dying to go to.”
Rylee grins. “Oh, yeah, that was a good one. I know the photographer they used for that article. She’s really talented.”
The girls keep going back and forth, including Rylee in the loop, and I can’t help but regret feeling so nervous about my sisters at first—their exuberant greeting set the tone, and they’re making her feel so included at every turn.
The rest of dinner goes by smoothly, we all help clear the table, and afterward Lauren and Paige get ready to take off for the night since it’s so late.
Much later than any of us anticipated, really.
Gathering at the front door, they give us all hugs, including Rylee.
“It was really nice to meet you,” Lauren tells her. “Can’t wait to hang out more tomorrow!”
Rylee smiles. “I’m looking forward to it too. Thanks!”
“We’ll see you all tomorrow,” Paige says as she and Lauren head out the front door.
“Good night!” Lauren calls.
“Night,” I reply.
“See you tomorrow,” Rylee says.
Once the door shuts behind them, I glance over at Rylee, noticing the yawn she’s trying to contain.
As we make our way back into the dining room where Mom and Dad are clearing the table, an idea hits me, and I hesitantly ask, “Hey, um, since it’s so late, and like an hour to your place, do you want to stay here tonight? ”
She arches her brow and replies, “Stay here? I, uh, I don’t know about that. I don’t want to impose…”
“It’s no imposition,” I insist. “I’ll take you over to your place or your mom’s tomorrow, no problem. Whatever you want to do. We’ve had a long day, and we’re both tired. I promise, I’ll get you to your Thanksgiving with time to spare.”
She hesitates, but I can see that I’ve tempted her - she is sleepy, I can tell, and honestly, I’m not keen on driving for an hour when I’m so tired and it’s nearly midnight. After thoughtfully nibbling her bottom lip, she slowly nods.
“Okay…okay, I’ll stay here tonight. Gizmo’s in the living room sleeping with the dogs, anyway. He’ll be pissy if I force him back into his carrier now.”
I try not to make my excitement obvious. “Mom and Dad are going to hit the hay once they’re done in the kitchen and Rosie’s likely already asleep.”
“Oh, I can help clean up first… ” she offers, but Mom cuts her off.
“That’s all right, dear! You must be exhausted. You go on and head to bed. David and I can take care of this.”
“Are you sure?” Rylee asks.
Mom smiles and assures her, “Yes, of course. Don’t you worry.”
“Okay,” Rylee nods, then looks back up at me. “I am pretty tired. Let’s find Gizmo and go to bed.”
Luckily, the little fur demon is easy to find. He’s come out of hiding and is curled up on top of Duchess’ back on the couch in the living room. Rylee grabs him and I lead her up the stairs to my bedroom.
Walking into the room, I groan inwardly at the sight of my highschool hockey trophies still on display on shelves around the wall, video game posters, and old PS2 and XBOX consoles and games in the corner hooked up to my old TV.
Embarrassment floods through me. At least my collection of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editions are hidden out of sight.
I’m not sure I could recover from the humiliation if Rylee saw those.
Mom has refused to change anything about my room since I left for college, and so Rylee is getting a full-on look of high school Zander in his full nerdy glory.
She lets out a low whistle as she looks around. “Glad to see it’s not just my mom who keeps my bedroom looking like a shrine to my teenage self.”
I chuckle, feeling a surge of relief that she doesn’t think I’m a total loser who peaked in high school. “Oh, yeah? Good to know we’re not alone in the world.”
“At least you have a big bed,” she says, nodding toward the queen size bed that Mom replaced my old twin bed with.
“And she removed my Zelda sheets, thank God,” I joke.
Rylee laughs at that, but when she stops, the atmosphere grows thick with awkward tension. I look between her and the bed, unsure if she’s forgiven me enough to let me touch her again, even just to sleep.
“Um… I’ll build myself a nice little nest on the floor,” I offer. “You can have the bed.”
She looks at me with a small frown. “It’s okay. We can share the bed.”
My heart races and I feel a flash of hope. Has she forgiven me already? Can we go back to the way things were?
“Just… just stay on your side, and I’ll stay on mine,” she continues, popping my excitement like a balloon.
“Oh… okay.” I flinch when I don’t exactly hide my disappointment.
She swallows. “It’s just, um, too soon still, okay? I need more time.”
“No, I totally understand,” I quickly assure her. “There’s no pressure. I’m just really grateful that you’re here.”
She gives me a small smile. “All right. I’ll get Gizmo’s stuff set up and then I’m going to go to the bathroom and get changed.”
“Okay. It’s just down the hall. Third door on the left.”
She unpacks Gizmo’s travel food dishes and litter box in the furthest corner of the room from the bed. Then, grabbing her bag, she murmurs, “Thanks,” then heads out the door.
Once she’s gone, I let out a long breath and drop down to sit on the edge of the bed. Gizmo hops up next to me and bumps his head against my arm.
“I just gotta be patient, buddy,” I mutter, scratching him behind the ears. “She’ll forgive me. Won’t she?”
Gizmo looks up at me and tilts his head to the side, but offers no words of encouragement.
Damn. If ever there was a time to find out this fuzzball can really understand me, now would be a good time.
He hops up into my lap and rubs against my chest, purring as I pet him, and I feel strangely better. Maybe he can understand me, and this is his way of saying to hang in there, he’s on my side.
He’s rooting for me.
It feels good to have someone in my corner… even if it’s a little fur demon.
When Rylee comes back in her oversized t-shirt and little sleep shorts, I avert my gaze and tell myself not to stare at her ass.
She climbs into bed and curls up on her side.
“Goodnight,” she murmurs.
“Yeah, uh… goodnight.” Setting Gizmo on the bed, I get up and awkwardly make my way out of the room and to the bathroom to change and brush my teeth.
By the time I get back, Rylee is sound asleep.
I pause just inside the door and gaze down at her.
Fuck, she’s so beautiful. Her face is softer in sleep, her hair spread out around her like a golden halo.
I crawl into bed next to her, careful not to disturb her.
Lying back, I stare at the ceiling as I fight against the urge to reach out and drag her onto my chest. It feels wrong, being this close to her but not being able to touch her, but I remind myself to be patient.
She’s here, with me, and I have a chance to make things right.
Sighing, I grab my phone from the night stand and am surprised to see I have a text from Jayce. I didn’t even hear my phone buzz.
Jayce: Hey, man! Wanted to check in and see how it’s going with your family and Rylee. Is she warming back up to you at all?
I respond.
Zander: Hey, dude. Things are going all right so far. She’s really getting along with my family, and she’s not totally icing me out, so progress!
I glance over at her again and feel the ache in my chest as I fight my desire to reach out to her. Jayce replies quickly.
Jayce: Glad to hear that. I’m rooting for you, bro. I know you’ll work things out. Just gotta hang in there.
Zander: Thanks for the vote of confidence. It’s appreciated! How are things on your end? How’s the family?
Jayce: Tense. Awkward. Uncomfortable as hell. You know… the usual. I’ll probably take off and go to a club for the night to get away from it all.
Ooph, that sucks. Not surprising, given what he’s told me about his overbearing, controlling family. Still, I can’t imagine what it’s like to not want to be with my family on a holiday. I feel bad for Jayce. No matter how much he tries to shrug it off, I know it’s got to eat at him.
Zander: Well, don’t get into any trouble when you’re out. I’ll check in with you later.
Jayce: No promises Have fun with your family, and good luck with Rylee!
Zander: Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving
Jayce: Happy Thanksgiving.
I let out a long breath and move to set my phone aside when it buzzes again. Frowning, I wonder if Jayce forgot to tell me something, but then am pleasantly surprised to find a new message from Landon.
Landon: Yo, you home for Thanksgiving?
I chuckle softly, careful not to disturb Rylee.
Zander: I am, but I’ve got my girl with me and she’s meeting the fam, so not sure I’ll be able to meet up.
Landon: What? When did that happen? Damn it, does this mean there’s no chance of you leaving Denver? Am I going to have to join the Night Hawks?.
I snort and roll my eyes.
Zander: Well, she’s actually from Nashville, so who knows?
Landon: Well, either way, I’m happy for you, man. Happy Thanksgiving.
Zander: Happy Thanksgiving.
Putting my phone aside again, I resume staring up at the ceiling as I struggle to resist my desire for the woman next to me. I need to show her that I can be trusted. Relied on. That I’ll listen to her needs and do what I can to make her feel safe and secure with me.
I desperately need her to know that I care about her. Really, really care.
Suddenly, she shifts and then rolls over, facing me. She snuggles into my side and I lose my breath. I carefully wrap my arm around her and hold her against me, the feel of her body pressed against mine easing much of my stress and worry, at least for the moment.
Relaxed, I start to drift off and as I finally fall asleep, I do so knowing that Rylee may be resisting the idea, but she knows that I care and that she can trust me.
And I’m going to make sure she never doubts that ever again.