Chapter 3
3
LIV
I t’s really unfair for any man to be that gorgeous.
I sigh and fall back onto the bed. I keep replaying the last few hours in my head, but all I can think about is how Dylan Kane is simply too beautiful to look at.
Part of me feels bad that I twisted his arm a little to get him to come home with me for the holidays. While the other part is thrilled that he said yes . It sort of felt like fate running into him, and catching up with him today was more like talking to an old friend versus some man I hardly know. It’s a shame we didn’t have more time to get to know each other better all those years ago, but at least we can do it now.
I stare at the ceiling, thinking about how different he seems now, when my phone rings beside me. I pick it up and glance at the screen before answering. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetie. How was your day?” Her smooth, even tone always brings a smile to my face.
“It was fine. Just ran some errands and cleaned up the apartment. But I still need to do some packing before I head out tomorrow.” I sit up and remove my boots, kicking them onto the floor.
“I can’t wait to see you. I’ve already picked up everything we’ll need for the next few days. I have all the ingredients and supplies for cookies, the gingerbread house, hot chocolate, and your favorite snacks.”
My mouth waters at the thought. Mom makes the best Christmas cookies and desserts. “You didn’t have to do that, Mom. I could’ve done the shopping when I got home. I know you’ve been busy lately.”
“Don’t be silly, Livie,” she scoffs. “You have enough on your plate. I know this semester has been a tough one. But graduation is just around the corner.”
I hear the pride in her tone and it feels like a warm hug. She’s always been so proud of my every accomplishment, and I’m grateful to have her support.
“What time will you be heading this way?”
“Well… that depends.” I’m pretty sure she’ll be excited about the news, but I’m still a little hesitant. The last time we tried a holiday together, it was a disaster.
“That sounds ominous.” She laughs. “Depends on what?”
“I, uh… I might be bringing someone home with me.” I wince, waiting for her response.
There’s a sharp gasp on the other end of the line. “You’re bringing someone home? Like a boyfriend? Since when have you been dating?”
“Jeez, Mom. I’m not a monster or anything,” I huff. “I go on dates sometimes.”
“Pfft. You haven’t been on a date since that very strange boy made you pay half the bill and told you how education was wasted on women. What was his name? Albert? Allan?”
“ Alex , Mom. His name was Alex.” I cringe while thinking back on that dreadful night. The guy was terrible, and I ended up leaving as soon as the check was paid. “And I’ve been out with other people since then,” I grumble.
“Oh, so you’re keeping secrets from your mother, I see.”
I can picture her now. Her lips pinched together in a slight pout and her toned arms crossed over her chest. “No, I’m not keeping secrets. I was fibbing, because my life sounded pretty boring since I haven’t been on a date in the last six months.”
Who am I kidding? My social life is pathetic.
“You’re not boring, sweetie. You have a busy life, and you’re focused on finishing school. Nothing to be ashamed of. You can date later.”
I wish I was dating Dylan, but I know that’s ridiculous. It’s just remnants of an old crush, and I’m sure I’ll get over it soon.
“Nonetheless, I’m not bringing a boyfriend home. I ran into an old friend. That’s all.”
“An old friend?” she asks curiously.
“I ran into Dylan.”
She pauses for a moment until recognition hits her. “Dylan Kane? Where did you see him?”
“Surprisingly, on campus.” He was like a knight in work boots and a tight t-shirt, but I’ll keep that part to myself. “It’s a long story, and I’ll spare you the details, but he helped me out the other night when I really needed him.”
“You called him?” I can hear the confusion in her tone, so I try to clarify.
“No, I just ran into a bit of trouble while walking to my car and he helped me out. So we decided to meet for coffee and catch up.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful, honey. How is he? You know, he was always such a sweet boy.”
I don’t miss the fondness in her tone when she speaks about him. “I don’t think sweet boy is how I’d describe him, Mom.” I chuckle. “There’s nothing boyish about him.” Dylan is one-hundred percent all man, and a damn sexy one too.
“You know what I mean, Livie.” She laughs. “So how is he? He must be about thirty now, right? Is he married? Any kids?”
I know she’s chatted with his dad on occasion, but I guess it’s no surprise Bruce didn’t mention his son. “No, he’s not married and he doesn’t have any kids. But he did manage to surprise me.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s been working construction for the last several years and he’s gotten very close with his boss.”
“Construction? I don’t understand. I thought he’d be working with Bruce?”
“Me too. But apparently, that’s not the case.” I’m still a little stunned at his revelation. “I’ll let him fill you in on the story, but he’s been living very quietly, working a blue-collar job, and staying out of trouble.”
“Sounds like he’s doing well, then. I’m glad to hear that.” Her relief is evident through the phone. “I always thought he was very special. I know he had a rebellious phase, but any mother worth her salt could see it was just a cry for attention. That boy needed love and affection. He really was a good kid.”
“I know, Mom. I could tell.”
“And incredibly smart,” she adds. “And handsome.”
“Alright, Mom. I get it.” I laugh and shake my head. “So it’s okay for him to join us for the holidays?”
“Of course, it is. I’d love to see Dylan. But why isn’t he spending Christmas with his father?”
“I’ll let him explain everything when we get there. Just know he’s coming home with me for a few days, and I had to do some fast persuading to get him to do it.”
“Somehow, I doubt that, Livie. He was always quite fond of you. I’m sure he wants to spend this time getting to know his sister.”
Ew, gross.
“For all that is holy, Mom, please do not refer to me as his sister . You and Bruce were barely married for five minutes, and I can count on one hand the number of times I actually even saw Dylan during that time. I was just some dumb kid. He doesn’t even know me.”
She mutters to herself, but I can still hear her. “I think you’d be surprised to find out what he knows.”
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing, honey. Don’t worry about that.”
I narrow my gaze, even though she can’t see me.
“So what time will you two be here, then?”
“He’s going to pick me up around eight, and then we’ll hit the road.” It’ll be like waiting for Christmas morning and I doubt I’ll sleep a wink. I’m more excited to see him than I care to admit.
“Well, you guys be safe on your way here. It’s been snowing quite a bit these last few days.” And we all remember what happened last time he had to drive back home in the snow.
“We’ll be safe. I promise. I’ll text you when we head out.”
Mom exhales a wistful sigh. “I’m glad you ran into Dylan, honey. I can’t wait to see the both of you.”
“Me too, Mom. I love you.” I hang up my phone and fall back onto the bed again.
I’ll be spending over a week with a hotter-than-sin older man. Looks like this holiday season just got a little brighter.