“You know better now,” I say, poking her in the side to lighten the mood. “A lot of that was on me. I knew what the media would say, but I listened to my agent, who claimed any press was good press and rolled with it. I never imagined I’d find a woman who would capture my attention, and I’d end up regretting letting it happen. That’s not who I am. Not anymore. You’ve changed me.”
“It’s so fast. All of this is happening so fast.”
“Is it? I know you felt it that night all those weeks ago, and I know I did as well. We’ve been dancing around it.”
“I feel like I just got you.”
“Technically, yes, but you’ve had me. There’s been no one else for me since the moment I laid eyes on you that first night at the club.”
“I should care about the media stories and your reputation, but I kinda don’t,” she says, smiling up at me. “I’m happy.”
My forehead presses against hers. “That’s all that matters, baby.”
“I can’t believe you did all of this for me.”
“This doesn’t even touch the surface of what I would do to spend time with you.”
“Creeper,” she teases.
“Only for you,” I say, kissing the corner of her mouth. The buzzer for the gate sounds. “That’s the delivery guys. I need to handle this. Check it all out. I’ll be back.” She stands from my lap, and I head to let the delivery guys in through the gate.
“Holden?”
I stop and turn to face her. “Yeah?”
“Thank you for this. For being the amazing man you are.”
It’s as if her words are a vise around my heart. I don’t say the words out loud, but dammit. I’m falling hard for her. “Right back at ya, baby,” I say, then turn and walk away.
CHAPTER 21
Parker
I’m nervous and can’t stop twisting my hands together. Holden insisted on driving since the weather report claims we could get some snow flurries today. He claims his truck will do better in the snow.
“Hey.” He reaches over and places his hand over mine, and I stop fidgeting. “Are you sure you want to do this? I can drop you off and come back and pick you up.”
He says the words, but I know he doesn’t mean them. He’s told me multiple times how excited he is for me to meet his family later today. I’m just nervous because I know my dad. I know how he treated Cameron the first time he met him, and I don’t want his overprotectiveness to ruin Christmas.
“No. I want you to come with me. My dad, he’s just really overprotective of us.”
“I can handle it, Parker. I promise.”
“I know you can. I just don’t want him being an ass to you. Turn left here, the second house on the right.” He does as I say and pulls into the driveway.
“Babe, I understand it. He’s your dad, and my reputation, well, it’s not exactly stellar. I can take whatever he gives me. I promise.”
“Okay. Well, please don’t hold it against me.”
“The only thing I’m holding against you is me,” he says with a wag of his brows.
“Come on, player,” I tease. Just like that, he’s eased my fears.
Climbing out of his truck, I grab the bag of gifts for my family, and Holden grabs his. He brought wine for my parents and a bottle for Paisley and Cameron as well. He got Peyton a gift card to the mall, and Jett got some kind of remote-controlled car. He picked everything out on his own.
“You didn’t have to do that, you know.” I point at the bag in his hands.
“Oh, so you’re telling me that the bag in the back seat isn’t for my parents?” I can’t say that, so I just shrug. We step up to the porch, and he presses his lips to my temple. “It’s all going to work out. They might not like me at first, but I’ll win them over. It worked with you.”
Instead of a reply, I push open the door just like ripping off a Band-Aid. We might as well get this over with. The house is bursting with activity. Taking off our coats and kicking off our shoes, we leave the presents in the foyer and go in search of my family. It’s not much of a search. I know that they’re going to be in the kitchen and that Mom will be serving her french toast casserole, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and hash brown casserole.
Dad thinks bacon should be its own food group. I love french toast casserole, Peyton loves biscuits and gravy, and Paisley loves hash brown casserole. Jett takes after his aunt Parker and prefers the french toast casserole, and Cameron, much like Dad, loves the bacon and all of the others. They always sample a little of each.
“Merry Christmas,” I say, keeping my death grip on Holden’s hand. My family stops talking and returns the sentiment. Mom comes around the counter and pulls me into a hug, and then to my surprise, she does the same to Holden.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” she tells Holden. Not that I’m surprised. I called her on my way to Holden’s after shopping all day, and just as I suspected, Mom invited Holden and said she would take care of my dad. I make a mental note to remind Peyton that Mom is her ally when she finally decides to bring a guy home.
“It’s nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Monroe,” Holden replies politely.
“I’m Peyton.” My younger sister waves at him.
“Nice to meet you.” He nods, then turns to face my father. “Mr. Monroe,” he says, offering my dad his hand.
Dad takes it, and with an elbow nudge from Mom, speaks. “Nice to meet you.”
“Where’s Paisley?” I ask, taking a seat at the island. Holden stands next to me and settles his hand on the small of my back. His silent support for me makes me smile. I should be supporting him after the cool greeting he received from my father.
“They’re on their way,” Mom answers. “Jett was having fun playing with all his new toys. It took them a little longer to get him out the door.” No sooner than the words are out of her mouth, the front door opens, and Jett’s laughter greets our ears.
“Grandpa!” Jett yells as the pitter-patter of little feet comes roaring down the hallway. “Look!” He runs to my dad, who is bent down to catch him in his arms. He stands, and his smile is as wide as Jett’s. “I gots a dinosaur. Rawr!” Jett pretends like the animal is going to eat my dad’s ear.
“Wow!” Dad exclaims with all the excitement that my nephew is expecting. “Santa was good to you.”
“Hims was. I got lots and lots of toys.” He nods.
“Hey, everyone,” Paisley says, her hands resting on her tiny baby bump. “Hi, Holden. Glad you could join us.”
“Wait. You two know each other?” Dad asks.
“He’s my teammate,” Cameron says, coming to his wife’s rescue.
“Merry Christmas,” Holden tells them.
“Time to eat. Everyone, grab a plate,” Mom says.
I remain seated and let Paisley and her family grab their food, with Peyton following them. “You ready for this?” I turn to ask Holden. “I’m telling you my mom’s Christmas morning breakfast spread is somewhat of a religious experience,” I boast.