Page 139 of Return Policy
“Just wait.” He cuts me off, throwing an arm over my shoulder, tugging me into his side. “Merry Christmas, Sunflower.”
“What?” I laugh. “There’s still a few days till—” The words evaporate off my tongue at the sight of thousands of tiny, colorful lights flickering on around us. “Oh my God.”
He rests his head on mine. “This is one of the best parts about coming here for Christmas.”
Every fence, house, barn is covered in lights. I must have been so distracted by Penelope, I didn’t notice them along the wooden posts. “It’s beautiful.”
“My dad and I used to set it up together.” He pauses. “I guess Mom and Nama weren’t ready for the tradition to end either, so they had the ranch hands set ‘em up before taking off for the holiday.”
For the first time, I notice the sadness swimming in his ocean eyes. How the hell did I miss it before? Either I’m entirely self-absorbed or Elijah’s better at hiding things than I realized.
* * *
“Right this way, please.” A waitress dressed in a tied-up flannel shirt, daisy dukes, and cowboy boots leads us through the country-themed restaurant.
“I amseverelyoverdressed,” I whisper-shout in Elijah’s ear.
“Stop worrying, you’re beautiful.” He kisses the side of my head, dragging his palm down the back of my silk, long-sleeved cocktail dress. “Prettier than a glob of butter melting on a stack of pancakes.”
“Good lord, did you exchange your hard drive for the country version when we got here?” I smirk at him as he pulls out my chair. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,darlin’.” He winks, and my cheeks flush. He continues around the table, pulling out the seats for Jenna and Grandma Mia. It’s adorable watching him be such a Southern gentleman.
Elijah sits down, and I can’t help but smile seeing him clad in tight Levi’s over cowboy boots and a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I could get used to the rodeo look.
He smiles, narrowing his eyes at me. “What?”
“Nothing… I was just wondering if you keep a complete bull riding wardrobe here?”
“Ha ha.” He scrunches his nose at me. “Trust me. I’d stand out more here if I dressed like I do on campus, babe.”
“Um.” I wave at my body. “You mean like how I do right now?!”
“Mm-hmm.” He leans over, kissing me on the cheek, and I roll my eyes, turning my attention to the menu.
“Howdy, y’all,” a waitress says, appearing at our table, and her grin widens when she sees Elijah. “Well, hey there, handsome. I didn’t know you were in town.”
“Just for a few days.”
“I’d love to catch up while you’re here,” she says.
Um, excuse me, bitch, I’m right here.
“Sorry, Brit.” Elijah places his arm around the back of my chair. “I’m here with my girl.”
Her smile falters for half a second before she collects herself. “Alright, well, y’all ready to order?”
* * *
We amble out of the restaurant with full bellies. Elijah and his mother may look very different, with her having dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes, but they share so many small mannerisms I’ve lost count. She’s incredibly generous, and Grandma Mia is just hilarious. Elijah’s arm is slung over my shoulders, keeping me warm, and I’m enjoying being snuggled into his side.
“Dad’s truck running good?” Jenna asks, and I glance up at Elijah in surprise.
“Yeah.” He tightens his grip on me. “Running great.”
Great, I made fun of his dad’s truck.
I am the biggest asshole on the planet.
