Page 25 of Fortuity
ChapterTen
Faith
“Holy freaking hell,”I mumbled under my breath, standing on what must have been the biggest porch in the history of the world. It wrapped around the front of an enormous brick house that was at the end of a long, winding driveway. There was a detached five-car garage off to the left of the house, in addition to the attached three-car one to theright.
I knew the Montgomerys had money, but I’d never imagined the kind of wealth it took to own a property like this. Not even with all Elaine had done for my group of students. Their house was more an estate than a home, with a perfectly cut lawn as far as the eye could see. And I was almost positive I’d seen horses out in the distance when we’d turned off from the road onto theirdriveway.
I’d been excited all morning about joining Elaine, her husband, and Dillon for the holiday. Then the town car had arrived to pick me up, and I was a little nervous along with a whole lot grateful for the ride because the drive was about thirty minutes and the car was incredibly comfortable.Andfree.
But now that I’d been dropped off on their doorstep, I was nervous as hell and wondering if I’d made the right decision when I’d accepted Elaine’s invitation. But it was too late to change my mind since the car had already pulled around the circular drive and was on its way back totheroad.
Then the door opened, and Dillon was standing in front of me with a welcoming smile. Staring up at him, I forgot why I’d started to second-guess myself in the firstplace.
“Hi.” I added a quick wave with my free hand and clutched the container filled with cookies with the other as I held it out to him. “I brought some no-bake pumpkin cookies fordessert.”
Dillon’s eyes lit with humor, but not in a way that said he was making fun of my awkwardness. It was more like he appreciated it, as crazy as that was. “I wonder if I can sneak them past my mom and dad? I love all things pumpkin, and it’d be great if I could keep these all tomyself.”
Elaine swept past him, grabbing the container from Dillon’s hands before she moved forward to wrap me up in a quick hug. “If anyone gets to hoard the pumpkin cookies, it’s me. It’s only right since I’m the one who invited Faith to join ustoday.”
“Hey, no fair!” Dillon complained, trying to take the cookies back from his mom. It was hilarious watching her keep them away from him when he had about six inches and at least fifty pounds on her. There was no doubt he could’ve taken them from her if he’d wanted, but instead, he let her win the scuffle easily. I found it sweet; how Dillon was gentle withhismom.
It sent those butterflies swirling again, but in a different way than before. They weren’t because of how hot he was; even though his short-sleeved shirt was tight and did amazing things for his chest, shoulders, and arms. This kind of butterfly was trickier than the ones caused by the chemistry between us. They couldn’t be ignored quite as easily...because they were the first sign I was starting to develop feelings for him. Of course, I had to realize it right when I was standing in front of his parents. And it was the first time I met his father. Because that was justmyluck.
At least I was good at shoving my feelings into a box and storing them away for later...or never. Because the habit came in handy when Dillon’s dad stepped around his wife and son and held his hand outtome.
“Ignore them. I do it all the time when they’re like this,” he suggested as we shookhands.
“Hey!” Elaine cried, sounding exactly like her son had justmomentsago.
Her husband flashed her a playful grin that reminded me of Dillon’s smile. “You knowit’strue.”
“Yes, but you don’t need to tell everyone about it,” shechided.
“But Faith isn’t just anyone. I’ve been hearing about her from you since August.” He turned his grin on me. “And thenthere’sDil—”
A gasp burst from my throat when Elaine slapped her hand over his mouth. It turned into a giggle when Dillon tugged on my hand to lead me past his parents, saying, “My dad is the one who had it wrong. They’re the ones you should ignore when they’re acting like this, which is pretty much all ofthetime.”
I thought theyallhad it wrong. The way Dillon’s family interacted with each other was special, and nobody should ignore that kind ofbeauty.Ever.
“I actually kind oflikeit.”
“Youdo,huh?”
“Yeah, it’s nice to spend time with a family who’s so happy together.” My gaze swept across the foyer and into the living room, taking in all of the autumn-themed decorations. “To celebrate a holiday that’s all about giving thanks when I actually have a decent-sized list of things for which I’mgrateful.”
“That’s such a sweet thing to say.” Elaine squeezed my shoulder as theyjoinedus.
“We’re happy to have you with us,” hisdadsaid.
“Thank you, Mr.Montgomery.”
“Call me Lloyd,please.”
I hadn’t hesitated when I’d met Elaine and she’d told me the same thing. His request wasn’t any different—it even made more sense for him to make the offer because I wasn’t a complete stranger to him like I’d been with Elaine back when we’d had lunch in August. I was friends with his wife. I was...whatever word someone would use to describe what was happening between Dillonandme.
But it didn’t feel as natural using Mr. Montgomery’s first name. Probably because I’d never had any positive male role models in my life, except for the doctors who’d saved it. So I paused for what felt like a moment too long before replying, “Thank you,Lloyd.”
Dillon stepped closer, his hand going to the small of my back. I took comfort in the gesture. Settled into his touch. Appreciated how he must’ve made the move because he’d sensed my discomfort and wanted to do something toeaseit.
