Page 34 of Christmas Chemistry


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Chris and Deanna seemed content to let this conversation play out, watching the three of us from opposite ends of the table as we volleyed across the middle of it. And even though they’d been warm and welcoming toward me, their apprehension for James hung heavily in the air. I felt a keen desire to ease their minds. It was a little odd to be in this position, considering I’d only known James since August, but I had the impression they understood the strong connection I’d forged with their son.

“You don’t need to say anything,” James whispered to me.

“It’s okay,” I replied, then turned my eyes to Leo. “Jameshasbeen honest with me about his experience in high school. At this point, I’m ready for anything tomorrow. I’m trying to be optimistic that we might even have a good time.” I looked unflinchingly at James’s brother. “But make no mistake. If anyone does anything that makes either of us uncomfortable, I’m not afraid to give someone a poinsettia to the face, if the situation warrants. Do not be fooled by the sweet little kittens on my sweater.”

Leo looked like he might smile, but James’s brow furrowed. “Marley, I don’t need you to protect me. That’s not what you coming here was about.”

“I know that. Just like I didn’tneedyou to help me unpack my mom’s boxes. I could have done that myself. But having you next to me made it easier. Made it better.” I reached out and grabbed James’s hand, not caring about the three pairs of eyes on us. “I want to make your reunion a little easier and better for you. Not just out of kindness. But because I’m proud to stand next to you.That’swhy I’m here.”

I followed up with a definitive nod, hoping James’s family imbibed my sincerity. Deanna rested a cheek on her husband’s arm as Chris and Leo both angled their chins in approval.

James laced our fingers together tightly as he leaned into my neck and said, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

Around eleven, after a marathon game of Settlers of Catan, Leo declared himself exhausted and headed out to his truck to drive home. James and I said goodnight and made our way to the converted basement, as James’s old bedroom was now Deanna’s home library. Once we were alone, I asked him the question that had been on my mind since we’d arrived.

“So, what exactly did you tell your parents about our relationship? Do they know we’re in this undefined limbo-friend state?”

“I haven’t really clarified, but I’m guessing by this room situation they think we’re together. Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I looked down at the pull-out couch with its queen-sized mattress, the only bed in the room. “Don’t even think about offering to sleep on the floor or something stupid like that. We’re adults. I’m pretty sure we can manage it.”

“Yeah. Okay.” He ran a hand over his head, pulling off the beanie to reveal a looped ponytail underneath.

“It’s wild that they never asked you point-blank if I was your girlfriend. On any of your calls.”

“Honestly, they were probably afraid to ask. Worried that if they got too invasive, I’d get spooked and maybe not bring you. I haven’t really dated since my divorce and they hated Cindy with a capital H. My love life, or lack thereof, has been an off-limits topic for a while.”

“Ah. Well, I’m happy to play any part you want me to with your family,” I said. “They clearly think we’re a couple if they’re sticking us on this ancient couch bed together. Nothing says sexy times like dusty cushions next to the forgotten board games shelf.” I waggled my eyebrows at him.

He laughed and shook his head. “How about we don’t offer any details? I doubt they’ll ask.”

There was a bathroom in the basement, so James and I could perform our nighttime routines without needing to go up and down the stairs. I watched him wash his face and rub in fancy beard oil. He saw me apply my night cream and remarked on how good it smelled.

After brushing my teeth, I came out of the bathroom to find him standing next to the pull-out. Seeing him in gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt, hair down and dusting his shoulders, caused a shiver of awareness to race through me. No matter our conviction to go slow for now, my reaction was a good reminder of my incredible attraction to this man. I balled my fists as a persistent desire to touch him threatened to override my best intentions. James was clearly in a similar state. While my Christmas thermals covered everything, they also provided a full outline of every curve and dip of my body. He raked his gaze over me, swallowing audibly before catching himself.

I launched myself underneath the covers.

“Do you need me to build a blanket wall down the middle of the bed?” he teased, breaking the tension.

I threw a pillow at his head. “We’ve had a long day, and I know you’re nervous about tomorrow. Let’s not add unnecessary worries about this bed situation to the mix.” I pulled back the blanket and turned away from him. “Try to get some sleep if you can.”

For a long moment, I waited to feel him slide onto the mattress, but the expected movement never came. I rolled over to peer up at him. “Everything okay?”

James released a heavy breath and glanced at the ceiling, shifting his weight from one foot to the other before looking down at me. “I hope you know this isn’t a move or anything, but can I—” He paused, exhaling heavily. “Can I just…hold you?”

He was adorable. So much difficulty simply asking for what he needed. Especially when it was easy for me to give it to him.

“I’d like that.”

Less than twenty-fourhours later, it was time to leave for the reunion. James came out of the bathroom and my mouth literally dropped open.

The invitation said the event would be casual. He wore close-fitting dark jeans and a tailored gray-green button-down with the sleeves rolled up. His one nod to the holiday theme was a deep red bow tie with a silver snowflake pattern. Dark boots and a thick black belt completed the outfit.

His shiny hair was down, with a level of volume I could only accomplish with hot rollers, hairspray, and the exact right amount of humidity. He’d also taken the time to trim his facial hair. It was closer to his skin now, more like long stubble than an actual beard.

I shook my head at the way my blood heated, forcing my reaction to the back burner. In this moment, we needed to keep our minds on the big, scary thing he needed to do.