Rob chuckled. “There’s no reason to talk about that right now, Andy.” His glance at Tom was significant. “I have one rule on Christmas Day—focus on family. Who’s ready to open presents?”
Esa and Calvin immediately put up their hands, but Andy wouldn’t let it go. “Christmas is also the perfect time to announce big plans, Rob. I know we haven’t hammered down the details yet, but perhaps it’s time. I know Tom would love to hear what you’re thinking.”
“And here I thought you didn’t believe in the direct approach,” Nadiya said.
Andy was no fool, Sameera thought. He had realized that Tom knew the truth and wasn’t pleased, which was why he was making one last desperate attempt to get what he wanted by pushing Rob. As she watched, his features hardened, the charming, affable guest gone in an instant, replaced by the shrewd businessman she remembered from their conversation that morning.
“I’m sure you’re all wondering what beautiful Nadiya means,” he said.
“Just Nadiya, thanks,” her sister said.
“The truth is, I’ve been carrying around a dream in my pocket, and I need Cooke Place to make it a reality.” Andy paused, surveying the room. Sameera followed his gaze—her parents and siblings hostile, Rob panicked, while Tom looked afraid of what this conversation might reveal about his father. Tom had been happy cooking Christmas brunch that morning, content when he had shyly told her about talking with Rob. From her own difficult conversation with her parents, she knew what a difference making amends could have on a bone-deep level. She couldn’t stand to see that taken away from Tom. Not like this.
She stood up. “I love presents!” she announced. Everyone stared at her, and Esa gave her a thumbs-up. “I think we should go open them,right now.”
Rob was instantly on his feet and leading the way to the sitting room, where the Christmas tree was set up. Sameera caught Tom’s eye, but instead of the relief she expected, he seemed deflated and wouldn’t meet her gaze. Had she messed up again?
Andy passed by, leaning close to whisper: “You can’t delay the inevitable, Malik. I hope Tom is worth it.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Sameera needed some air before presents; the stress of the morning was getting to her. Once outside, she recorded a voice note to Bee. Her friend was likely enjoying an ordinary Christmas, unlike her, but she felt the need to unburden.
“I have a few updates,” she said into her phone speaker. “Unfortunately, my time at the Undertakers will be coming to an end soon. It’s a long story, but basically Andy turned out to be a villain. On the plus side, Tom is the best, even if things remain a bit weird between us. Oh, and I had it out with my parents, and we’re cool? It’s been a weird trip, Bee, and I miss you.”
After she pressed send, she walked as fast as she could to the far lawn, pausing when she got to Andy’s propellor plane, which remained cheekily parked on the frozen grass, as if it belonged there. As if it owned everything. Which itdid not. Rearing back, she kicked the tire on the plane’s landing gear.
“Ow! Stupid Andy!” she said, bouncing around on one foot. The pain radiated from her toe, through her thick snow boot. She kicked the snow. “Stupid snow.” She kicked the plane again and swore out loud.
“I can grab a crowbar from the garage if it will make you feel better,” Tom said, approaching her.
She eyed him warily. “Presents are inside.”
“Actually, I’m pretty sure I’m looking at my gift.” He took a step closer. “You’re all I want for Christmas.”
The genuine emotion behind his words made her flush with embarrassment, even as she wanted to hear more. She covered by making a joke, pointing at herself: “The Muslim lawyer you’re fake dating for likes?”
Tom’s tone was serious as he answered. “No one was more surprised than me when you signed on to my plan. I bet you’re regretting my offer to introduce you to Andy, though.”
“Be honest—you were trying to offload him onto me, weren’t you?” she teased.
He took another step, coming within touching distance. Except he rocked back on his heels instead, hands in his pockets. “Actually, I was afraid you finally had had enough, and were out here YouTubing how to fly a plane.”
“YouTube is more my brother’s domain. I just needed space.” They eyed each other warily. Too much had happened, and neither one was sure what the other was thinking.
“You never answered my question from this morning,” he said softly. “Can I take you out for New Year’s? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, chai ... You decide, Sameera, and I’ll be there.”
She hadn’t believed Andy’s whispered taunt. But the expression on Tom’s face now cleared any lingering doubts from her mind, and the one on hers must have done the same for him, because suddenly, he was reaching for her.
Their first kiss had surprised them both, and the embraces since had always felt rushed. This kiss was airborne from the start. Teeth clashed, hands grasped, bodies intertwined. She bit down on his lip, hard, and when his knee pushed between her legs, she was filled with want.
He pulled away. “Is that a yes?”
She laughed, nodding, and pulled her back to him. After another minute, he disentangled himself. “They’re waiting for us.”
“Let them wait. I’m kissing my boyfriend.” She paused, heat flooding her cheeks. “Sorry, I meant fake boyfriend.”
Tom shook his head, delighted. “No, you didn’t. But a guy likes to be taken out for dinner first.”
