Page 35 of Only You

Kayla resisted the urge to elbow him in the side. “I told Jack you could stay with us, but he insisted you’d want your own space.”

Eileen smiled. “Oh, it’s fine. Do you want a tour?”

“Sure,” Kayla replied. “Jack, why don’t you stay with your dad?” She needed a reprieve from him standing so close and touching her.

After the tour, the four of them climbed into Jack’s car and drove to the restaurant. This was the first time Kayla hadn’t had a home cooked Thanksgiving meal with her family. It’ll be the only time. Next year, everything will be back to normal. The restaurant offered a Thanksgiving buffet, and after they filled their plates with the traditional fare, the four of them squeezed into a booth. Kayla and Jack sat on the same side, like a real couple. To Kayla’s surprise, the food was better than expected, and the company was good, too. Eileen and John were easy to talk to, and the conversation flowed smoothly. During dinner, Jack kept his hands to himself, which made it easier to focus on his parents.

“I’m sorry you couldn’t be with your family today,” Eileen said.

Kayla had just polished off a slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top. “I miss them, but this is nice too,” she said truthfully.

Jack slung his arm around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “I’ll keep her distracted,” he teased.

You already are. “We’re going to watch a movie tonight,” Kayla explained.

“No football?” John asked.

Jack twirled her hair, and Kayla pretended not to notice. “I just want my girl to be happy,” he said, straight faced.

“Aw. That’s so sweet,” Eileen gushed.

Kayla squirmed under his mom’s gaze. Eileen was so genuine, she hated deceiving her. “He’s very good to me.”

Jack removed his arm—thank goodness—but then he placed his hand on her thigh. Her leg sizzled under the heat of his hand.

“You two are so cute together. Do you mind if I take a picture? I want to show you off to the rest of the family,” Eileen said.

Jack squeezed Kayla’s thigh. “Of course we don’t mind, do we, sweetheart?”

Kayla smiled at Eileen. “Not at all.”

“Get closer,” Eileen instructed them.

Closer? The booth was so small they were on top of each other as it was.

Jack leaned in until they were cheek to cheek, and her face flushed. Eileen snapped a few photos and then tucked her phone away. Kayla subtly shifted, putting some much-needed space between her and Jack. The men settled the bill, and as they were leaving, Jack reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. Somehow, holding hands felt more real than anything else they’d done. His palm was warm and dry, and his grip firm but not too tight. When Jack let go and opened the passenger door for her, she missed the broken contact.

At the rental house, the four of them said goodbye, and Jack promised they’d get together again soon. Driving away, Kayla should have felt relieved she didn’t have to pretend anymore, but instead, she felt uneasy. The rest of the holiday weekend stretched before them with nothing they had to do and nowhere they had to be—other than together, alone.