Page 63 of The Kiss Connection

I want to wipe that smile right off his face, but I agreed to this arrangement. “I have to head out for finals,” I say, lugging my bag over one shoulder as I lock up my apartment, not committing to anything for this evening. “I’m running late.” Graduation is this Saturday, assuming I don’t screw up my exams. I can’t miss finals.

“I’ll drive you.”

His kindness startles me as I glance up at him, and there’s a genuineness in his tone. “You really don’t have to do that, Myles.”

It’s just the two of us in the hallway, no one knows we’re supposed to be a couple.

“Let me grab my keys. I’m heading out anyhow.”

I head to the elevator and wait for him so that we can ride together down to the parking garage. The double doors open and I step inside first, hoping that this time there won’t be another power outage.

“I wanted to ask you about the holidays,” Myles says, glancing at me as he steps in and presses the elevator button. He holds out a hand, offering to take my backpack.

“You don’t have to,” I say. “I can carry my bag.”

The doors slowly close, and it feels like a lifetime before they shut.

“I know, but it’s heavy and you’re a tiny little thing.”

I open my mouth for a quick comeback, but his hand moves to the shoulder strap, and I let the beast of a bag slide down my arm and into his hand.

He catches it with ease.

“Fine,” I relent, giving in. It’s not an argument worth having. It’s heavy, and I’m silently grateful for the reprieve.

“The holidays,” he repeats with a smile, like he’s trying to soften me up a bit. I don’t like where this is heading with him.

We spoke about dating rules, we never discussed holidays. Thanksgiving has already passed, but Christmas is next week. “I usually visit my parents in Montana.”

“Montana?” He lets out a curious sound of surprise. “Didn’t realize that,” he says.

It’s not as though he ever asked where I’m from. Why does he think I prefer the small town living to the chaos of the city?

“The Ice Dragons do this whole New Year’s Eve event with the team. They go away to the Catskills. Greyson has a place that he lets everyone use for the holiday.”

“Greyson?” I don’t recognize the name.

“He’s a former player. There are whispers that he wants to be the new owner and is planning on buying the team. I really need to attend now that I’m an Ice Dragon.”

“Sure. You want to get in good with the owner, I get it.” I offer a weak shrug, not seeing the problem. We’re not actually dating. He can do whatever he wants for New Year’s Eve. He doesn’t need to check in with me. Even if we were dating, I don’t see the issue. I’m not clingy, I don’t constantly need him around.

It might also be because we’re not dating and Myles is a pain in my ass. Time and space apart is golden.

The elevator reaches the parking garage and Myles steps out, leading me toward his vehicle. “Sure, as in you’re willing to come with me?”

“Wait. Was there an invitation in there? Because I sure as heck don’t recall you asking me to attend.”

His nose scrunches as he perhaps realizes his mistake. “Juniper, will you please attend New Year’s Eve with me? I’ll join your family for Christmas.”

I cough, not expecting those words to come from his mouth. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

He gives me a quizzical look.

“Spending Christmas with my family. I don’t think you need to worry about that. I mean, we’re still in the early stages of dating,” I say. “No one is going to expect you to come to Christmas dinner. Besides, I already have my plane ticket. Mom and Dad aren’t expecting you. They don’t even know about you.”

“But what if I want to?”

What game is he playing? I stare at him, waiting to see what he’s up to. I glance around, but again, it’s just the two of us. No one is eavesdropping.