Page 51 of Finally Moore
I consider his very valid point before shaking my head. “It’s just a few more days, then I can tell her.”
“Why not tell her now? If she’s having the same doubts or worries as you—”
“What if she’s not?” I admit my greatest fear. “What if this is all one-sided?” I take a deep breath and regain my composure. “If it is, I don’t want to make this holiday harder on her than it has to be. She needs my help. That’s all that matters right now. When Christmas is over and her family is gone, we can talk.”
“And until then?” Jax asks, clearly displeased by my answer.
“I’ll enjoy what little time I have left with her and hope that this is the very rom-com-esque version of our beginning...”
Chapter twenty-one
Scarlett
Usually,gettinganightoff work to read a book is my dream. This particular title has been on my TBR for months, waiting for this exact moment…
Except I’ve been reading the first chapter for an hour and couldn’t tell you a fucking thing about it. The words are nothing but jumbled letters on the page because I’ve lost my ability to concentrate. Something—no,someoneelse is on my mind and he’s clouding my abilities to do anything but think about him.
When Scott texted and said he was doing some preparations for tomorrow and not to wait up, I should’ve been happy for the relaxing time alone. The ability to preparemyselffor the big family party that will be our hardest test to date. Not only does it rely on us looking like a couple, but we have to ensure his siblings play along too. So his message was like a lead balloon in my stomach. Because last I heard, he told me his staff was doing all the actual pre-day prep.
So what’s changed? Did Kasey say or do something? Or worse? Did that girl Amanda reach out, tell him she’s free, and now he’s regretting whatever it is we’re doing here?
What are you? Five?
Sure, I could sit here and let my mind run wild with all the worst-case scenarios, or I could get my ass up and go straight to the source, demand answers. Decision made,I set my Kindle on the coffee table, bundle up, and drive across town.
Before I realize what I’m doing, it’s too late. Because I’m already standing outside Scott’s childhood home, knocking on the front door. No one answers. The lights are on, so I assume he’s still here or at least someone is. I knock a little harder this time.
“It’s open,” I hear Scott yell out from somewhere inside.
Sure enough, I try the doorknob and it’s unlocked. I walk back towards the kitchen, relieved when I find him elbow-deep in baking supplies.At least he wasn’t lying to me.Not that we’re out of the woods yet, but I’m looking for all the positives I can at this point.
“Hey,” I say, leaning against the entryway.
Scott looks up from the bowl he’s whisking with a surprised expression on his face—an expression that quickly morphs into a smile, which helps ease away more of my fear and leaves me feeling just a little stupid. Of course, he’s here. He’s a workaholic, a trait we both have in common. It may just be a family dinner but it doesn’t change the fact that Scott can’t let go of the reins, not completely at least.
“Hey,” he says while continuing to mix his ingredients. “What’s up?”
“I was…” I pause. Telling him I was worried sounds silly, especially now. “…just curious if you needed any help.”
“You bake?” he asks, knowing full well I don’t.
“No, but maybe you could teach me,” I say with a sly smile.
“You’ve got perfect timing.” He nods to the fridge. “Grab the bowl of chopped up butter.” I do as directed and set it on the counter next to him. “The key to a good pie crust is keeping everything cold—you want it chilled until you’re ready to use it.”
“Is that why you’re cooking at your parents’ house?” I ask as a shiver runs down my spine. I thought my little cabin was cold, but Scott’s younger brother keeps this place like an icebox.
Scott chuckles. “That’s one reason, but also, it’s the kitchen I’m most familiar with. I can find everything I need in here with my eyes closed.”
“Now I’m torn between wanting you to teach me how to bake and putting thatblind bakingto the test,” I tease.
Scott stands so that I’m stuck between him and the counter. “Why not both?” he fires back with a cocky grin.
“You’re pretty confident in those culinary skills of yours, aren’t you?” Then again, I know for a fact he’s not just a talented chef, because the man sure as hell knows how to make magic happen outside of the kitchen as well.
Combined, though?I’m already wet and he hasn’t touched me.
“You have no idea.” Scott presses his chest to mine as he leans forward. His nose brushes against my cheek as his lips graze along my jawline. I’m thinking he’s about to do a lot more than teach me to bake when he pulls back, having grabbed a white cloth from the countertop behind me. He folds it into a rectangle, then ties it around his head, covering his eyes.