Page 56 of Just Add Mistletoe
“I’m sticking around no matter what,” Malcom said, his voice low, soft. “Austin offered me a foreman job at the museum if my plan doesn’t happen.” He slowed the truck in front of Everly and Austin’s home. Light spilled out onto the porch and steps, and cars filled the driveway.
Malcom wasn’t leaving—at least not this year. Would he stick around after his job was done? Regardless, he needed these good things to happen, especially after how his brother betrayed him.
“That’s really amazing, Malcom,” she said as he pulled to a stop. “Everyone will be so excited.”
“Are you?” he asked, his gaze focused on her, his eyes dark in the cab of the truck.
“Of course I’m excited,” she admitted. “And I’m so happy for you. I hope you get that loan.”
“Me too.” He didn’t move.
She didn’t move. Were they going to keep sitting here? And why did it feel like butterflies were swarming inside of her?
“I was wondering . . .” he began. “Since we have all this good news happening, maybe you might reconsider our dating status?”
She swallowed as the butterflies pushed their way into her throat. “You mean beyond you kissing me in random places?”
He chuckled. “Yes, beyond that. You don’t have to answer me now,” he said. “In fact, take your time to think about it, since I’m not going anywhere.”
Ever? Or just for a while?
“Okay, I’ll think about it.” Did she really have to think about it? It might be a good idea to take some time, because at this moment, she wanted to tug him closer and kiss him. But if she did that, it would be written all over her face, and her friends would surely notice.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek, lingering for a moment. “Did I tell you that I like you?”
“You said you liked my earrings.”
He drew away. “That’s true too.” He opened his door and climbed out. Just like that.
Lori was trying to decide if she was disappointed he hadn’t kissed her for real, when he opened her door and lifted the casserole dish off her lap.
“Ready?” he asked, his gaze locked on hers.
It seemed that he was asking more than if she was ready to head into Everly’s house. “Yes.”
“You beat us,” Brandy’s voice sang from a car that slowed behind the truck. “Looks like you brought something substantial.”
“A casserole,” Lori said.
Ian turned off the engine, and he and Brandy climbed out of the car.
“We brought chips and salsa,” she said. “Boring, I know, but we both ended up having extra busy days.” She eyed Malcom.
Lori looked from him to Brandy. What was going on?
“You might as well spill it,” Ian said, coming around the car and draping an arm over Brandy’s shoulders. “You know you’re dying to.”
“Spill what?” Lori asked.
“Only if it’s okay with Malcom,” Brandy said coyly.
“It’s okay,” he said in a steady voice.
Huh?Lori was completely lost.
“Ian is going to invest in the condo project with Malcom,” Brandy blurted with a huge smile.
Lori’s brain jogged to catch up. “Oh. Wow. That’s great.”