Page 24 of Reckless Love
I shake my head sadly. “I just came by for hugs. I’m on my way to a wedding like your dad.”
“Tell me you’re not listening to anyone trying to tell you to stay away from my boys,” Amara says, looping her arm through mine.
“Mom.” Rhodes frowns.
Amara smiles at him and then me, shaking her head. “You are adults, and Elle is family. It’s as simple as that.”
I pat her hand. “I didn’t think they’d be so strict, but they really are.” I make a face and she puts her hand on my cheek.
“Well, thank you for breaking the rules to see me,” she says. “But I can tell you have not been breaking them very much because there are no Christmas decorations here!”
I laugh and nod, looking around. “I know. It’s weird. Rhodes and I usually decorate right after Thanksgiving andthat didn’t happen this year.” My eyes meet Rhodes’ and guilt twinges in my chest when I see the hurt there.
“Why don’t you come over tomorrow and we can make a party out of it,” Amara says.
“Maybe she doesn’t want to decorate my place anymore, Mom,” Rhodes says. “She’s not living at home anymore, you know. She’s got her own condo to decorate now.”
“You don’t have to do a thing,” Amara says. “But come on over anyway, it will be fun.”
“Ilovedecorating with you for Christmas,” I tell Rhodes. “Everything has just been?—”
“I know,” he says softly. “I could leave and hang out with the guys if you’d be more comfortable. Levi would love it if you were here.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Maybe. I hate to make you leave your house...”
“I don’t mind.” He clears his throat and glances at his watch. “We should probably head out.”
I nod and hug everyone again. “How long are you in town?”
“Just a few days,” Amara says.
“Okay, I’ll come over tomorrow…”
“Wonderful.” She squeezes my hand. “And have such a good time at the wedding. You’re going together, aren’t you?”
“Mom.” Rhodes gives me an apologetic look.
“Well, I’m sorry, but why waste gasoline when you’re going to the same place?”
Troy chuckles and pulls Amara’s back against his chest. “She has a point there.”
“We’re out of here,” Rhodes says. “Be good for Gigi and Pop Pop,” he tells Levi.
“I be good,” Levi calls, his little hand in mine.
I give Levi one more huge hug, and Rhodes and I walk to the door. I wave to his parents and Levi.
“You know, Bree assured me that no one would be sharing any photos of the wedding anywhere,” Rhodes says quietly. “No one wants to risk you losing your job, but we all want you there with us.”
He opens the door and the blast of cold hits me. I’d been so hot getting ready, I didn’t bother with my coat on the way over. He puts his arm around me and we walk outside.
“She told me the same thing. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ride with you,” I say.
His face lights up. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. Your mom is right. Why waste gasoline?”
“Gigi’s always right.”