“Yup,” I said it as if I meant it.

“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.”

Suddenly, he embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me. But when he pressed his face into my hair, around the space of my neck, I was reminded of that night and pleasurable heat infused through every part of me. My heart hammered faster and the arms that dangled down by my sides refused to push him away, no matter what my mind told them to do.

“I think the gang is here, Freckles,” he murmured in my ear, sending electric shivers through me again.

Next thing I knew, he released me. The cold air took his space when he headed out the door without looking back. As for me, I stared at the wall to get a hold of myself.

Chapter 29

Alexandria

Emma got along perfectly with my friends. I knew she would. Her personality was just like Lexy’s. Being the social butterfly that she was, there was never a doubt she wouldn’t be loved. If I wasn’t mistaken, Seth was paying extra attention to her.

Looking at the table full of delicious food made me smile. The turkey came out perfect, plump and juicy. Elijah wasn’t kidding when he said he made the best mashed potatoes and beans. I hadn’t tasted them yet, but they looked wonderful. Lexy made rice and steamed corn, Seth brought salad and yams, and Dean brought gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie for dessert. The dishes, utensils and drinks were on the table. We were all set.

“Before we slice this baby up, let’s go around the table and say what we are thankful for,” Emma suggested.

“What?” Dean chugged his drink. “I thought we were done with that when we left home.”

“That’s ‘cause you’ve got nothing to be thankful for,” Seth scowled. “Where’s your manners?” He lightly socked him.

“Up my ass,” he snorted.

“Shut up and sit down if you want to eat,” Lexy scolded playfully. Since there weren’t enough seats, we stood around the table. “I’ll start first,” she continued. “I’m thankful for my new friend, Alex.” She gave me a sideways hug, making me smile.

“I’m thankful for this feast,” Seth added. “The turkey looks delicious. Great job ladies.” Seth was looking right at Emma when he spoke.

Emma lit a shy smile. “You’re welcome.”

It had been a long time since I’d seen her gush like that. Oh no! I knew what it meant.

Emma was next. “I would like to thank all of you for taking good care of Alex. She’s like a sister to me. I was very worried about her, especially since she left her hometown so soon after her father passed away.”

Emma made me teary-eyed and I did my best not to let them flow. It was very sweet of her to say, but I wished she would have told me that in private. I didn’t want the others to feel uncomfortable about it. Like always, she tried to lighten things up after something that sounded so somber. With her elbow, she nudged me. “Your turn.”

I rolled my eyes at her, but she knew I was being playful. “I’m thankful for all of you, for making me feel like I’m home. For helping me get through the most difficult months of college.”

“That’s because you’re easy to take care of,” Dean started to say. “I mean, you’re easy going and nice.” Dean shrugged his shoulders sheepishly, probably wondering if he’d said the right thing. After a pause, he continued. “I’m thankful for nice people. Thanks for the invite.”

“It was Alex’s idea,” Lexy added quickly.

All eyes flashed to me. “It was Lexy’s idea, too.” I wanted to say that to get the attention away from me, but it didn’t work, so I tried something else. “What are you thankful for, Elijah?” It was his turn anyway.

He took a moment to pause, as if searching for words. “This is easy. I’m thankful for good health, a roof over my head, great friends that are like family, picture frames for my photos, and milk and cookies.”

Elijah arched his brow and raised his lips in a mischievous grin. His answer tugged my heart. Everyone gave him a baffled look but me. I knew he was trying to let me know that he appreciated his birthday gift again, but I wasn’t going to give him any satisfaction. He wasn’t going to weasel back into my heart. I preferred to be mad at him. It was safer for me this way. As for the milk and cookies, that made me blush big time.

“Since when do you like milk and cookies,” Seth challenged with an unbelievable tone.

“I never disliked them,” he retorted.

“Well then,” Lexy coughed, breaking the conversation. “Let’s eat.”

After Seth carved the turkey, we filled our plates. The girls sat around the table while the guys sat on the sofa.

“The turkey is so juicy,” Lexy gushed, showing us the slice she just poked. “You’ll have to give me your recipe.”

“Sure,” Emma agreed. “You just have to make sure to keep basting and buy the right brand of turkey.”

“How long are you staying?” Lexy mumbled, chewing.

“Just over night. I’m scheduled to work on Saturday. It’s crazy after Thanksgiving. I’m just glad I’m not working on Black Friday. It’s like a zoo.”

“Alex, if you didn’t plan anything for tomorrow, let’s go see a movie.” Lexy looked at me, waiting for an answer.