Chapter 09.04

My Grandparents arrived the next day, but they were mostly focused on Amber’s wedding.

“Jay,” Kevin greeted me. “Is she coming over at some point?”

“Yeah, but only to school you,” I smirked.

According to our plan, Jenny would spend two mornings with us, and I’d spend two afternoons at her place. That way, we’d see each other almost every day and hopefully avoid too much family interrogation.

The morning after, Jenny arrived right after breakfast. I had been waiting, so I opened the door for her.

“I missed you,” I whispered, closing the entryway door behind her and pulling her into a kiss.

“I missed you too,” she smiled when I finally let her speak.

“I know—otherwise, you wouldn’t have let me do that,” I teased.

Once inside, my family surrounded her until Brad arrived. She was cheerful, kind, and absolutely gorgeous. I wanted to pull her away.

“Hey,” Kevin greeted her. “You look great today.”

“Thanks,” my girl smiled. “New girlfriend?” she asked curiously.

“What makes you think that?” Kevin looked surprised—I was too.

“Your hair is different, your shirt is new, and you’re wearing a new cologne,” Jenny laughed. I smirked.

“You know, nothing serious—I’m still waiting for you,” Kevin joked.

“Then keep waiting,” I laughed, stepping in and leading Jenny toward the kitchen—then quietly into the hallway.

“What are we doing here?” she asked as I closed the door behind us.

“Kissing,” I whispered against her lips, and she returned it passionately.

“Get a room,” Amber teased when she walked in on us. Jenny didn’t even blush this time—probably because it was Amber. “Brad and his family will be here any minute. You can come back in a few minutes.”

We returned to the kitchen, then the living room. Once Brad arrived with his family, we took advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention. The hallway was quiet—perfect for a quick kissing battle.

We didn’t stay away for more than a few minutes, but before lunch, Jenny just gave me a knowing look, and we disappeared separately.

“You wouldn’t have done this a few months ago,” I laughed against her lips.

“See? You’re leading me into temptation,” she teased.

After lunch, I walked her home. We took our time saying goodbye—I was invited over for lunch the next day.

Once she went inside, I headed back into the chaos.

Luckily, the family was busy getting to know Brad’s family, so only Kevin and Will focused on me.

“Hey, man,” Kevin said. “I was thinking of coming back for New Year’s.”

“For what?” I asked, surprised. Jenny would definitely piece things together.

“Apparently, there’s a great party here every year,” he said simply.

“Yeah, at Paul’s—my friend’s place,” I said. “Come if you want. If you need a place to stay, let me know.”

“Will?” I called across the living room. “You coming to our New Year’s party? Kevin’s coming back.”

“Sure, I’d love to,” Will said.

“Alright, I’ll talk to Paul about you guys crashing at his place.”

Tomorrow, I’d have to discuss this with my girlfriend.

After dinner, when everyone was getting ready for board games, Dad motioned for me to follow him into his study.

“Is something wrong?” I asked as he closed the door.

“Just wanted to say, son—try to be a little less obvious tomorrow. You are a guest, after all,” he smiled.

“I don’t think anyone noticed except you,” I grinned. “But I’ll tone it down.”

“That girl really is glowing,” he laughed as he opened the door.