“I wasn’t aware Crystal had any friends. In fact I didn’t think she was even capable of being a friend.” I ignored her comment and answered her other statement. I was trying to save her the embarrassment of rejection.

“You’re so funny,” she giggled, while wrapping her arms around me. When she pressed her br**sts to my chest, it was time to peel her off me. Not wanting to offend her, I thought she would get the message when I wasn’t responding back, but she didn’t.

Lifting both of her hands off me, I placed them down to her side gently. “It was good to see you, Darcy.” That was all I said. I didn’t even give her time to respond as I scooted around her and bolted out the door.

13

I HAD MADE UP my mind not to visit my parents for Christmas, since I had been there not too long ago, but seeing Jenna’s parents in the living room really made me miss mine. Our conversations never centered on our parents, but I knew she was close to hers, yet this was the first time I would be meeting them in person.

It was easy to see who Jenna got her looks from; she looked just like her mom. Jenna’s mother was beautiful. Even at her age, she could easily pass for her sister. She had dark brown hair to her shoulders, smooth skin, and only a thin line of a wrinkle on her forehead.

Jenna’s Dad was good-looking as well. His salt and pepper hair suited his age. He didn’t say much, but I could tell he was all eyes and ears into our conversation.

Max was a sweetheart. He had dinner catered with prime rib, shrimp, and lobster, plus side dishes—mashed potatoes, salad, and green beans. Jenna didn’t want him to go out of his way, but since Max told her he’d already ordered, she had no choice. I was happy he had. I was not in the mood to cook. Besides, I was too insecure about my cooking. Of course, Jenna would help, but our dinner wouldn’t have turned out nearly this nice.

Sitting comfortably in the living room, we chatted about our jobs. I never asked Jenna about the details of her work, but it sounded not only challenging, but interesting as well. As I listened intently to Jenna’s dad, the sound of the doorbell startled me. Who could that be? All the guests had arrived. It was supposed to be Jenna’s parents, Max, Jenna and me.

“Come in,” Max said. “Good, you got my text to bring dessert.”

“Hello, Matthew. Welcome.”

When I heard Jenna’s greeting, my pulse shot up. Jenna didn’t tell me Matthew was coming. But then again, she didn’t know I had a crush on him. I only hoped he would behave tonight and keep his distance from me.

When Jenna’s parents stood up to greet Matthew, I did the same. Instead of reaching out his hand to shake as he did with Jenna’s parents, he pulled me into a quick hug, and then let go. With a mischievous grin, the kind of grin that screamed trouble, he greeted me. “Hello, Becca. It’s nice to see you again.”

Surprised from the hug, I gave him a quick smile and turned my back to him without a word. I flashed my eyes to Jenna to see if she caught that he called me by that silly name again, and the playfulness behind his demeanor, but she was too busy taking out the desserts Matthew had brought—cheesecake and tiramisu.

Since dinner was all set, presented on our finest dishes, we each took a plate, and helped ourselves to some food. While Max poured the wine, Jenna passed out the napkins. It was our place, but Max was helping, so I got to relax. I liked this arrangement.

Jenna’s parents sat on the sofa and Max carried two dining chairs over to the coffee table. The only area open was the smaller sofa on the other side. Hoping Jenna would sit next to me, I gestured with my head, but stopped when Matthew headed toward me with a sway that made me drool.

Breaking my gaze, I sat down and set my eyes on the food on my plate. My eyes shifted when the cushion sank, and his arm brushed against mine. There was plenty of room for the both of us. Knowing he sat close to me on purpose, I refused to look at him. Obviously, he was trying to get my attention.

“Jenna tells me you’ve done some traveling and now you’re back to work,” Jenna’s mom asked Matthew. Thank goodness for her. She kept the conversation going.

“Yes. Have you traveled much?” he asked, putting his plate on his lap to give her his absolute attention, but his damn feet were touching mine.

“We plan to go next year.”

“I can email you the places I’ve been to.”

“I would love that,” Jenna’s mom said. “Thank you.”

“No problem. It will be my pleasure,” he smiled.

“Jenna tells me that you’re single,” she mentioned, placing her glass down on the table after taking a sip.

“Mom.” Jenna scolded. Looking embarrassed, she gave her mom the look that pleaded for her to stop asking questions.

“Leave the poor boy alone. He doesn’t want to have to answer countless questions,” Jenna’s dad commented.

“That’s okay, Mr. Mefferd. Mrs. Mefferd, I don’t mind, but if you really want to know, I’m interested in someone, but I’m not sure if she realizes it. You know how dating goes.” Grinning after he answered, he shoved a piece of prime rib in his mouth.

Jenna and Max shifted their eyes in unison to Matthew, then to me. Were they just as surprised as I was? For that matter, why were they looking at me as if I had the answer?

“If things don’t go well, and if you’re interested, just let me know. I have a few friends I would love to set you up with. Such a handsome man as yourself would be a great catch.”