That makes me laugh all over again. “No, I think I hear a truck. Maybe the plow is here.” In that moment, I have mixed feelings. Sure, we need to get out of here because I have a job to do, but I could stay locked away with Penn like this, for at least another week, and never get tired of him.
Just then my phone rings and I nearly jump out of my bohemian dress. “It’s my mom.” I slide my finger across the screen and realize she’s video messaging.
“Mom.”
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“No, uh. We were up.” I jerk my head toward the window. “I think the plow is here.”
“That’s why I was calling. We got a hold of Frank early and sent him straight to the club.” She narrows her eyes. “Did you guys get any sleep?”
“A bit,” I say, and she narrows her eyes even more.
“Are you wearing a…wedding dress?”
“Oh, yeah, uh. We were…”
“Oh, Jaylynn. You were seeing if the country club was a good fit for your wedding. I’m so happy you’re considering it.”
“Hi, Judy,” Penn interrupts like he’s trying to come to my rescue. He stands behind me and gives a strange wave.
“Penn, look at you in a white dress coat. So handsome.”
“Jesus,” he murmurs under his breath.
“Um, we should go. Check on the plow,” I say, desperate to cut this off before she starts Googling catering packages.
“Right. Okay, drive home safely.” She gives me a big smile that makes my heart sink into my stomach. “I’m so glad you’re considering the country club, Jaylynn.” With that I end the call and turn to see Penn running his fingers through his hair and blowing out a rough breath.
“So…” I begin. But I can’t find my words because I secretly love the idea of a wedding here, and even though it’s ridiculous and foolish and Penn and I aren’t a real couple, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like standing here, in real wedding attire, exchanging vows.
He exhales sharply. “That couldn’t have gone any worse…”
My heart plummets, but that’s crazy. I mean, come on. Did I really expect him to want to set a date, to follow through with the wild, glittery, slightly unhinged, hot toddy-fueled idea?
Sheesh.
18
Penn
“Are we almost done?” I grumble, my voice low enough that only Jaylynn can hear.
She jabs her elbow into my ribs, sharp enough to make me grunt. “Come on, Grinch. Everyone is loving this but you.”
“I told you I can’t sing,” I mutter, though even I know this whole caroling thing isn’t about hitting the right notes. It’s about neighbors leaning on each other, about belonging, about letting the season work its magic. But did we really have to do it on the coldest night of the year? Christ, I’m pretty sure my balls just retreated north for hibernation.
“There’s cold beer after caroling,” she promises, her words puffing out in little clouds of white.
I shove the flimsy songbook into my pocket and rub my hands up and down her arms, pretending it’s to keep her warm, when really it’s because I can’t stop touching her. My fingers itch for excuses. My body leans without asking permission. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Dylan the Douche watching us, his gaze narrowed, and the caveman part of me wants to sling an arm around her and stake my claim.
“I want hot beer,” I grouch.
Her nose crinkles, adorable in a way that should be illegal. “You do?”
“No.” I dip closer, my lips brushing her ear so no one—especially not her parents—overhears. “What I want is you in my bed, with us warming each other up.”
She laughs softly, the sound sending heat straight through my frozen veins. “That can be arranged, but right now…” She pokes me in the side again. “Sing.”