Thankful for Her: A Friends to Lovers Romance (Love Demands a Holiday Book 7) Read online

  Thankful For Her

  Love Demands a Holiday

  McKenna Rogue

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Holidays with the Romance Chicks

  Dear Reader

  Also by McKenna Rogue

  1

  AARON

  My bags were packed, the car loaded up, and the road trip music chosen.

  All that was left was to pick up my girlfriend, Amanda, from her dorm, and we would be on our way to Jubilee Falls for the holiday.

  Pulling up in front of the building, I clicked on my hazards and grabbed my cell phone to call her.

  Only, she was already stepping out of the front door. Without a suitcase.

  “Hey, Amanda, where’s your bag? Do I need to go grab it from your room?” I reached for her, intent on pulling her in for a hug.

  But Amanda held her hand up and took a step back. The willowy blonde was dressed for an occasion, not a road trip. Her face was dolled up with makeup and she had her hair curled. She wore a skirt with tights and a form fitting sweater. “I can’t go with you, Aaron.” She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. “I can’t meet your family, when I…” She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. “I met someone else.”

  My stomach dropped. “You what?”

  Anger billowed inside of me until I felt like I was going to blow.

  “I guess, I’m breaking up with you. I really like this guy, Aaron, and it’s not fair to keep dating you, when I want to be with someone else.”

  I shook my head. “You’re doing this now? When my parents are expecting to meet you? We had the whole weekend planned. You were into me yesterday. What the hell, Amanda?”

  “That’s why I can’t do this. I can’t let all those people get invested, when I don’t know that you’re who I want to be with.” She shook her head, her big doe eyes filling with tears. “You have to see how much pressure that is.”

  I didn’t understand at all. How could she flip flop on me so fast? “Fine. Happy Thanksgiving.” I got back into my car and drove away, barely avoiding her feet as I passed her.

  I didn’t even think about where I was going. I might as well have been on autopilot, for as little of the drive as I remember. I kept thinking about her being into someone else. Why was it so easy for women to disregard me or not even see me? It wasn’t like I was easily missed in a crowd, as the best shooting guard on the basketball team I was taller than most. I spent a lot of time in the gym. I was a pre-med student. I didn’t lack a whole lot, except, apparently, the ability to keep anyone interested.

  I ended up Level Up. My best friend was a bartender and she was always there for me.

  Sydney Park was behind the bar, wearing a Mario hat, and slinging beers to college kids. Her short, curvy form caught my eye, even in her t-shirt uniform and tight black jeans that hugged her heart shaped ass perfectly. The petite Korean girl had saved my ass in Freshmen biology when I was still trying to figure out what was more important, basketball, drinking, and being free from the parents or getting a college degree and not screwing up my life. Sydney was my rock. Without her, I didn’t know where I’d be.

  Her gaze landed on mine and she grinned at me. “Hey, King, be right with you.”

  I took a seat and waited for her to finish with the customers.

  She sauntered up to me. “Aren’t you supposed to be on the road to that little town you grew up in?” She passed me a beer and smirked. “Or did you decide to ditch the family and stay here with me?” She waggled her eyebrows, it wasn’t suggestive, but it had me thinking a couple of inappropriate thoughts.

  I didn’t want to think about the friendzone I’d managed to get myself stuck in. Being smooth on the court and disaster with women really made me crazy sometimes.

  It was still early, just after two-thirty, but I took a big swig before I sighed. “Amanda dumped me.”

  Sydney blinked at me and then her eyes widened. “Oh, Aaron, I’m sorry. This round’s on me.”

  I ran my hand over my head. “I don’t even know what to do now. Mom and Dad are expecting to meet my girlfriend. Mom’s been talking about it non-stop. I don’t know how I’m going to go home without her.”

  “They’re your family. Won’t they understand?”

  “You don’t know my mom. Ever since my sister came out as gay a few years ago, she’s put all her eggs in my basket, so to speak. It’s like she’s afraid she won’t get grandchildren or something. Even if I were gay, I could adopt.”

  Sydney smirked. “That’s very open-minded of you. But since you’re not gay…”

  I dropped my head into my hands. “She’s going to freak when she finds out we broke up. Sometimes I wish she’d just ease off. It’s not like I’m forty years old and a creepy single guy.”

  “How much does she know?” Syd pulled out a couple shot glasses and filled them with bourbon.

  “Not much. Just that we’ve been dating for six months.” I sighed as Syd passed me a shot glass.

  “Okay, here’s what I’m thinking. I’m off in twenty. I don’t have anything going on until my shift on Sunday. What if I come with you? Give you an ally?” She wiped the counter as she talked. “I mean, it’s not like you’re doomed to be single forever.”

  “Are you suggesting we pretend you’re my girlfriend?”

  Sydney’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “What do you say, King? Want to be my fake boyfriend and give me an out from sitting around in my dorm room alone all weekend with my textbooks?”

  “Are you sure about this? I mean…my family is…”

  “Everyone’s family is crazy, King. Just go with it.”

  I grinned. “You’ve got a deal.”

  I hung around until she got off, trying to figure out how we were going to make this work.

  On the one hand, I couldn’t imagine anyone knowing me better than Syd did. We met the first day of college. She sat down next to me in Biology 101, and ever since then, we shared everything. She was my go-to.

  But on the other, Syd was my best friend. How was I going to pretend she was anything more than that? It wasn’t that I couldn’t see her as something more, but we’d only ever been friends.

  “You ready? I should be able to pack pretty quick, but I wouldn’t mind a quick shower.”

  “As long as you don’t mind keeping me awake while we drive. It’s a good three or four hours. And someone just gave me beer and bourbon.”

  “Um, you better have a kick-ass eighties mix for us to jam to then. Because if we’re not singing along to Madonna and Def Leppard, I’m not going.”

  “Park, please. You think I’m not prepared for the drive? I’ve only made this trip dozens of times since Freshman year. I have it down to a science.” I grinned and offered her my arm. “We’ll get you home, packed, and jam out the whole way.”

  I hung out on her bed while she disappeared to shower. She came back in a towel and my entire body perked up at the sight of her. My eyes traced every inch of bare flesh and tried to go where the towel was blocking.

  “Be a gentleman, King. I need to get dressed.”

  I covered my eyes, but I didn’t want to. I kept my head down, so if I was tempted to look, I would just get bedspread.

  She was dressed quickly and packed even quicker.

  “Let’s hit the road.”

  I carried her bag to the car as I watched her ass sway. I usually could keep m
y attraction to the curvy Korean to under wraps, so much I hardly noticed unless something caught my attention like her cleavage in my face or something, but now I felt acutely aware of everything about her.

  We got into the car and it felt smaller with her in it. She was right there in touching distance.

  “Okay, tell me what I’m getting myself into. Because I haven’t been to a Thanksgiving that didn’t involve kimchi and bulgogi since I was five and Mom decided she was going to try to do a traditional dinner.”

  I chuckled. “I’ve told you about Jubilee Falls, right?”

  “It’s not the week of Tar and Feather Day, is it? Because I’m not participating in that.”

  “No. This is a lot more traditional. We have the Cornucopia Festival, which is just an excuse to be charitable and give thanks. And, of course, eat too much, drink a little, and catch up on all the town gossip.” I grinned. “And then Thursday, it’s tradition all the way. Turkey, stuffing, way too much pie. There’s some football watching, but it’s not religious in my house.”

  “You are so normal, King.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  “Why do you hang out with a girl like me?”

  I glanced over at her, quickly returning to the road. “Are you kidding? My life is so much better with your weirdness in it.”

  She smiled and then turned to gaze out the window. She started to sing along with Photograph by Def Leppard; her voice was small, almost like she was thinking too hard.

  “You okay?”

  “Hmm?” She looked over, and then a smile curved into the corners of her lips. “Oh, yeah. Just thinking. Trying to figure out what sort of girlfriend I should be for you.”

  “Just be yourself.” I reached over and squeezed her knee. “I doubt anyone will expect us to do anything that we don’t already do. I mean, at most, I’d guess some hand holding, or a hug.” I shrugged. “Mom’s kind of traditional. My guess is, we’ll be in separate rooms, and we’ll only have to worry about playing up the relationship occasionally. But I guess I should ask, what are you comfortable with?”

  Sydney pursed her lips. “I guess we’ll play it by ear. Do we need a safe word or something, to let each other know if things are going too far?”

  “What kind of kinky Thanksgiving do you think we’re in for?” I grinned. “Why don’t we just mention Madonna if things are getting out of control?”

  She smirked. “Oh, yeah, that’s easy to work into conversation.” She reached over and took my hand, interlacing her fingers with my own. Then she stared down at it, like she was trying to decide how she felt about it.

  I, for one, thought it felt just right.

  “Aaron, it’s about time you got here!” Mom pulled open the door before we could even get to the stoop, and grinned. “And this must be your girlfriend. I have to say, dear, Aaron’s been very mysterious.”

  Sydney smiled as she hoisted her duffle bag higher onto her shoulder.

  “Mom, this is Sydney Park. Syd, this is my mother, Melissa.” I stepped forward and hugged my mom before moving inside.

  My mom blinked at me. “Sydney, your friend you’re always talking about? I didn’t know you were more than friends.”

  I’d been thinking about this since we hit the road. “That’s why I haven’t said a whole lot.” That and I really wasn’t sure about Amanda. I was already starting to think about moving on from her, I just wanted to get through the holidays. “I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. Our friendship is really important to me, but we decided to give it a go.”

  My mom clasped her hands together and grinned like it was the best news she’d heard. “Sydney, it’s so nice to meet you. Aaron has spoke about you so often. I’m so glad you’re here.” Mom pulled her into a quick hug. “I was expecting you earlier, I wanted you to have time to get settled in before the Festival.” She ushered us inside. “Aaron, your dad will meet us there. He’s working late at the hospital.”

  “You can go on ahead, and I can bring Syd along later.” I headed for the stairs, with my bag in hand. “Am I showing Syd to the guest room?”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. She can stay with you.” Mom smiled and nudged Syd toward the stairs. “I’m not so old fashioned.”

  Sydney looked at me, her eyes wide in what looked like panic.

  “Mom, shouldn’t she stay in the guest room?” I prompted again.

  “Your aunt and uncle are coming in tomorrow morning; they’re going to need that room. What’s the big deal?”

  “I’ll sleep on the couch then.”

  “The couch that your cousin’s going to need?” She shook her head. “Aaron, you don’t have to pretend like you and your girlfriend aren’t that close. You’ve been dating for six months. And friends for longer.”

  Sydney let out a slow, even breath, before she turned to Mom and smiled. “Mrs. King, we’d be more than happy to share. Thank you for putting me up for the weekend.”

  I showed her to my room, my heart beating too fast in my chest. Sydney would be sleeping in my bed. All weekend.

  2

  SYDNEY

  Get it together, Sydney!

  I didn’t know what possessed me to offer to take Amanda’s place and go with Aaron to his family’s house for Thanksgiving. I didn’t mind bailing him out or even spending time with him. But blurring the lines of friendship was always dangerous.

  At least it beat sitting at home in my dorm room studying. But staying in his room, with him? This might’ve been more than I bargained for.

  “You okay, Syd? I can sleep on the floor. We don’t have to share the bed.”

  I rolled my eyes, even though my stomach was flip-flopping all over the place.

  “Come on, King. Don’t be silly. Unless you think you can’t control yourself.” I winked at him and sat on the bed. “So, the Cornucopia Festival, huh? With your mom.”

  “We don’t have to hang out with my family all night.” He sat next to me. “Are you still okay doing this?”

  “Yeah. I’m here for you.” I leaned my head on his shoulder and smiled. “I think I can manage lying to a few people for a few days. We should probably come up with a cover story though, for why we’re still friends after this. Because your family’s going to love me.”

  “I have no doubt about that. We’ll just tell everyone that we decided we were better off as friends, and next time you come down with me, you’ll have to have your own place to sleep.”

  “You want to invite me for more holidays with your family?” Why did that idea make my insides twist and my mouth dry out?

  “At least for Tar and Feather Day.” He nudged me with his shoulder. “Come on, let’s get ready to go, before Mom comes up here looking for us and I have to pretend like I couldn’t keep my mouth to myself.”

  He smirked and raised one eyebrow at me before he got up and opened his suitcase, bending over right in front of me.

  If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was toying with me.

  I enjoyed the view anyway.

  I pulled my hairbrush out of my duffle bag and ran it through my hair. I didn’t feel like I needed a change of clothes, but as Aaron pulled off his sweatshirt and t-shirt underneath, I sunk down on the bed again, watching him change.

  Good god, he was built. Clearly, being on the basketball team kept him in immaculate shape. It was way too easy to imagine what he’d feel like pressed against me, to wonder what his lips would taste like. His warm umber skin was flawless and looked smooth to the touch. I wanted to reach out and run my hands along the contours of his muscular arms and broad chest.

  Ever since the moment I walked into my freshman Bio class and saw Aaron, sitting in the middle of the classroom, one foot kicked up on the chair next to his like he owned the place, I been attracted to him. I was even bold enough to sit down next to the basketball god. We clicked right away and went zooming right into the friendzone. I loved being friends with him, but I always wanted more.

  How could I not, when
he was six foot three inches of solid muscle, had a sense of humor that never failed to make me laugh, and a smirky grin that could make even the most stoic of women weak at the knees? And on top of all that, he was brilliant, on his way to be a surgeon. He was exactly the sort of man who would make even my parents glad to call him a son-in-law. Him not being Korean being his only flaw. At least he was going to be a doctor.

  But he’d always had a girlfriend or just as he broke up with someone, I was starting to see someone, and I wasn’t about to share unrequited feelings with someone who would never see me as anything more than a pal. Someone to play video games with, to study with, and to commiserate with between girlfriends.

  Just like now.

  I couldn’t let myself believe there was anything more than that going on.

  Even if we would be sharing a bed for a few days.

  The Cornucopia Festival was so much more than I could’ve imagined.

  Tents, booths, even a couple of carnival rides, were set up in town square, all circled around an oversized cornucopia overflowing with food, clothing, and god only knew what else; donations from the townsfolk.

  “Okay, where should we start? Carousel? Funnel cakes? Candy apple?”

  I blinked at him, still staring at all the hubbub.

  “Maybe we just sit a minute.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led me to a tent full of chairs, tables, and a stage with a single microphone in the center.

  “Do I want to know?”

  “Just wait and see.” He grinned. “I’ll go get a funnel cake. You just hang out here.”

  It didn’t take long to see what he was talking about.

  A couple stepped onto the stage; neither of them could’ve been more than a few years older than me. He looked at her like she’d hung the moon, and as he approached the microphone, he took her hand in hers.