A Different Christmas (University Park #5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

loved before. Every chance I get, I’m going to hold you and kiss you.” I placed my lips on hers, showing her exactly what I had in mind. “I never want to be without you again.”
    “Good, because I can’t be without you either.”
    “Come on, baby.” I latched on to her hand and began to walk backwards toward our bedroom. “Let’s make the most of our time together.”
    “Are you sure you not too tired?” She dropped her towel.
    “Never.” My eyes skimmed her slick, wet skin. Lexi was beautiful and so sexy, even pregnant. “Get ready, baby, because I’m going to take my time, making you the queen of my world.”
    “And I’ll make you my king.”
     

Chapter 3
     
    Lexi
     
    I glanced at my phone ringing on the counter, my mom’s picture in clear view.
    “Aren’t you going to answer it?” Mimi asked, pulling a tray of cornbread out of the oven.
    “Yeah, I guess I should.” I grabbed my phone and exited the kitchen out the backdoor. I let it ring two more times before finally answering it. I wasn’t in the mood to hear my mom complain, and lately, that was all she did. “Hi, Mom.”
    “Hi, baby. Happy Thanksgiving.” Her voice was cheery, which was unusual.
    “Happy Thanksgiving. Are you getting everything ready for dinner?”
    “Yes. We’re expecting a full house. Your brother, sister, and her kids should be arriving any moment.” She let out a sigh. “In addition to Uncle Fred, Aunt May, and some of your cousins.”
    “Wow. I hope you have enough turkey.”
    “I actually ordered two from the caterer.”
    “Oh, you didn’t make them?” My mom wasn’t a cook and I knew better, but couldn’t resist the temptation to point it out.
    A soft laugh released over the phone. “I haven’t made a turkey in a few years. You know that.” I rolled my eyes. Anything to make her life easier, she did it, regardless of how much it cost my dad. “I’m sorry you won’t be here to celebrate with us.”
    I’m not.
    “Yeah, I know. Raven’s mom, grandmother, and aunts having been cooking since last night. You don’t have to worry about me. There will be plenty of home-cooked food.” I rubbed it in, just a little.
    “Oh. Well, then. I’m glad.” Her voice lowered. “I guess the question is: will it be any good?”
    I shook my head. Not many things impressed my mom and she was the first to criticize people before giving them an opportunity. “We’ve had a few cookouts and dinners and the food was great. If the way my kitchen smells is any indication of what’s to come, then I’d have to say it’s going to be savory.”
    “They are using your kitchen?” Her tone quickly switched to disgust. “Why aren’t they cooking in their own home?”
    Ugh. She was impossible. “They did cook some of the dishes prior to coming over here, but I told them it was probably easier to make the turkey and dressing here. They are warming everything so we can eat at noon.”
    “Oh,” she said, surprised. “I didn’t realize you were hosting Thanksgiving.”
    I covered my forehead with the palm of my hand. I didn’t owe her an explanation and she was starting to wear on me. “Yes. Raven and I offered our home this year.”
    “Hmm. And where is he?”
    I took a seat on one of the patio chairs. “He’s at the gym working out and should—”
    “What? He’s exercising on Thanksgiving? Are you sure he’s telling you the truth?”
    For a moment, my mom’s comment made me wonder. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook off the preposterous idea of him cheating on me. Raven might have made some bad decisions in the past, but I was confident he was being loyal to me. Then again, was he? I knew what he was capable of doing and the temptations he faced when he stepped on that plane.
    “Yes, mom. He has a game on Sunday and wants to be ready for it.” I tried to keep calm and not yell at her. Maybe she hadn’t heard the good news. “He’s starting, you know.”
    “Yeah, your dad told me, but who knows