“Nonsense,” Liesje says, turning to us. “And have you seen the weather? It’s terrible. You two should stay the night. I can’t have you sledding around in this kind of storm. You’ll crash into something.”
I get to my feet and move to the window, so I can get a better look at the storm myself. Much to my chagrin, the storm has turned into an absolute blizzard. Instead of clearing up, it’s pouring more snow than ever, and the skies are dark with ominous clouds. Outside the window, the snow is piled high on the ground, blanketing everything. Biting my lip, I debate how bad the short flight home will be.
“You two should stay here tonight,” Liesje announces again. “I know it’s a bit crowded in here, but it’s warm and safe. Sin can send a message to his co-workers to tell him that he’s staying here to be safe, and I can lay out a bed for the two of you near the heater.”
I look over at Sinath.
I should say something. Point out that we’re not really lovers. Tell Liesje she’s mistaken and we can barely get along. He watches me with hooded eyes, his tail swaying in a hypnotic fashion. He’s not speaking up. He’s waiting for me to say something.
“That’d be lovely,” I manage. “Thank you.”
ChapterTwelve
DEVIN
It isn’t until a short time later, when Liesje is handing me a pair of pajamas, that I realize what I’ve gotten into. Of course I’ll need to change into pajamas if I’m going to be sleeping next to my supposed boyfriend. My tunic and pants are comfortable enough but it’ll seem weird if I refuse to change.
And what the heck is Sinath going to wear?
Before I can blurt out that I’ve changed my mind, Liesje clasps my shoulders and gives me a downright motherly look. “I am glad you’re with him. He may not act like it, but he needs someone.”
“Oh. Um…” I trail off, because I absolutely don’t know what to say.
“He reminds me of my son in some ways. It’s the brash confidence and the way he carries himself.” Her smile is sweet. “It’s to hide a very tender heart. Unless I miss my guess, he’s very shy and uncertain despite his attitude.”
Are we…talking about Sinath here? The guy that asked everyone to call him “Sin” and chortled with delight at the prospect? Shy? Uncertain? “I’m pretty sure Sinath is the least shy person I’ve ever met.”
“You’re wrong,” Liesje says, patting my arm as if that’s the end of the discussion.
With that, I’m left clutching the pajamas as she turns to Sinath. “I’m heading to bed. See you both in the morning. If you need extra blankets, just knock.” She hugs him and then returns to my side, giving me air kisses three times. “Thank you both for the wonderful holiday. It meant a lot to me.”
“Merry Christmas,” I say.
“Vrolijk Kerstfeest,” she agrees. She goes to shut her door, and Jerry scampers inside, no doubt thinking his spot is on the bed. She pauses and then shrugs and closes him in with her.
When Liesje’s door is shut, Sinath gives me a puzzled look, speaking in a low voice. “Why did she pretend to kiss your face?”
I bite back a chuckle, because I can imagine that’d be confusing to an alien. “She’s Dutch,” I whisper. “They kiss greetings in Europe, I think.”
“You are not from her planet, then?”
“Continent,” I correct. “Same planet, completely different side of it and a slightly different culture. It’s not an American thing and I’m American, so that’s why you haven’t seen me do it.”
Understanding dawns, followed by a wicked smile. “I wouldn’t mind if you kissed my cheeks.”
So much for his so-called shyness. “I’m sure you wouldn’t,” I reply tartly. “You’re just looking to get more kisses.”
“From you, yes. I like yours.”
Oh. I retreat into the bathroom to change, unsure what to say to that. My face is hot and my heart is racing, though. Liesje’s pajamas are baggy on me, and unflattering, but I tell myself I don’t care. I fold my clothes and put them in a corner, then head out of the bathroom and into the main living area again.
Sinath stands by the bed, his back to me. He turns when I emerge, and when he does, I can see he’s taken off his tunic and his boots. He’s wearing nothing but a tight pair of trou and for some reason, I can’t stop staring at his bare chest. He’s got a few tattoos dotted on one shoulder, but the rest of him is smooth and blue and well-muscled.
This doesn’t help my heart flutters in the slightest. In fact, I’m pretty sure they’re increasing by the moment. I run my hand through my hair, feeling awkward. Why didn’t I say something? Why did I decide to go through with this?
Why is Sinath fine with pretending that I’m his girlfriend?
I cross my arms over my chest, standing near the pallet on the floor. There’s several fluffy blankets stretched out to make a bed for two people, strategically placed near the heater. I curl my bare toes on Liesje’s floor and notice that Sinath is doing the same.