The Billionaire and the Cleaner(22)
Author: Sam Crescent

Lana was stood at the counter, stirring the sauce.

He gazed at the curve of her back and the full roundness of her ass.

“I bought you some beers,” she said.

“Thanks.”

Kent grabbed the bottle from the fridge. He moved beside her and popped the top off on the counter.

She whacked his shoulder. “You break or damage my work counter in any way and you’ll be paying for it, buddy. There’s a bottle opener in the far drawer. Use it next time.”

He watched her work about the kitchen. All the time he was imagining her in the red underwear he’d discovered in the laundry basket.

After they ate dinner, Lana did the dishes as he started wrapping their gifts. They fought over the tape, and Kent knew in that moment there was no other place he’d rather be than in Lana’s apartment, wrapping gifts. He was in love with her. His feelings for her were no longer in question. Their friendship meant everything to him, and his love would remain hidden.

Chapter Thirteen

Christmas at the Andersons’

Lana waited for Kent to pick her up. It was Christmas Eve, and everything had been arranged for him to collect her on his way to his parents’ house. He’d stopped off at his office building prior to picking her up. She checked her suitcase for the hundredth time then all of her bags to make sure she’d packed the presents. Her stay with the Andersons would last until the New Year.

She looked forward to bringing in the New Year with them.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she pushed her glasses up her nose before putting on her coat. She sat waiting until finally there was a knock on her door.

Kent stood with his hands in the air in surrender. “I’m sorry. Traffic was a nightmare. Is this everything?” he asked, grabbing some of her bags.

“Yeah, this is everything.”

“It’s snowing out.” He warned her as they got to the ground floor. She followed him out the door and around to his car. He’d put snow tires on the instant the bad weather hit.

They placed her bags alongside his in the boot of his car. He helped her into her seat then climbed in behind the wheel.

Lana watched as he pulled into the flow of traffic.

“Everyone’s panicking with the last minute shopping. I’m surprised you got the time off work at the diner,” he said. “I passed it on the way to you, and it was packed.”

She smiled. Lana wasn’t about to tell him she’d lost her job at the diner. After she’d asked for time off, the woman who owned the diner refused. She expected Lana to work Christmas Day, which she’d refused. She would worry after New Year on how she was going to pay for rent and food. The bonus she received from Kent would stretch and, she hoped, give her enough time to find a new job.

“Are your parents happy with me coming this year?” she asked.

“They are. You’d better be prepared, Lana. The whole family is going to be there. Sophie and Dawn are bringing their men, and Eric’s got his whole family. Christmas is always a big event at home. Mom is cooking up two turkeys to feed us all.”

The way he described Christmases made Lana envious. When she lived in the trailer with her own mother, Lana spent most of the holidays catching up on homework or avoiding the men who stopped by.

She shivered recalling that time of year. There were never any presents left by Santa for her or any decorations. The trailer looked a mess year in and year out. Her mother never changed no matter what their circumstances.

The drive was slow, and the snow thickened on the ground. Lana put the radio on for a distraction from her morbid thoughts. Red lights were in front of them from braking cars. She relaxed her head into her hand waiting for the roads to clear. Christmas Eve was always busy. Last minute shoppers were running to the shops to get the final gift that would make Christmas. If it wasn’t for Kent she’d be at home or the diner working through Christmas like she’d done every year.

“You’re very quiet,” he said.

“I’m anxious.” She didn’t feel like she belonged with the Andersons. Their family were so large and giving. Lana felt like a fraud when she was around them.

“You’ll do great.” He squeezed her leg offering her support. Lana took the support and hoped she could survive through this time of year without having an emotional breakdown.

She’d not spoke to her mother since she left the trailer after graduation. Shaking her head, she let her thought wander through her memories.

Kent finally got them both to his parents’ house. It was past seven, and everyone was in a state of merriment. His brothers helped with the cases and gifts. Penny embraced her, as did his father.

The kids watched with wide eyes as they put the presents under the tree.

“There will be more tomorrow. Presents under the tree are for everyone,” Kent said, explaining the process.

“Come on, dear, we’ve got to get some drink inside you.” Penny took her hand and escorted her through to the kitchen where a glorious spread of food was on display. The turkeys were cooking in the oven, and the scents made her stomach growl. Penny handed her a drink and a plate filled with food. “I heard that growl, honey. You’re getting food inside you. I won’t take no for an answer.”

Lana laughed and took the drink along with the food. Kent made his way into the kitchen as she was eating. His mother kept talking about plans. She watched as his mother prepared vegetables for the following day.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

“This is awesome.” The drink had loosened her up.

“I bet.” He took the drink and had a generous sip.

They stood talking with Penny until it was time to sing carols in the sitting room. She listened as Sophie played the piano and the children sang the tunes. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against Kent’s shoulder. This was the kind of Christmas she always dreamed about, the loving, welcoming warmth displayed by everyone.

The children were put to bed, and Kent escorted her toward the spare bedroom. She was on the floor below him.

Her suitcases were on the bed. “My family adore you, Lana. You’re an Anderson now.”

“I’m not.”

He cupped her cheek and forced her to look at him. “You are.” Kent dropped down and kissed her lips. “I’ll see you when you’re done. It’s not bed time. There is still time for a late night drink.” He stroked her lip and then closed her door behind him.

She stared at the space he’d vacated. Her lips tingled from the small touch.