Bad Romeo Christmas: A Starcrossed Anthology by Leisa Rayven Read Free Book Online Page A

her fingers over my pecs. "You could make an excuse that you want to show me something upstairs. We could be done in five minutes. Less if you put your mouth on me."
    I'm about to crack and do what she wants when Mom calls, "Okay, everyone. Take your seats. Dinner's ready."
    Dad carries in a platter holding a huge bird, and the rest of the table is covered in platters of delicious-looking food. Everything smells so good, I'm momentarily distracted from my need to be inside Cassie.
    Everyone takes their seats as Dad carves the turkey, but when Cassie goes to follow, I grab her hand and pull her back to me.
    "You're pure evil for getting me this turned on right before dinner. Be prepared for punishment later."
    "Fine by me," she mutters.
    "Also ... how about we not tell anyone you made the green bean casserole until after they've tried it? It'll be a surprise."
    She glances at everyone sitting at the table. "Okay, sure. That could be fun. I can't wait to hear what they think."
    It's only now I realize this whole thing could backfire. I've been thinking about how funny it will be to see my family's reaction to her food, but I forgot she'd be here to witness it. If they react how I predict, she'll be crushed. As we take our seats, I try and figure out how to best handle the situation.
    Mom piles our plates with steaming turkey while Dad fills our wine glasses. Then various platters get passed back and forth as we stock up with sides.
    When Cassie's casserole gets to me, I load up my plate. Maybe if I take most of it, there won't be any left for the others.
    "Hey," Elissa says. "Stop bogarting the beans. You know they're one of my faves."
    I reluctantly hand over the bowl. Elissa takes a generous serving before giving it to Josh.
    "Looks great," he says. "We all know my version of cooking involves reheating takeout, so I always look forward to a Holt banquet. You guys make my stomach happy."
    I cringe when he spoons three large portions of beans onto his plate. I'm guessing a stomach pump isn't on Josh's Christmas list, but after tonight, that might change.
    "So, what's new, kids?" Dad says as the beans make their way down to him. "Tell us all about what's going on."
    Elissa clears her throat. "Well, I have some news. Although I don't think Ethan and Cassie will like it."
    Everyone stops what they're doing to look at her. She sits up a little straighter and shares a look with Josh. "A few weeks ago, Marco asked if I'd be interested in coming on board his new project, a modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew . I said yes."
    Cassie looks disappointed. "Wait, so you're leaving us? Our show?"
    Elissa nods. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I've loved working with you guys, but now the show’s settled, I need more of a challenge. I've recommended Talia Shapiro to take over as stage manager."
    A flash of anxiety hits me. It's been four years since I've performed in a show not run by my sister, and I guess I’ve gotten used to having her there. Of course, I’m not enough of an asshole to deny that she should spread her wings and move on, so even though I'll miss seeing her every day, I'm glad her career is flourishing.
    "Congrats, little sister," I say. "That's fantastic news."
    She looks at me expectantly. "That's it? No arguing? No trying to change my mind?"
    I smile. "Nope. I think you've made the right decision. Sounds like a great opportunity."
    Elissa exhales in relief. "Oh, thank God. I thought for sure I'd have a fight on my hands. And you're right. It's an amazing offer. Plus, I finally get to work with Josh again. He's on board as my assistant stage manager."
    Josh puts his hands in the air. "The dream team is back together. Hollah, bitches." He immediately looks contrite. "Sorry, Maggie. You're not a bitch. You're delightful." He catches my dad out the corner of his eye. "You, too, Charles. Elder Holts are exempt from hollering."
    Mom smiles at him and places her hand over Elissa's. "Well, I'm thrilled you and Josh are working together