Feeling Kiera’s dad burning holes into me with his eyes, I handed the bag of groceries to Kiera’s mom; I couldn’t help but note she had Kiera’s shade of long brown hair, but her eyes were pure green, like Anna’s. “Mrs. Allen, I noticed that you were low on milk, so I got you some more.” As she smiled and started taking the bag from me, I looked over at Kiera and added, “I got some eggnog too just in case anyone wanted some.” I smirked at Kiera before turning back to her mom.

Kiera’s mom suddenly looked distracted as she blatantly stared at my face for a second. Her hand was frozen, her fingers barely around the bag I was still extending to her. Then she blinked and shook her head, like she was forcefully changing her thoughts. Interesting. Did all of the Allen women find me overly attractive? That would not help with making Kiera’s dad like me. Would anything help at this point?

Finally taking the bag from me, Kiera’s mom politely said, “Thank you, Kellan. That was very thoughtful of you.”

Whether she was just being polite or not, her comment got to me, and my gaze shifted to the floor as a strange warmth filled me. Shrugging, I told her, “It was the least I could do, since you’re letting me stay for a few days.” And now I really wished it had been my idea, so I could actually deserve her praise. Still, the unworthy compliment was nice to hear.

From beside me, I heard Kiera’s dad say, “A few days?” Kiera instantly snapped at him, and he only groaned in response. Had she not mentioned that I’d be staying for a little while? Maybe I shouldn’t have either. Hopefully he let me stay…

Kiera’s mom eyed the two of them, then turned her attention back to me. “Why don’t you take your coat off, make yourself comfortable.”

Nodding, I slipped my jacket off and handed it to Kiera. She looked giddy as she took it, and I grinned at her enthusiasm. It made me feel so good to see how much she wanted me here. It made me feel perfectly relaxed. Even with her dad scowling at me. Hmmm. How the hell did I make him like me? Or at least, not hate me? What would someone like him want to talk about? Clearly, not music. Maybe food would help break the ice. I could smell coffee, bacon, and oh God…was that cinnamon rolls? Fuck, I was hungry.