“Har. Har. Our parents are coming too.” Daphne rolled her eyes and turned to get something out of the oven. “Come on, guys, grab a plate.”
“Well, if they don’t show, I’m sure I can put a dent in this. It smells amazing, Daphne,” I said as I picked up a plate. She didn’t have to tell me twice. I was starving.
We all filled our plates and sat down to eat as my dad and Daphne’s parents walked through the front door. We exchanged hurried greetings while stuffing our faces.
After breakfast,it was time for our Secret Santa gift exchange. Nathan rigged it so he’d get Daphne, so he could reveal a secret project he’d been working on since they met. He had written their love story and had it bound for her—an incredibly romantic gesture, Daphne was absolutely over the moon about. Daphne launched herself into Nathan’s arms and sobbed into his neck. As I glanced over at Lexi, I noticed—was she crying?The urge to go to her was strong, but I remained in my seat across the room.
Lexi swiped a tear from her cheek and cleared her throat. “Okay, enough of that mushy shit. Jesus, Nate Dog, you’re making men everywhere look bad.”
After a few chuckles, Daphne peeled herself away from Nathan’s embrace. “Okay, I’ll go next. Dane, I had you,” she said, retrieving a gift from under the tree.
When it was Lexi’s turn to pass out her gift, she stood and picked up a gift from under the tree, and brought it to me. “I had you, Brando,” she said casually as she handed me a neatly wrapped package.
“Thanks, Lexi.” I ripped the paper to reveal a beautifully embossed, leather-bound sketchbook. It was like the one she’d gotten for my dad last year, but I could tell that this one was picked out or made especially for me. And it looked like the tentacles that adorned it were intricately carved by hand. My mouth hung open as I absentmindedly traced the design with a finger.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
I looked up to see everyone staring at me. “I love it,” I answered her honestly. This was one of the most thoughtful gifts I’d ever received, and it meant even more because I knew how hard it was for Lexi to give such a heartfelt gift to me. I stood and gave her a half-hug that wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary to anyone else. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”
Lexi went back to her seat, and the gifting continued around me, but I was still focused on the sketchbook. Because truthfully, it felt like more than a sketchbook—more than just a gift. It felt as if Lexi was telling me she cared in her own way. This was a romantic gesture, and I was here for it. Inside, I found a handwritten note, but quickly stuffed it back inside and closed the book. I’d haveto read it away from prying eyes, but if she kept this up, I don’t know if I’d be able to keep our secret for much longer.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur, but at the first moment I could, I snuck away back to the loft to read the note from Lexi.
Brandon,
As you know, I’m not great at expressing my feelings, but I want to be better, not only for you, but for myself. I didn’t think I’d be able to say this to your face, so I wanted you to know... I really like you and care about you. I’m glad we’re dating, or whatever this is, and getting to know each other more. I’ve been having a lot of fun with you these past weeks, and I’m excited to see where it will go. You were right when you said the post-sex intimacy is what scares me. The fear of falling for you, and then potentially losing you, terrifies me. So, please know that I’m trying. I won’t ever be a super romantic person like you are, but I promise I will talk to you about what I’m feeling, and I won’t run away again.
xoxo, Your Lexi
I reread it twice. This felt incredibly meaningful, especially coming from Lexi.MyLexi. Her note gave me hope that we were moving in the right direction and that she and I had a real shot at a future together. I tucked the note back into the sketchbook and made my way back downstairs. Lexi needed a proper thank you, and I was determined to give it to her.
37
LEXI
Iwas so nervous giving Brandon his gift in front of everyone. I wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep his emotions under wraps. Or maybe I secretly hoped he wouldn’t. I didn’t know what I thought anymore. This time last year, I wouldn’t have even entertained the idea of a relationship with anyone, and now I was dating my best friend’s boyfriend’s brother.Say that ten times fast.
Bundled up in a blanket, sitting by the roaring outdoor fireplace, I was lost in thought. I actually couldn’t wait until our little secret was revealed. I just didn’t want to tell everyone while we were stuck in this cabin. It would be too awkward. I’d much rather it came out when we got home, and we wouldn’t have to field questions and scrutiny from all sides. At least at home, we could manage the fallout one-on-one.
“Hey,” Brandon said, startling me.
“Shit! Hey yourself. I didn’t hear you come out. How long were you standing there, you creeper?” I joked.
Brandon’s smile warmed me. “Not long. Are you warm enough?”
“Yeah, it’s not too cold today.”
“Want to go for a walk?” he asked.
“In the snow?” I looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.
“Like you said, it’s not too cold today. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you warm, Sweetheart.” He arched an eyebrow.
I quickly scanned the wall of windows directly in front of us. Thankfully, no one was paying us any attention. “Okay, I guess, but if I get frostbite, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
“Come on.” He held his hand out to me, which I ignored. I got up and pulled the blanket tightly around myself, and walked down the porch stairs as Brandon trailed behind me. I gave one more look over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching us.
As soon as we were out of eyeshot, I looked towards Brandon as we walked side by side along the beach. “So, what’s up?”
