It’s midnight. Wrapped in the sheets, lying my head on Zane’s shoulder blade, I whisper, “Merry Christmas.”
He smiles that dazzling smile and kisses the tip of nose. “This is definitely the best Christmas.”
“This has been my favorite present.”
“Mine too.” His voice is void of all humor; there’s nothing but sincerity. “Thank you.”
I know I need to get home, but I really don’t want to leave him. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. How will we act at school now? But, I promised I wouldn’t make this more. Instead, I enjoy the feel of his warm body and the ache between my thighs. I doze off, but wake up when Zane nudges me.
“It’s five in the morning. I’ve got to get you home.”
“Do you want to spend Christmas morning at my house?”
“This has already been the perfect morning. You should be with your family.”
Silly me, he probably has plans as well. I smile and he kisses my forehead.Don’t make this more. You promised.
****
Zoey calls me to ask me about my night with Zane. I can’t tell her much, since I’m currently opening gifts with my parents, aunt and uncle, and Cameron. She’s been trying to get information out of me as well. I haven’t heard from Zane, so I’m not sure where we stand. I’m tempted to call him or to just show up at his house – as a friend.
The next day, I drive over there. I knock on the door but no one answers. I’m about ready to leave when Jackson’s truck pulls into the driveway.
“Hey Shawna. I was looking for you.”
“How’d you know I’d come here?”
“Lucky guess. I have something for you.” He hands me an envelope and then waves goodbye. “See ya around.”
I rip open the envelope and read.
Shawna,
I’m sorry I didn’t say bye in person. But I had to leave. I’ll be eighteen next week, and finally free. My nana that I told you I made the cookies for? Well, we always baked sugar cookies on Christmas Eve when I got to stay with her. We didn’t get to this year. She passed away the day before Christmas Eve. I had to hurry and leave before my father found out; otherwise, he’d try to force me to live with him.
I’m going to stay on the move until my birthday. Thank you for being with me. I thought I’d spend Christmas alone – but waking up with you in my arms…I know I promised we wouldn’t make this more, but it turned into more.
I’m sorry I’m leaving this way. I’m not sorry that I fell in love with you. I think it was under that damn mistletoe when it happened. Know I’ll never look at a mistletoe without thinking about your sweet lips.
I love you.
Zane
Chapter 8
Shawna
5 Years Later…
My feet crunch under the snow as I cross the yard to Cameron’s parents’ house. Despite all of us being adults now, she had the bright idea that we should have a Christmas party as our class reunion. I’m not at all thrilled by the idea of being back here. The last time I was in this house for a Christmas party, I lost my heart. Nobody has heard or seen Zane Burrell since Christmas Day five years ago. He wasn’t even there for his grandmother’s funeral. He simply vanished.
I open the door and step inside. Christmas music greets me, but instead of a living room full of wild seniors, there are adults standing around. Gone are the cropped tops, beer-stained polos, baggy jeans, miniskirts, and novelty shirts. Now the wildest sight are the ugly Christmas sweaters. I’m wearing leather leggings and a sheer red flowy blouse that accents my shoulders with peep hole cutouts.
Boisterous laughter has me turning around to spot a group of men that I recognize immediately: Ryker and a few of his old football buddies. Some of them are already starting to lose their hair in their mid-twenties. One has a beer gut already forming. Ryker is still strikingly handsome and fit. If anything, age has agreed with him. Allison walks over but instead of wrapping her arm around Ryker, she wraps it around the one that is experiencing premature balding. Ryker notices me and winks. I offer him a polite nod and make my way through the room,awayfrom them.
“Shawna!” Zoey wraps her arms around me. “I haven’t seen you since…yesterday!” I roll my eyes at her clearly mocking everyone here. Zoey and I were college roommates and now share an apartment in our college town. We’ve discussed movingback home, but moments like this remind me why I’ve stayed away. Too many painful memories are in this town.
Zoey wraps an arm around me and steers me in the direction of the kitchen. “C’mon. I need another drink.”
