I sat up and hit the night lamp. “Are you still mad at Mr. Reaves for making you recap our ‘love story’?”
“No. I forgot all about him hours ago.”
“Then are you mad at something I did?”
“Yes. For making my dick rock hard and not inviting me to do something about it.” He smirked. “Turn off the goddamn light and go to bed.”
“Wait… What if I invited you to do something about it?”
“I’d still tell you to shut off the light and go to sleep,” he said. “It’s already four in the morning, and it would take me until noon to even halfway finish with you.”
I blushed. “Um… yeah, so?—”
“Good night, Jenna.”
“Good night.”
14
JENNA
My father’s garden was lit up in full holiday excess—white lights wrapped around bare branches, oversized ornaments tucked between hedges, and a glowing sign near the patio that readWho’s Home for the Holidays?
I slowed as I stepped onto the path, a pang of guilt hitting me for nearly missing it this year.
Hanging my “Jenna” ornament on the family check-in tree, I picked up my beer and admired the others already in place.
“So… how’s it feel to be back home, Jenna?” Brandon rounded the corner, and my stomach dropped.
I was hoping he wouldn’t turn up until Christmas Day, and even then, I was hoping for him to grab a to-go plate, say hello, and leave.
“It feels good, Brandon,” I managed. “How have you been?”
“Pretty damn good, but I’m currently confused…”
I looked away, refusing to ask why.
“I see how it is now.” He moved in front of me. “How’s the big city life?”
“It’s amazing.” I smiled. “It’s nonstop work, but I can’t complain.”
“Let’s cut the shit, then. Are you seriously with that guy in there?” He lowered his voice. “Like, Nicholas Saint—your boss?”
“Yes.” I sipped my drink and nodded; I wasn’t sure if Mr. Reaves was hovering around, ready to pop out and take notes.
“Does he treat you well?”
“Yes.”
“As well as I used to?”
“I…” I tilted my head. “We broke up years ago, Brandon.”
“We didn’t end on bad terms, though.” He stared at me. “It was just a difference in jobs and dreams.”
“We still broke up.”
“Answer my question.”
