I opened my coat like I was flashing them and squeezed my eyes shut. “Read it and weep.”
“Oh my God.” Penny cheered before clapping her hands. “I love it!”
“Jesus.” Christian groaned. “For real? For real, Char-char Binks?”
“Can I get really close to the photos, just to inspect them. Maybe the one right there?” Garrett asked, his voice closer to me. He bent down to stare at the photo near my boob.
“No.” Hayden’s voice cut through. “Great sweater, Charlotte. Funny.”
“Thank you very much.” I redid my jacket, the embarrassment sliding away. Yes, my sweater was booger green and covered in embarrassing photos of my brother. My handiwork was excellent and Christian covered his face in shame. The photos were all of him and they were epic.
Penny cleared her throat before saying, “Thank you all for following directions. Now let’s try and win.”
We didn’t win the ugly sweater contest, but Garrett did come in fourth. I wanted to annoy Christian, which—mission freaking accomplished. I swayed to the beat as a group of sorority girls sang “Santa Baby.” They were offbeat but so confident and fun that I couldn’t stop myself from moving.
I also could’ve been on cloud nine with everything happening with Hayden. It was almost hard to believe that we were doing this. He and I. It felt easy and impossible at the same time. Our chemistry was off the charts, and we understood each other in such a meaningful way that it was like we spent the last decade studying the other person. I knew his weaknesses; he knew mine. He acted like having Gwen would make it harder to date when, in fact, I loved her so much. She wouldn’t be an inconvenience to me. Ever.
“It’s our turn! Let’s go!” Penny threw her arms in the air and waved her hands toward all of us. “We’re singing!”
“No, thank you.” Hayden shook his head. “I don’t sing.”
“Come on, what would it take?” Christian had been feeling the drinks the last hour and pulled Hayden into a half hug. “How much?”
“My heart to stop beating, probably.” Hayden met my gaze and smirked.
“Dramatic, bro.” Garrett grabbed my hand and spun me in a fast circle. “You better come up there and belt it out with me, Calhoun.”
“Oh, I’ll belt with you.” I laughed as I almost knocked into a couple next to us. Hayden gripped my belt loop and stilled me, his hands pressing on my back and stomach. He gave me a gentle pat before releasing me.
I was a hot mess of horniness around him. His intentions were so pure and kind, wanting to talk, but I was walking on a tightrope. Every touch from him lit me up. We might know everything about each other outside of the bedroom,but inside? I couldn’t wait to explore. I shuddered just thinking about him on his knees in front of me. Hottest moment of my life.
“Enough stalling, come on!” Penny dragged Garrett and me to the stage. My brother already had the mic in hand as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” came on. Christian had recently become obsessed with the newer version of the Grinch, the hip-hop song. It was short but it was so much fun, and the upbeat thuds started as Christian and Penny rapped.
I was more of a backup singer and dancer, never the center of attention. My brother and Penny sang and entertained the crowd while Garrett and I laughed and clapped along. My attention kept returning to Hayden, who stood in his ridiculous outfit, a smile on his lips and his gaze never wavering from me. A flutter of nerves hit me, wondering if we were moving too fast. I already loved the guy, and now sex and dating were involved. I was gonna fall even faster and harder, almost to the point of no return, but how could I not? He was my dream man.
The song came to an end, and the next hour flew by. People got drunker, except Penny kept her tune somehow. I was feeling the peppermint drink Hayden bought me, but my mind was on going back to the room. I wanted Hayden where I didn’t have to keep my hands to myself. He stood next to me, body heat radiating from him as he leaned down and whispered, “How much longer do we have to stay?”
“Ha, you read my mind.”
He ran his fingers under the back of my sweater, the rough pads trailing along my spine. “I regret keeping this secret already.”
“It’s the right thing to do.” I wanted to close my eyes and lean into him, let his deep voice wash over me. “What’s our excuse to head back?”
“Make something up. Anything. I’m getting impatient. Watching you dance all night? And letting Garrett talk to you?”
“Mm, my plan worked then.” I faced him and stared at his mouth.
He breathed deeper as his fingers dug into my waist. “Fuck, I want to kiss you.”
I leaned close enough to feel his breath on my face. His lips parted, and his muscles tensed, almost like he was bracing for me. Then, before my lips met his, I darted right. “We should still talk first, right?”
“My evil little elf.”
I winked and made my way to Penny and Christian. “Hey, guys, I’m heading in. Can I buy you a shot before I leave?”
“I’m okay. Thank you though!” Penny pulled me into a hug. “This has been the best weekend ever. Thank you for coming. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being the best sister-in-law ever.”
My grin matched hers. This was such a good sign that things were okay. She squeezed me hard before Christian joined. We now were in an awkward sandwich, and I was right in the middle. My heart swelled with joy being between them and the thing with Hayden. It all felt so right, I about burst. “Love you maniacs.”
