The Hazards of Mistletoe (3 page)

Was he waiting for me to disagree? Was this when I was supposed to make a choice? “Do you think we always have to keep things just as friends? I mean you did hire that girl to make us kiss.” I decided to continue along with his joke.

“I did.”

“And you are practically feeling me up right now.” I expected him to pull his hand back, and prepared myself for the lack of contact.

Instead his hand only stilled. “Does this bother you?”

“No.” It didn’t. The only thing that bothered me was that he was stopping. I slipped my hand under his t-shirt.

His hand started moving again, and he slipped his fingers underneath my bra, still just missing my breast. It was like torture.

“You can keep moving up you know. I like the way your hand feels.”

“Were you telling me the truth when you told me about that guy?”

“Hmm?” I didn’t really want to talk about any other guy.

“The one you said you slept with. We were texting at like one a.m. a few months ago.”

“That was actually three a.m. for me.”

“Same difference. Were you telling me the truth?”

“Yes.” Why was he doing this? Why was he bringing up bad memories?

“And it was really that bad? You really didn’t enjoy it?”

“Are you trying to embarrass me?”

“No. I’m just asking. I hate that your first experience with a guy sucked like that. A girl like you deserves better.”

“And who’s going to give me better? You?”

“I wish.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He pulled his hand out from under my shirt. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Why not? I’m eighteen and we’re not kids anymore. We’ve known each other for years.”

“Because my parents could be home at any time.”

“They won’t be back for an hour, and you have your own room. Why can’t we move there?” I wasn’t sure why I was pushing for it so hard, but once the possibility entered my mind, I wanted it.

His jovial flirtatious side disappeared and was replaced by a seriousness that was at odds with his usual personality. “See this is why you’re going to get yourself hurt next year.”

“I’m not going to get hurt.” I didn’t think, I just acted. I pressed my lips against his as I climbed onto his lap, straddling him while he still reclined on the couch. He didn’t respond at first, but then moments later he was pushing for access to my mouth. I gladly gave it. He hand moved under my sweater again, but this time he pushed it right under my bra, cupping my breast in the same motion. He squeezed my breast as his tongue continued to move with mine.

I struggled with his belt, wanting to feel him in my hand. Wanting to know if he wanted me the same way I wanted him. He helped me, easing his zipper down, and adjusting himself before letting me take him in my hand. He groaned, squeezing my breast harder as I stroked him. He broke the kiss. “Not out here.”

I moved off his lap, releasing him so I could walk toward the room I knew was his. He caught up with me, closing and locking the door before he nearly tackled me to the bed. He leaned over me. “You’re such a trouble maker.”

“So are you. What’s the problem?” I sat up enough to pull off my sweater. He’d already unclasped my bra, so it just hung off me. Before I could get rid of it he did it himself. He lowered his mouth down to my breast. I reached for him again. He released my breast. “Want me to make that easier for you?”

“Yes.” This was happening. I was going to have sex for the second time, and this time was going to be so much better than the first.

He pushed off his jeans and boxers, standing there in only his shirt. “I guess I should take this off too.” He tossed his shirt.

My eyes widened as I watched him standing there completely naked. He was so muscular, so strong. “Now I feel overdressed,” I joked, hoping he’d get the hint and get rid of my jeans. He got the hint all right. He had my jeans, panties, and socks off all at once.

“You’re so damn beautiful.” He just stood there looking at me. “And so innocent.”

I sat up slightly.

“We can’t do this.” He started getting dressed.

“Wait. What? You’re stopping again?” I held my sweater up against my chest. “Why? I thought you said I was beautiful?” I could feel the tears stinging in the corners of my eyes.

“Too beautiful for someone like me.” He grabbed the rest of his clothes. “Do us both a favor and get dressed and get out of here before I get back. We can pretend this never happened.” He didn’t look back. He disappeared out the doorway.

I lay there motionless for a moment. What had just happened? Had Glenn undressed me and rejected me? Too beautiful for him? What bullshit. I’d never been more humiliated in my entire life. I snapped out of my daze and quickly got dressed.

I knew I could do one of two things. I could run and hide, or I could face him head on. I ran out of his condo and downstairs. I couldn’t find him at first, but finally there he was. He was right by the ice rink. He turned around and his eyes met mine. He scowled and turned away.

It was as though someone had punched me in the gut. My stomach churned, and I could feel the egg nog coming up. After one last glance at Glen’s back, I ran upstairs to our condo.

“Savy, is that you?” Dad called when I walked in.

“Oh, hi, Dad.” I tried to pull myself together. I hadn’t expected anyone to be there.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I need to talk to you though.”

“About what?” Dad patted the seat next to him on the couch.

I stayed standing. “Can we leave after tomorrow and do something just us?” I crossed my fingers that he’d agree. I couldn’t risk facing Glen again.

His face fell. “I’m actually planning to leave on Monday anyway. I’ve got a meeting.”

“Oh, well then I might leave at the same time.”

“You want to see your mom?”

Technically that was true even though she definitely wouldn’t be home. “Yeah. Would you mind changing my ticket?”

“It’s fine, but I’ll let you tell your grandparents.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I stood up. “I’m going to turn in.”

In the end the only flight Dad could get me on was the next night. I plastered a smile on my face during the Christmas festivities for the sake of my family, but I didn’t leave the condo. I held myself together as best I could, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to my dad at the airport.

It wasn’t until I was seated on the plane that I let the tears start. I was never going back. Nothing could make me face Glen again. I’d never been more humiliated in my life. I’d visit my grandparents another time. I’d make it up to them for running out. I was going to be okay, but I was never going to be the same. And neither was Christmas.

“Savannah, you ready?” Jade asked from the doorway. By the end of first semester she’d become one of my best friends at Harrison University. We’d bonded over the fact that neither of us really belonged in a sorority. We faked it well though. Although we didn’t go out together a lot, we spent a lot of late nights talking and trying to settle into our new lives at school.

“I think so, but I wish you could help me come up with an excuse to get me out of this.”

She sat down on the end of my bed. “It’s the holidays with your family. Whether you want to go or not, it’s pretty much required.”

“You don’t understand how awkward this is going to be.”

“Because of Glen?” Jade had heard me recount the embarrassing story a few times. She had her own stories, so I never felt like she was judging me.

“Yes. And then add on having to meet my dad’s new girlfriend and her kids. This is going to be awful.” I’d completely planned on convincing Dad to let us go somewhere else for the holidays, but he shot that idea down quickly.

“My holidays are going to be boring. Trust me.” She yawned and leaned back. “So feel free to call me anytime.”

“I’m going to take you up on that.”

“Good. Just remember there’s nothing to be embarrassed of. You’re a strong, beautiful girl. He’s the idiot who let you get away.”

“Have you always been this good at pep talks?”

“No, but we’ve got to get going, or you’re going to miss your flight.”

“Okay, okay.” I got up and started collecting my stuff. “You know it’s not too late. You could still go with me.”

“And my parents would love that.” She laughed. “Not that I wouldn’t jump on an all-expense paid ski vacation.”

“Fine, I see how it is,” I teased. “Let’s go. I wouldn’t want to be later.” Of course it’s exactly what I wanted to be.

She grabbed one of my bags. “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.”

We took the elevator down to the lobby and walked outside. I wasn’t surprised to see Juliet’s car already parked out in front of my dorm. I was running a full ten minutes behind schedule.

“Hey!” Juliet hopped out of her car. “Ready to go?”

I smiled at my sorority big sister. She was one of the reasons I’d joined Delta Mu in the first place. “Unfortunately, yes. Sorry I was late.”

“Don’t worry about being late, and it’s going to be fine. You’ll be back here before you know it.”

“I was just telling her the exact same thing,” Jade opened the passenger door of Juliet’s car. “And she’s stalling so she’ll miss her flight. She can’t. She needs to go and face Glen.”

“Yes she does,” Juliet opened her door. “Have a great break, Jade!”

I hugged Jade goodbye. “I’m calling you tonight.”

“Good. You’re going to be fine.”

“Thanks.” I held onto her a moment longer. I was going to miss my college home. It had taken me a while to get used to it, but now I didn’t want to leave.

As soon as I got in Juliet pulled away from the curb. “You know you can call me anytime too.”

“I know. And I might.”

She smiled. “Good.”

The ride to the airport went entirely too fast, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to Juliet and sitting in the boarding area for my flight.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, it was my dad. “Hello.”

“Hey, Dalton’s flight out of Atlanta was cancelled, so he’s going to be on yours. Don’t be alarmed if a guy approaches you.”

“How would he know it’s me, Dad?” I knew Dalton was the son of my Dad’s new girlfriend, but I had no clue what he looked like.

“He’s seen your picture.” Dad made it sound like that was obvious. I’d never seen a picture of Dalton.

“Great.”

“Just be polite.” I could hear the worry in his voice. “His mother’s important to me.”

“Got it. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“I’m excited to see you. This is going to be fun.”

“Are you sure we’re all going to be able to squeeze in to the condo together? It’s not too late for me to find something else to do for the week.”

“You’re coming, Savy. The squishing in part is only going to make it more fun.”

“You already said that.”

“I’m reminding you.”

They announced pre-boarding over the loud speaker. “I’ve got to go, Dad. They’re getting ready to board.”

“Be safe. See you in a few hours.”

“See you soon.” I slipped my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and got in line to board the plane. I found my seat and closed my eyes. My attempt to sleep lasted all of five minutes before I gave up. I was way too nervous for that.

The flight to Atlanta was short, and I only had about a thirty minute layover. Hopefully I’d have time to hit up the bathroom and grab something to eat.

I waited impatiently to get off the plane and high tailed it to the bathroom. I finished and checked the flight boards. My flight had moved. I now had to make it to the C concourse, and I was in A. I was going to have to run if I wanted to make it. It would take too long to wait for the shuttle train. Forget getting a snack.

Exhausted, I made it to the gate just in time to hear them announce that the flight was delayed.

“Fabulous, flipping fabulous.” I let my bag slide off my arm onto the floor.

“Your dad was right, you do have an attitude.”

I glanced up to see a very amused guy with black hair walking over. He was cute in that boy next door kind of way. “Uh, hi. Are you Dalton?”

He held out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Savannah.”

I accepted the handshake. “Nice to meet you too.” I pushed my bag back onto my arm. “Sorry, I ran across half the airport for nothing.”

“I get that. I did the same thing only to find out my flight was cancelled.”

“Isn’t it great how they do that? They can’t tell you right when you get off your flight or anything?”

“That would make things too easy.” He smiled. “Can I take that bag for you?”

“Oh, no thanks. But I appreciate the offer.”

“Let me know if you change your mind. By the way, have you eaten? It sounds like we have some time to kill.”

My stomach growled, answering his question.

He laughed. “All right, let’s go grab some grub.”

We settled on a bar and grill. Dalton ordered me a beer, pretending he wanted two for himself. Possible future step-brother was already earning points. I needed something to help cut my nerves.

“My little sister is going to love you.” Dalton poured some ketchup onto his fries.

“Oh yeah?”

“You’re kind of her idol.”

“Uh, she doesn’t even know me.” The only thing I knew about her was that her name was Laney, and she was a year younger than me.

“She knows you’re a Delta Mu at Harrison. She’s kind of obsessed.”

“My dad mentioned she’d applied there.”

“She applied early decision. She finds out anytime now.”

“Oh wow.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Hopefully the girl was cool. “But why does she care what sorority I’m in?” I didn’t know anything about Greek life before joining. I probably wouldn’t have at all if it hadn’t been an excuse to get to campus a week earlier.

“Our mom was Delta Mu at Eastern.”

“Oh, ok. That makes more sense.”

“I never really saw the appeal of the Greek thing, but to each their own.” He took a bite of his burger.

“I didn’t either, but it’s been fun. I’ve made some good friends.”

“Making friends is good.” He smiled.