“But, that doesn’t mean you can’t look fine as hell for this Christmas Eve dinner.” I hear a beep on my phone, and I look down. It’s Evie requesting a video chat. I accept and her face comes on the screen. Her blonde hair is down, reaching past her shoulders, framing her heart shaped face that currently is sans any makeup. Her blue eyes shine with mischief, telling me she has something planned.
“That’s better,” she says, a devious smirk forming over her face. “Now, what did you pack in terms of outfits for this dinner?”
I show Evie the green dress I had packed. She instantly agrees that I should wear it, silencing any second guessing I had.
“Before I go,” Evie starts. “I packed you a present in your suitcase. I don’t know if you’ve found it or not, but it’s at the front of your bag.”
I look at my screen, raising my brow in question.
“Oh, just go look!”
I make my way over to where my bag is. I look in the front of my bag, and when I reach my hand inside, I connect with something. I pull it out, seeing that it is a tiny gift wrapped box.
“Is this it?” I ask as I show her the gift box in question. She nods her head enthusiastically. “Yes! Now open it!”
I quickly unwrap it and open the lid. My mouth drops, and my eyes fly to the screen, looking at my best friend, who gifted me none other than lingerie. “This was what I was looking at when I was buying my bathing suits. You’re a sneaky bitch.”
“Well, you weren’t going to buy it, and I know you’d look hot in it. You should wear it under your outfit tomorrow. You know,” she wags her eyebrows at me, “just in case.”
I shake my head, but I feel the smile spreading on my face. I look down at the box, appreciating the black lace and how it forms the sheer bra. The matching thong that looks like a small piece of scrap fabric. I know they’re meant to look hot, and I’m not complaining about how my own ass will look in it, especially matched with my floral back thigh tattoo. They’re just not the most comfortable.
“You’re evil Evie, and that's exactly why I love you.”
“I love you too, babes. Now, I’m off to bed. I have a busy day tomorrow! Tell me how the dinner goes!” She presses a kiss to the receiver, hanging up before I can even say goodbye.
Quickly, I get myself ready for bed, then crawl in. I get comfortable in bed feeling lighter than I have in awhile.
Evie truly is the best.
Chapter Twenty Five
Xavier
Iadmitit.
I’ve been an asshole.
After the moment we shared in the sauna, I completely shut down. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, like steel was banded around my lungs. My fight or flight kicked in, and at that moment, I needed to get out of there, as fast as possible.
I’ve been avoiding Harper as much as possible. I’m getting up before she wakes, and staying in the gym until I know she’s cleared out of the bedroom. I quickly run into the bathroom and shower when she leaves before gearing up to spend the afternoon on the slopes. I haven’t skied in years, it took me a long time to be at peace with skiing again and get back on the hill. But the familiarity of the motions keep the demons at bay.
Of course, when we have to all be together as a group, I play the part. I play the boyfriend. I remind myself that we’re fake dating. That this is for show. I indulge in the feel of her by my side, the way it feels holding her. Placing kisses on the top of her head, here in front of everyone it’s safe. It’s all I can allow myself.
If I start to think of anything more happening, thenshecomes back, reminding me why I’ve closed myself off all these years. She was the one who broke me, and I don’t want to be in that position again.
I cannot truly care for Harper, because that only leads to one thing.
Heartbreak.
I won’t be able to survive another one.
My workout this morning is focused, the music in my ears matching the vibes.
Ten minutes later, with sweat dripping down my back, I hop off the treadmill, and make my way over to the weights. I’m grabbing two dumbbells for a seated shoulder press. I sit down and when I look at my reflection in the mirror, I make eye contact with Deke. His posture is awkward, as if he isn’t sure how to move around the gym with me here.
Removing one headphone from my ear, I ask, “Can I help you?”
Derry stands up straighter “Uh, no. I was just hoping to get a little workout in, but I can go.” He throws his thumb over his shoulder pointing in the direction of the exit.
