“That’s his business then, not mine. I’m in a relationship with someone else. Nash and I are just friends, so if he really has feelings for you still, he can do whatever he wants.”
“You call what you have an actual relationship? Oh sweetie, I feel sorry for you. Maybe you should ask that ‘boyfriend’ of yours where he was about a month ago. I’m not so sure you’ll like the answer very much.”
“Whatever,” I responded, not wanting to listen to anymore of her lies. I pushed past her and headed for my car, not looking back at someone that was trying to bring negativity into my life. I didn’t need it. I was only moving forward.
I pulled into Shorty’s parking lot, able to find a parking spot quickly. The place looked pretty much deserted since most of the students were heading home for break. I opened the back door that led into the kitchen, laughing when I saw Justin. No one else was around but him as he stood over the stove, sautéing something in a pan. He was singing loudly to Mumford and Sons, stomping in place. I loved when he sang, he had no pitch what so ever, but it was all kinds of sexy how carefree he was about it.
I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind, burying my head in the crook of his neck. “Hey princess. Excited to see me?”
“I just missed you,” I murmured against his skin, brushing my lips across his smooth neck before I pulled back.
“Well of course you did. Who wouldn’t?” He spun around and lifted me up to set me on the countertop. “Just a few more minutes, and I’ll have your food ready. You’re sure you don’t want to start winter break early with me instead?”
“No, I think I’m in need of a girl’s night before I have to spend all of my time with you.” He clutched at his chest dramatically before turning back to the stove and emptying the contents of the pan into a to-go box. “I think there’s some kind of punishment needed for that. You really hurt my feelings.”
“Oh, really? And what exactly would that be?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” He dropped his lips to mine, giving me a hard quick kiss before pulling away. “Now get out of here, you’re way too distracting while I’m trying to work. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”
“Fine, I’m leaving. Wouldn’t want to distract you while you’re oh so busy.” I smirked as he slapped my ass on the way out the door, carrying my bags of food back to the car.
I almost thought about turning back around to tell him about the newspaper article, but decided against it. There was probably no way Justin would read it anyway and I wanted to come clean on my own terms. He was never judgmental about anything, so I really wasn’t too worried. It would probably feel good just to get it off of my chest though.
I was looking forward to the next two weeks. Justin and I had planned on spending most of the days together. We were actually taking a pretty serious step in our relationship by going to each other’s families for the holidays. Christmas Eve would be spent with my grandparents and Christmas with his family. I was a little nervous about it, but I knew Justin would make it as comfortable for me as possible. If his family was anything like him, I’m sure they would be easy to get along with.
Of course, now I had the little fact to worry about that Justin would be meeting my mother and my perfect step sister, Mia, but I wasn’t going to think about that now. I had a girl’s night to get to and some margaritas calling my name.
Chapter 16
“Oh god, why did I drink that much last night?” Callie groaned, rolling sideways onto my bed. I clutched my own head, wondering the same thing but reluctantly peeled my eyes open. I saw Zoey passed out on the floor and wondered how she got there. Somehow, the three of us had crammed together in my bed after we watched about three movies and started a fourth in my room even though I don’t even remember what we had turned on.
I threw my pillow over my face, hoping I could get a few more minutes of sleep before I had to get up, but a loud banging at the front door made me jump up.
“I guess I might as well get up too.” Callie stood up, nudging Zoey with her foot before padding into the bathroom.
I swung open the door just as I remembered how exactly I was dressed. “Damn, this is what you wear to bed every night? Maybe I should have invited you for a sleepover sooner.” I grinned at Justin as he stepped in and set a white pastry box down on our coffee table. He spun back around to kiss me, but I shoved a hand between our mouths. “Morning breath.”
His fingers skimmed the bare skin on my stomach that was showing in between the short cami I had on and the boxer shorts. “I could really care less.” He settled with dropping a kiss on the corner of my mouth, but his tongue slipped out at the last minute to lick the seam of my lips. I giggled at the sensation, smiling up at him when he was done.