Mr. Turner was sitting stoic in his chair, rolling another full amber colored glass between his fingers.
Blake cleared his throat, and all eyes turned on us. I fidgeted at his side and squeezed his hand for support. “You have this girl to thank that we’re back.” Blake nodded in my direction.
I ducked my head and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
A frantic Elaine stepped forward. “He’s sorry. Aren’t you, Jack?” Her pointed stare landed on her husband.
Jack cleared his throat. “Yes, um, Eva. I behaved poorly. I’d like to get to know you better . . . if you’ll stay.”
“Of course.” I raised my chin at that. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. “And I’m sorry if I came off a bit snarky. I just care a great deal about your son.”
“Yes. Well, that gives us something in common then.” Although he seemed sincere, I could see something tucked behind his apology. I wasn’t convinced he wasn’t done with me.
For the first time, Blake relaxed at my side, gesturing for me to take my seat at the table while Elaine rushed to fill it with dessert.
The rest of the evening went smoother. Though I wouldn’t call Blake’s dad amicable, he wasn’t outwardly rude. I guessed that counted for something. We said our goodbyes, and I exchanged numbers with my new best friend Tori.
I wrapped my hand around Blake’s, keeping it warm as we began our walk back to my apartment. “See? Aren’t you glad we went back?”
His eyes remained focused ahead, but the sexy smirk tipping his lips told me I was right.
I nudged his side with my elbow, and he finally looked over at me, a smile spreading across his face.
“Okay, Angel . . . I’m glad we went back.”
With our hands intertwined, we continued our walk. The full moon stared back at me as I gazed up, wishing on the brightest star I could find. I wished everything would turn out okay for us. That we would always be this happy and nothing would come along and pop the bubble we were living in. But part of that bubble was a charade, and the burden of it was wearing on me. I didn’t want there to be anything between us anymore, but how could I tell him? It would all be out then, and I’d not only chance losing him but my family as well.
A knot formed in my belly. I had to bring up the Christmas thing now that he’d blurted out he planned to come. Was I ready for him to meet my family? To be smack dab in the middle of my nightmare?
“Blake?” My voice was quiet, unlike the harsh beating in my chest.
His hand squeezed mine. “Yeah?”
“About Christmas . . .”
He stopped abruptly, his face stern as his body went rigid. “That’s not a topic up for debate. I’m going with you. I may not know the whole story, but I know whatever happened to you happened there, and I’ll be damned if I let you go back there without me.”
Warring emotions pulled me in every direction. Though the thought of him finding out made me nauseous, a weird sense of calm washed over me knowing I’d be protected. That nothing would happen to me this time. So I’d figure it out. I always did.
I nodded and resolved to not let him know what I’d been thinking. “I was just going to say that you’ll have to fight Jace to sit shotgun. He’s not going to be happy about this.”
Blake relaxed and tugged my arm. I slammed into his chest, wrapping my arms around him as he pushed his nose into my hair. “Well, that’s a chance I’ll have to take.”
Seemed we’d both be taking a chance come the next holiday.
I spit out the pen crammed into my mouth. “I can’t study with you staring at me like that.”
“Then stop looking so hot while you read. Biting that pen and shit . . . there’s only so much a man can take, woman.” Blake’s eyebrows danced over his glittering irises.
I uncrossed my legs and pushed up off my belly, pulling them Indian style on Blake’s bed. “This isn’t gonna work. It’s finals week. This is important and you’re distracting me. I’ve finally pulled my grades out of the shitter and you’re gonna make me fail if you keep looking at me like I’m dinner.”
“Excuse me? I do believe I’m the reason your grades are where they are, thank you very little.” Blake brushed his toes over mine, further distracting me.
“And now you’re rubbing those sexy friggin’ feet on me. Stop it! Focus! You’re no help anymore.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help myself. Your hair all knotted up and popping out in seventy-five different directions is turning me the fuck on.”
“Idiot.” I laughed. “Ugh. I’m so stressed over this.” I slammed my head back on the pillow.
“Let me relax you then.” Blake crawled up my body, settling over me.
“No, thank you. I have to get this done. God, you’re the worst.” I turned my head to the side, unable to bear the weight of his heated gaze. Two more seconds and I’d fold.