“I like this one,” I said pointing at the silver Lorus watch.422Please respect copyright.PENANA28VEpbjqS8
422Please respect copyright.PENANARgGdYv1ENP
“Hm,” Max thought “Yeah, I think he’ll like it.”422Please respect copyright.PENANAHBSZr1RTcd
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“He can change it if he doesn’t,” I said as the salesman packed the watch.422Please respect copyright.PENANAuUPdkhFfOd
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“How are you paying? Ask your mom for money?” Max asked. The watch was worth 120 Euros and I still wanted to buy a gift for my mom, Cleo and Max.422Please respect copyright.PENANAr1OrmwPaHB
422Please respect copyright.PENANA2pTo2j7DYk
“I told her I needed to buy a few gifts,” I explained “I also told my dad,” I grinned.422Please respect copyright.PENANAl6AkeRtTJi
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Max chuckled because he understood that I got money from both of them. It would be too late until they’ll figure it out. Mom would have given me the money if I told her I needed them to buy Damien a gift but I really didn’t want to confess the real reason. She will probably figure it out tonight though because we were invited to the Simmons house. Mom will know as soon as she sees Damien and me talking. Mom always knows everything.422Please respect copyright.PENANA1QNf2DGii3
422Please respect copyright.PENANA3TM99UoFmK
I got my mom a literature book, Cleo a red small clutch bag, Max the belt I’ve promised him and a bottle of vodka to drink tonight. I returned home just in time to start getting ready. I decided to wear my seam and heel leggings, my black long sleeve but short black dress along with my red high heels. The only colorful shoes I owned. Cleo would be proud of me. I smiled and decided to call her.422Please respect copyright.PENANAusYmR5nToL
422Please respect copyright.PENANAc8pRNWcSuz
“I’m already dressed but I thought to run it by you before showing up overdressed,” I smiled. She chuckled and told me tell her what I was wearing.422Please respect copyright.PENANANt821n7Oii
422Please respect copyright.PENANAVLo7gzaii6
“Sounds good,” she said and I could hear her smile. “Come over when you’re done if you want. I need help!” she ordered jokingly. We’ve been spending Christmas Eve together for as long as I can remember and then Christmas Day with our relatives. For the last three years, Mr. Simmons two partners were invited with their families. One family had kids in elementary school while the other had two sons around James age; one or one and a half year older than me and the twins.422Please respect copyright.PENANANKYoJuZBb8
422Please respect copyright.PENANAK1zZq9utJ2
I parked my car, changed from my flat shoes to my high heels and took all the gift bags. I entered the kitchen through the back door as usual.422Please respect copyright.PENANAugbKp0Vsvl
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“Santa is here!” I smiled and closed the door behind me.422Please respect copyright.PENANAX2bctpgPWj
422Please respect copyright.PENANASsUaHscBBH
“Hello Erica,” Cleo’s mom greeted me with a smile.422Please respect copyright.PENANAvDmhpMHNQj
422Please respect copyright.PENANAPnBrY4ehgA
“Hello,” I said; still smiling.422Please respect copyright.PENANAtYzF998KKN
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“I’m impressed!” Cleo said approvingly looking at my outfit. She was wearing a high waist skirt along with a plaid shirt; always fashionable. “I like the accessories,” she pointed out towards my bracelets and necklaces.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbT7fvHU3zN
422Please respect copyright.PENANABaCo6oTg89
“Come on, it’s not that big of a deal. I’m just wearing black as always,” I winced. “By the way, get this before I break it or something,” I told her giving her the bag with the bottle of vodka.422Please respect copyright.PENANAlBVUa8BgOu
422Please respect copyright.PENANAMusmKnH2xC
“Indeed, always black. That’s why what I got you will be perfect,” she smiled and got the bag.422Please respect copyright.PENANA47hTmAc6XK
422Please respect copyright.PENANAy0r04qbIh7
“This is for you, Merry Christmas,” I smiled back and gave her another bag. She took it and took out the red clutch I purchased.422Please respect copyright.PENANAd7QXgn8z8P
422Please respect copyright.PENANAPaIb90R0Od
“Nice! Thank you! Goes with my new heels,” she grinned and kissed me “I’ll give you yours later.”422Please respect copyright.PENANAzv6VZk1whY
422Please respect copyright.PENANAvfObrrkZU5
“Where’s Max?” I asked.422Please respect copyright.PENANAzIfkg7rZDy
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“In the living room; he plugged the play station on the big television,” she explained as she continued preparing the salad.422Please respect copyright.PENANAovHxLyIZOl
422Please respect copyright.PENANAFyIaHaJsiA
“I’m going to say hi and l’ll be back to help you,” I told her and moved towards the door.422Please respect copyright.PENANAMz90njO2ze
422Please respect copyright.PENANA7hcgwHBlkX
“Wait,” she called after me and I stopped “Mind taking the bag to my room?” she asked. I shook my head and took her gift to my hands again.422Please respect copyright.PENANAzEOJ9VSGwW
422Please respect copyright.PENANArFfah32Etj
“Hello gentlemen,” I greeted Max and his dad. “What are you up to?”422Please respect copyright.PENANADbo0vVNWAG
422Please respect copyright.PENANABcc3fQtg1f
“Hey dude,” Max greeted. He eyed me and must have noticed the bags in my hands. “Which is mine?” he said and stood up from the couch he was seated.422Please respect copyright.PENANA8o0san37K8
422Please respect copyright.PENANA62ECHZLELz
“Hello Erica,” his dad said “When are your parents coming?” he asked.422Please respect copyright.PENANANr7umJizjr
422Please respect copyright.PENANA9xsYxr9BJW
“In about an hour I think,” I replied and turned to Max who was picking through the gift bags I was holding.422Please respect copyright.PENANApU2TbpM1dG
422Please respect copyright.PENANAijIDHdAidt
“Good, because I got bored here,” Mr. Simmons sighed.422Please respect copyright.PENANAQu2hP7on4v
422Please respect copyright.PENANAMo732zPt5i
“You’ve already seen it, you weirdo! We’ve bought it together!” I told him and gave him his gift.422Please respect copyright.PENANAAIHomOTZuA
422Please respect copyright.PENANAfkHU4iVki6
“I’m wearing it tonight!” he grinned widely.422Please respect copyright.PENANAftBDvsYdDq
422Please respect copyright.PENANAZZaDURvoUe
“In that case, Merry Christmas dude,” I smiled and gave him the bag. “I’m going upstairs to leave these,” I said showing him Cleo’s gift and my stuff.422Please respect copyright.PENANANiw4bTKb2C
422Please respect copyright.PENANAoEzejhVPqJ
“Tell Damien to get the games,” he replied as he gave me back the empty bag and wore his new belt.422Please respect copyright.PENANA31MShXeshO
422Please respect copyright.PENANApdqHqww0mw
“Okay,” I told him and turned towards the stairs. I smiled to myself grateful that Damien was alone upstairs and I could greet him properly. I stopped by Cleo’s room first and left our stuff there before walking towards Damien’s door.422Please respect copyright.PENANAznXOMBBYNR
422Please respect copyright.PENANA3PrQGjRIO1
I knocked on the door and entered when I heard his voice. He was standing in front of his closet, behind the opened door. I saw him wearing a black shirt before turning towards my direction.422Please respect copyright.PENANAHF9jQWUm7v
422Please respect copyright.PENANAeXbRvtIsAP
“Hey,” I greeted. He stopped moving for a moment and stared at me. I closed the door behind me as he recovered and closed the closet door before I turned to him again. He was buttoning up his shirt; gazing at me. I stared at him for a while; taking in all his form. I smiled and walked towards him; never breaking contact with his grey eyes. Those eyes will be the death of me, I swear.422Please respect copyright.PENANAOmqB2MltQf
422Please respect copyright.PENANA6PMxVsTdWF
I replaced his hands on the button while smiling. He put his hands on my hips and I saw as his lips curled up a little bit more. My own faint smile turned into a grin as I buttoned the last button. He leaned to my neck and brushed his lips against my skin.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbXxgEvaWQj
422Please respect copyright.PENANAXTb5px5zHc
“You’re very beautiful,” he whispered to my ear as his hands moved up to my waist. I had to breathe out fast. I put my arms around his wide shoulders and hugged him.422Please respect copyright.PENANAH1iFkOEAso
422Please respect copyright.PENANAZa1JipbE1G
“You too,” I mumbled and brushed my nose against his neck. Although he hadn’t shaved in a week, he didn’t have much facial hair. I put my palm against his cheek and jaw line; feeling the rough surface against my skin.422Please respect copyright.PENANACtMQiaHqID
“You look hot unshaved,” I pointed out and I felt him smiling beneath my touch. I suddenly became aware of where I was and pulled back; my hands resting on his chest. He leaned towards me and kissed my cheek.422Please respect copyright.PENANAUWAK9pqAeF
422Please respect copyright.PENANAqtCl3666W0
“Max said to tell you to get the games?” I told him and pulled away from him “What’s with the playstation anyway?”422Please respect copyright.PENANAOJ21KBh1xl
422Please respect copyright.PENANAHqhyyz2DiN
“Yeah,” he breathed as he came out of his own trance “He thought it would be a good idea for the Jameson kids,” he explained as he put his shirt into his black jeans.422Please respect copyright.PENANA4CuY4r2vDQ
422Please respect copyright.PENANA7O3O01VOHq
He told me to get the dvds that were on the coffee table as he looked around for his shoes.422Please respect copyright.PENANA58O7tQDvGt
422Please respect copyright.PENANA5TC4zd50TA
“You really need to clean your room,” I pointed out. It was a big room, almost like a studio flat but he had so many things. It almost felt asphyxiated.422Please respect copyright.PENANAkqOrrzjHTM
422Please respect copyright.PENANAvamciJXPlk
“You’re welcome to do that anytime you like,” he smiled; both his cheeks turning upwards and deep dimples appeared. I giggled because of his smile, left the dvds back on the table and walked to him. I put my hands against his cheeks and squished them like he was a little kid.422Please respect copyright.PENANANDJ2FVAXm5
422Please respect copyright.PENANAPhzXojPZjO
“Dream on Simmons,” I smiled. “Those days are over.” He took my right hand in his and brought it to his lips. He kissed my palm but then moved up to my forearm. And then I noticed that his smile had turned wicked and he bite me. “Ouch!” I frowned but he didn’t remove his teeth from my forearm. “If you make a hole to this dress,” I begun and he raised his eyebrows waiting while his teeth sunk deeper to my skin. “Fuck, Damien!” I almost screamed “No sex for a month,” I clutched my teeth and he released me.422Please respect copyright.PENANAyO9iawMBAK
422Please respect copyright.PENANAm91ceF25Bs
“Yeah right,” he mocked but I was too wrapped up in pain to reply. I pulled my sleeve and traced my fingers over the red teeth marks. Then his fingers were over mine, massaging the tender spot. I looked at him and pouted with watery eyes. “I’m sorry,” he chuckled.422Please respect copyright.PENANAz5MfjAGFB2
422Please respect copyright.PENANAg0URl3fKXN
“A week!” I spit “I’m not having sex with you for a week!” I finished my sentence. It was more realistic than saying that I’ll stay away from him for a month. He scoffed but I ignored him, took the dvds back into my hands and left the room.422Please respect copyright.PENANAjviQmq8Ksj
422Please respect copyright.PENANAVSRVZxjNnG
[+++]422Please respect copyright.PENANAeF4LLEPnwR
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The Jamesons and the Kanes had both arrived on time. Max actually had adopted the kids; Nick age nine and Julie age six. I don’t know who was enjoying playing Super Mario more, Max or the kids. Damien, Cleo and I were seated with our parents and the Kanes sons in the living room after dinner. Cleo was back and forth between the living room, the television and sometimes the kitchen when someone needed something.422Please respect copyright.PENANANzKyxrUvBE
422Please respect copyright.PENANAiydL2YdABj
I had almost forgotten that last Christmas I was flirting with Josh Kane; the youngest of the two brothers. He was my age and listened to the same music as me and glowed in Damien’s absence last year. But it never happened anything more because I had asked around after the previous Christmas Eve, and found out that he was playing around with girls, so I never asked for his number.422Please respect copyright.PENANAokaPaJumoX
422Please respect copyright.PENANAr77ZPuegLw
Tonight, as last year, he was excited to see me. He had sat down beside me on the dinner table -Damien across from me- and was also sitting next to me for the past hour that we were playing cards. Damien seemed occupied by little Julie, who seemed to have developed a crush towards him. She was running, her brown curls bouncing up and down as she went, to Damien’s arms every time she beat her brother Nick.422Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9HlakL85t
422Please respect copyright.PENANAUmGVTJb0WV
“Come and see,” Julie smiled at him, her eyes sparkled. I nudged Cleo who was sitting next to me, to look at them.422Please respect copyright.PENANAt75r6a5iud
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“I’ll come in a second, okay?” he smiled at her sweetly.422Please respect copyright.PENANA4pyvEBxelp
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“Please?” She kept her smile. Cleo formed a small smile, not like the one I expected, as Damien stood up and I laughed.422Please respect copyright.PENANAMOdqOn1efi
422Please respect copyright.PENANA6JHdQyXB3C
“Someone has a fan,” I mocked Damien as he walked behind Julie.422Please respect copyright.PENANA8aBUtdh1XJ
422Please respect copyright.PENANAoNHxZXdz7d
“Can’t help it, she’s so cute when she pouts,” he smiled and squished her cheeks; the kid smiling satisfied.422Please respect copyright.PENANAFxT1Zmj0oS
422Please respect copyright.PENANAAC2v9Q3amn
“Remember when Erica was about that age,” I heard Damien’s mother saying “And was always following Damien around,” she laughed and we turned our attention towards the parents’ side.422Please respect copyright.PENANAM9mQ1hr43Q
422Please respect copyright.PENANABRsXLnixDZ
“Yeah, it’s like that boy is made of honey,” my mom chuckled. Tell me about it.422Please respect copyright.PENANAhfKPWVcjot
422Please respect copyright.PENANAkWPHIApyEP
“I remember once -” my mom begun. Oh, dear God! I made a face “- that Damien put a ladybug on her arm and she got really scared and started crying,” she said and everyone laughed. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks and winced.422Please respect copyright.PENANABrIOsT98cU
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“So funny,” I scoffed as they all laughed for my ridiculous fear.422Please respect copyright.PENANA34ifqK3BcM
422Please respect copyright.PENANAAUt8Ugfm6m
“Damien panicked because she wouldn’t stop crying after throwing away the ladybug,” my mom kept going “And was hugging her, saying that there weren’t any ladybugs near her. They were so sweet!” Oh, sweet Lord, save me!422Please respect copyright.PENANANTgtKzORPA
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“The little monster always did that to the poor girl,” Mr. Simmons said.422Please respect copyright.PENANA3vAH9OtBr2
422Please respect copyright.PENANAJPSWFFfljk
“It was so funny!” I head Damien smiling from behind me.422Please respect copyright.PENANAppvGSKg3oD
422Please respect copyright.PENANAf0P5pt1s54
“You’re pressing your luck,” my dad warned him and made me frown as I didn’t understand what he was referring to. And then Damien pinched my arm.422Please respect copyright.PENANAqSC0ADpAu3
422Please respect copyright.PENANAU81W7IIe4N
“Come on!” I exclaimed and shot up from my seat.422Please respect copyright.PENANAvUFe9rwqXG
422Please respect copyright.PENANAdiq1WMLRd0
“Seriously!” he mocked “Who’s afraid of ladybugs?” he asked as he took several steps back from the couch. He just lost another week of sex. I glared at him as I couldn’t voice my decision.422Please respect copyright.PENANASLBfiZhDbj
422Please respect copyright.PENANAPpN3JDQvnx
“You’re lucky it’s Christmas,” I pointed my finger at him; clutching my teeth. He had a wide smile all over his face while I felt like screaming.422Please respect copyright.PENANAnuNekze3xm
422Please respect copyright.PENANAthpwEsSosT
“Come on Erica!” my mom said “He would always save you from Max,” she tried to reasoned with me.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbvEjAptC68
422Please respect copyright.PENANA4Mdclr2Rmu
“Oh yeah!” I exclaimed “Always stopped Max from pulling my hair,” I mocked “And once I was safe, he would start pinching me,” I scoffed.422Please respect copyright.PENANAfVJxVIz300
422Please respect copyright.PENANAUSzS6Wqhd1
“It was fun! Such a whiny baby,” Damien mocked.422Please respect copyright.PENANAS9z3ghUQks
422Please respect copyright.PENANAtqHrcDSEPg
“You’re still beating me up!” I complained and pulled up my sleeve. “You’re twenty-five!” I told him; my eyes widening as I patted the already bruised skin on my forearm.422Please respect copyright.PENANAmHUQoV9uOV
422Please respect copyright.PENANAXwQichrugb
“Are you going to run to your mama now?” Damien grinned and took a step forward.422Please respect copyright.PENANAdv7OZV0P19
422Please respect copyright.PENANAABaO0CPCUL
“Those are war injuries,” his dad said. Why was the joke on me though? Everybody was laughing.422Please respect copyright.PENANAVq9KzX46aX
422Please respect copyright.PENANA56vos0T1El
“I will!” I pouted and turned around “When they couldn’t bully Cleo, I was the target,” I pouted. Cleo nodded in sympathy as she laughed.422Please respect copyright.PENANApl4EK1S3Ri
422Please respect copyright.PENANAUAFQamNik7
“Fun times!” Max smiled as my mom opened her arms for me.422Please respect copyright.PENANAR63YhsoanA
422Please respect copyright.PENANAx6gh71GOaV
“Stop teasing my baby,” my mom threatened Damien but I could hear the laughter in her voice.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbAlp3PzCzv
422Please respect copyright.PENANA67WDpNxKsV
“Sleep with one eye open, Simmons,” I told him. Before he was able to reply or move, little Julie appeared again.422Please respect copyright.PENANAig7P8VikK7
422Please respect copyright.PENANABmKKX5PziJ
“Damien!” little Julie called and he pulled her into his arms.422Please respect copyright.PENANARmYAzMoBQr
422Please respect copyright.PENANAOQwzvTLXpb
“Hey, Julie,” Cleo asked her and the girl shifted in Damien’s arms to be able to look at her. “Want to take Damien home with you?” she asked her.422Please respect copyright.PENANAqT5rqeDLDE
422Please respect copyright.PENANA5BvN8s4tSW
“Yes!” she smiled widely.422Please respect copyright.PENANApwzj8dky0c
422Please respect copyright.PENANAKMAmbY1sy2
“Honey, my ass,” I mumbled; forgot that I was still seating in my mother’s arms.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbnjNAQw30o
422Please respect copyright.PENANArLRDpsfeM9
I sat up from my mom’s lap and walked to the kitchen to get something to drink. As I passed the hallway, I pumped onto Josh that was coming out of the toilet. I waved at him and he followed me to the kitchen. Damien had joined us a few seconds later. Maybe he thought I was alone and came to talk to me. Instead he started making small talk with Josh.422Please respect copyright.PENANASt69gZqdRS
422Please respect copyright.PENANAKmZ9OxYPsV
“So, are you going out tonight?” Josh asked.422Please respect copyright.PENANA5Ol10ITptx
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“Yeah,” Damien replied as he waited next to me to refill his glass.422Please respect copyright.PENANA5MJHft6yRZ
422Please respect copyright.PENANAa0qB6nxjUI
“No,” I said as I turned around with Josh’s drink and mine in my hands. I left Damien’s glass empty.422Please respect copyright.PENANAeC4nQfZ4Os
422Please respect copyright.PENANAAB6UhNzC1y
“Hey, where’s mine?” He frowned.422Please respect copyright.PENANABkeDiwm8JF
422Please respect copyright.PENANAGMwL1KYfcH
“Why are you staying in?” Josh asked at the same time.422Please respect copyright.PENANACCFVJkBkIw
422Please respect copyright.PENANAk4ztJjzEXS
“You’re going out and you already had one drink,” I replied to Damien. “Cleo and I usually stay in and -”422Please respect copyright.PENANA5tozx5AOL9
422Please respect copyright.PENANASYMJgp6lYl
“Watch crappy Christmas movies,” Damien mocked as he walked behind us, without a glass. I really wanted to slap him tonight. If Cleo wanted to go out, I would happily go out or try to join Damien. But I had absolutely no intention of leaving her home alone.422Please respect copyright.PENANApmtrQsS7VV
422Please respect copyright.PENANADPVd5DdLfd
“Whatever, idiot,” I told him and made a face at him. Josh and I returned to the living room while I was explaining to him that, indeed, we had a tradition of watching crappy movies on Christmas Eve.422Please respect copyright.PENANAuD05DEvlL6
422Please respect copyright.PENANAMSX0wMYHHC
“Excuse me,” I heard Cleo saying as we entered the living room. “It wasn’t me that proposed to a guy at the age of five! It was your daughter,” she said. I stopped on the edge of the couch; frowning.422Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0aub0L3Dr
422Please respect copyright.PENANALCx5wnh2W2
“I did what?” I asked as Josh disappeared from next to me. Why I had no memory of this? I sipped my drink at the wrong time however.422Please respect copyright.PENANAZMzPcK19bm
422Please respect copyright.PENANAz3aBsGHhqc
“Once, you made Damien promise not to grow up more so that you could marry him,” his mother replied and I almost choked.422Please respect copyright.PENANAEpdN6QrsEP
422Please respect copyright.PENANA8n0fkmkOO0
“Oh yeah,” I heard Damien’s voice from next to me “I remember that one,” he said and I turned towards him with an incredulous look. Damien grinned his stupid smile and I barely stop myself from giggling.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbtC0SeWVuM
422Please respect copyright.PENANA01Z3PaT6xh
“Okay, I’m done for tonight,” I said still in shock and sat back on my seat as everyone laughed.422Please respect copyright.PENANADKWioULOzF
422Please respect copyright.PENANAdmSLK0ybwD
From that point onward, I don’t know why, but I felt uneasy. I felt I was in the spotlight; like our parents already knew we were together. I tried to camouflage my alarmed behavior by talking with Josh again, who was more than willingly to do so. I tried really hard not to pay attention to what Damien was doing. Until my mom interrupted my chat with Josh and told me go and help her in the kitchen for another round of desert.422Please respect copyright.PENANAyPENwYSqmG
422Please respect copyright.PENANAS6X3AIFqw9
“What are you doing?” she asked me. She looked aggravated.422Please respect copyright.PENANATzwEYuqxwu
422Please respect copyright.PENANAPVeHHDZkSF
“Huh?” what am I doing?422Please respect copyright.PENANAev69vdM1DJ
422Please respect copyright.PENANAeoEFVDoVaX
“You’re driving him insane!” she pointed out the kitchen window. I frowned confused and looked outside. The dim light in the kitchen allowed me to look outside and notice a male figure that I could recognize everywhere; Damien’s figure. How does she know everything? I sighed and turned back to her. “Just go outside and talk to him.”422Please respect copyright.PENANA8nBs7GvAoM
422Please respect copyright.PENANAxjECE45VUI
I took two plates of the chocolate cake I made at home and walked out the kitchen door. Damien, who was facing the pool, turned his head to see who it was. I struggled but managed to close the door behind me as he turned forward again, putting the cigarette back to his mouth. I walked towards him and stood beside him.422Please respect copyright.PENANABqNgDPsj7j
422Please respect copyright.PENANA67TQTPkljq
“You’re gonna catch a cold,” he said; his tone strict. When he talked to me like that I loved him even more; he showed that he cared, even if it felt intimidating.422Please respect copyright.PENANAV2muj86gWs
422Please respect copyright.PENANAnlWV5c8wzR
“I made cake this morning,” I ignored his remark “But I see you have your whiskey,” I said and turned towards the table that was next to us. I left his cake down while I held on to mine; I needed chocolate now.422Please respect copyright.PENANALyPGcO9XwJ
422Please respect copyright.PENANAxzEhUc4Npn
“Where’s your boy-toy?” he asked; his tone unreadable. He put out the cigarette and put his hand in his pocket. A deep sigh escaped my lungs.422Please respect copyright.PENANAcuVZkNK7da
422Please respect copyright.PENANAlhOXvQ6eN3
“I was trying to forget you were there, so that our parents won’t notice anything,” I explained. He turned towards me as I licked the spoon from the chocolate.422Please respect copyright.PENANAhCw3IhAVGI
422Please respect copyright.PENANA1qQsTsUZW3
“How would you feel,” he begun “if last week, I started talking and laughing at that girl while paying no attention to you?” he asked; his voice controlled. I had to swallow. He drank the last sip of his drink and left the glass on the table behind me; his smell clouding my head as he leaned towards me.422Please respect copyright.PENANA7yCJ3w15co
422Please respect copyright.PENANA3JnxnMkHRB
“I’m sorry,” I breathed “You’re right.” I was used to pretend not to pay attention to him all those years and now it was hard to feel free in front of our families. “You had your hands full though,” I made an attempt to lighten the mood. The cold air started getting to me but I tried to hide it as he breathed out a laugh.422Please respect copyright.PENANAi71or1Ns5p
422Please respect copyright.PENANAROoP5QsYdF
“You were like that at her age you know, ladybug” he smiled.422Please respect copyright.PENANAYHGPyUk85B
422Please respect copyright.PENANAmmCTdABsUw
“Seriously, stop,” I told him smiling “The trip down memory lane from our mothers was enough!” I scoffed and he laughed. He stretched out his hand and took mine in his.422Please respect copyright.PENANAsxGZn56VMK
422Please respect copyright.PENANAHgo8UeSY5v
“You’re ice cold,” he frowned and I smiled. “Let’s go inside,” he said and took his glass back in his hand as I retrieved the plates in my hands.422Please respect copyright.PENANAP4N80zeG1Q
422Please respect copyright.PENANAH5zaAbplWN
“Damien?” I whispered after him while we were still in a dark spot of the garden. He stopped moving and turned towards me. I stretched out my arms, so that the plates were away from us, and stopped in front of him. I leaned my head upwards and kissed him lightly. He put his free hand around my waist and deepened the kiss. “Stop,” I said and walked away. He frowned confused.422Please respect copyright.PENANAtdP9HHmynY
422Please respect copyright.PENANAO290o9QDPZ
“I’m still mad at you,” I told him and walked past him.422Please respect copyright.PENANAxC983oE5kO
422Please respect copyright.PENANAn31CfCQUc0
“So what?” he laughed and I stopped walking before turning towards him.422Please respect copyright.PENANAzwkZpq1gp5
422Please respect copyright.PENANA4GAAO9w0dK
“We’re not having sex for a week and a half,” I whispered.422Please respect copyright.PENANAPQU71V5M4d
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“And a half?” he exclaimed. “Why?” he asked but I ignored him and kept walking.422Please respect copyright.PENANAWOsjvu0vTg
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“Mind opening the door for me?” I grinned. “I’m not having sex with you for ten days. The end,” I told him and stepped into the kitchen.422Please respect copyright.PENANA7FjBKoZxpO
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“We’ll see about that, ladybug.”422Please respect copyright.PENANAJHsc9lHBn3
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At least he didn’t make a scene. I always knew Damien was cautious and a logical person but I wasn’t completely sure until now. There was always a chance that he might be different in his relationships. I always used that as an excuse not to talk to him about my real feelings; saying that maybe he’s not what he looks like, maybe I’m in love with what I think he is.422Please respect copyright.PENANAEyX2yvTXKP
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Perhaps tomorrow night would be a good opportunity for me to talk to him. Though, it has been proven that, when you plan something, something else is bound to go terribly wrong!422Please respect copyright.PENANAwY8rCOSayG
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Or I could talk to him after his birthday party. We were all invited to his house and I assume it would be as big of a gathering as it was his welcome home party. That made me nervous. On his welcome home party I was free to be just his little sister’s friend. Now I had a new title.422Please respect copyright.PENANAHNCtGyOkNn
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I spend the night with Cleo as every Christmas Eve, watching Christmas movies, eating leftovers from dinner and drinking beers. We talked about her and Mike amongst other things. The only thing that we did not talk about was my relationship with her brother. I didn’t want to start the conversation because I was afraid of her actual reaction. I guess I would find out in two days, at Damien’s birthday party.422Please respect copyright.PENANAJBGqSQtg1N
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When I first arrived at Cleo’s house for Damien’s party I noticed something weird. Cleo was helping their mother set up the drinks and food but whenever Damien talked to her, she was a little bit aggressive. She wasn’t addressing anyone else in that tone so it was definitely something.422Please respect copyright.PENANAecBHZFJ5b1
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I tried to warn Damien that I would hang out with Cleo most of the time, just like always. If he wanted me he would have to come to me because I wasn’t feeling right to ditch Cleo to see him. If it was any other guy I would probably ask her to go with me and talk to him at any given moment but since it was her brother I didn’t feel comfortable, especially since we haven’t talked about it. She was just ignoring the fact. However, Damien did talk about it.422Please respect copyright.PENANAfLew9bQocW
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“Either I have a girlfriend or not!” he argued. He just got out of the shower and was standing in front of me just in his towel; making it hard for me to concentrate to what he was saying. I groaned.422Please respect copyright.PENANAFWJwHxM6nZ
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“We haven’t talk about it yet! I don’t know how she feels about us being together! So how do you expect me to ditch her to be with you?” I frowned and pleaded for him to understand.422Please respect copyright.PENANARnvdwgBMT3
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“It’s my birthday!” He exclaimed “I’ll be with my girlfriend if I want and I don’t give a fuck what she thinks!” he fumed. Something was definitely wrong.422Please respect copyright.PENANAjl6JIxQTAw
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“You don’t have to raise your voice,” I said frowning; my voice low.422Please respect copyright.PENANAGeF3iJx4Uq
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“If she can be a bitch and ignore the fact that we are together, so can you!” he said and turned towards his closet. He threw the towel on his bed and opened his drawer. Oh sweet Lord!422Please respect copyright.PENANAaJATQCUCKr
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“Ignore what?” I swallowed “Besides you right now,” I mumbled as I tried to stay focused on his words and not the flexed muscles of his back.422Please respect copyright.PENANA6eSH9Lm2xo
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“That she’s ignoring this,” he said and motioned between us as he turned lightly to the side. I took a deep breath and released it. I could do that. At least for tonight. I would act as if he was any other guy and ignore my best friend. I was just trying to keep her happy after all. Tonight I had to keep my boyfriend happy.422Please respect copyright.PENANAI3eN5GU4Oo
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He wore a boxer and looked for his jeans. I stood up and walked up to him. I hugged him from behind and touched my cheek against the blade of his shoulder. My hands running up and down on his bare stomach and chest; my fingers shaping circles on the scanty hair on his chest and bellow his belly button. He put his hands over mine and stroked my skin. I pulled back slightly.422Please respect copyright.PENANAmHNAFPInXF
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“Turn around,” I whispered. He shifted in my arms and once he was facing me I put my palms on either side of his face and crashed my lips to his.422Please respect copyright.PENANAkABWjaZ1cq
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He gasped as I collided my body to his; his hands flew to my butt. My need was crystal clear. I couldn’t care less about the red lipstick as our lips parted and his tongue met mine. I could help him take it out afterwards. The kiss was so intense that I burned up; light moans escaping my lugs. Eventually we had to pull apart in order to breathe. If I could, I would never spend a moment away from his lips.422Please respect copyright.PENANAd3LWKvr0w1
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“Remember that you’re not having sex with me,” he breathed; a grin on his face.422Please respect copyright.PENANAACKwYiYjh5
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I scoffed as my fingers tracing his unshaved cheeks as I got lost into his grey eyes. He was eyeing at my face, smiling.422Please respect copyright.PENANAWtKhSzTuEX
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“You’re lipstick is almost gone,” he said and I chuckled.422Please respect copyright.PENANAV9cOXbwbdx
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“Nothing left on you,” I smirked.422Please respect copyright.PENANAhCpN3CpUfv
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I felt bad for doing what Damien suggested but I guess he was right in a way. She was my best friend after all; if she didn’t support my choice she could at least talk to me about it. She always knew I had some feelings for Damien, why couldn’t be happy for me? I already felt that I wasn’t good enough for him but the thought of her not supporting our relationship make me think that she thought the same. And it hurt.422Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZqHpptNVc
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I did keep my distance from Damien at the party meaning that I didn’t clutch on him. I was with Cleo, eyeing Damien as I always did in the past. The only significant difference was that I wasn’t trying to hide it. When our eyes met, we would stare at each other for a moment before smiling.422Please respect copyright.PENANAbvcgD7TEpQ
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I don’t think I ever felt happier in my entire life. I almost started hyperventilating everytime he glanced at my direction and smiled. Several times he had motioned me over from where I was seated with his sister to meet some people. Cleo didn’t seem too excited, but maybe she just missed Mike. I didn’t want to worry about it however because I had promised Damien. It felt a little bit rushed since we were only together for a month but if he felt like introducing me, I could humor him; especially on his birthday.422Please respect copyright.PENANAgXZ0XeiE8D
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Title Credit:422Please respect copyright.PENANAsj1JoMHuJp
Come in closer by Blue October