Page 52 of Fracture

The sugar rim is spot on and when the cold liquid hits my tongue, my taste buds come to life. There’s apples and cinnamon and even a hint of cranberry, the flavors mixing together in a sweet yet tart way.

“Wow,” is all I manage before I drink more. I lick my lips then the rim and then my lips again. So good.

“I take it you like it?”

I nod and lick my lips once more.

“If you keep licking your lips like that, I can’t be held responsible for what I do.” He practically growls but I know it’s all in good fun. Harmless flirting was never out of the question.

“Now, now.” I tease. “It’s not my fault you make an amazing drink.”

“Can’t help it. I’m just that damn good.”

Typical Landon response.

I keep sipping the drink, unable to get enough.

“Whoa, slow down there. The night is young, pookie.”

“Stop making such deliciousness and maybe I will.”

“Not a chance.” When I’m almost finished, he’s already sliding another towards me. This one with extra sugar on the rim.

“You spoil me.” Damn this drink is strong, the first one already going to my head.

“What can I say? I’m a true gentleman.”

I’m mid sip and almost choke with laughter. He’s also a great flirt.

“I’ve got another favor to ask.”

“Oh no, don’t tell me it’s Christmas dinner with the family. I’m not so sure I’m up for that.”

“Ha, you wish. I just need you to pretend you're my boyfriend, kind of.”

His eyes narrow at me. “Kind of?”

“Well, obviously not to our friends or anything, but just to my parents. More my mom actually. If I tell her we’re dating, maybe send her a few pictures of us together, she’ll hopefully lay off.”

“Hmmm, just a few pictures, huh?”

“Yep. She told me if I wasn’t dating someone by Christmas, she’s going to set me up with my father’s coworker’s son. Ew.”

Landon snickers. “Why ew?”

I shudder. “He’s just…not my type. Stuffy and pretentious are only a few of his winning qualities.”

“Sounds like you’ve already been on a date with him.”

“Uh, no, nothing like that. After attending a few of my father’s company Christmas parties and meeting him in person, that was all I needed to know.”

“Got it. I guess I could help you out. You have helped me out a shit ton.”

“I sure have. It’s only fair.”

“Fair? I don’t play fair, pookie bear.”

“You do with me.”

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