Page 48 of Fall Wherever They May

She sits up and takes a drink from her wine glass, then spins the glass back and forth between her thumb and forefinger by the stem. “What do you usually do for the holidays?”

I shrug. “Stay at home. Enjoy the time off.”

“You mean to tell me that Mr. Overachiever actually takes a break?”

I playfully poke her in the side, pulling a giggle out of her.

Aspen sets her glass down on the hardwood floor, stands up, and casually walks over to the tree. “I bought you another present, but it’s personal, so I didn’t want to give it to you in front of everyone.”

Curiosity gnaws at me as she retrieves a small box from behind the tree.

Aspen sits back down beside me, handing over the gift. “I hope you like it.”

I take the gift from her, then carefully unwrap it. I flip open the box; inside sits a Rolex.I take the watch out and toy with the links.

“The back is engraved.” She taps the face of the watch.

I flip the watch over. “Live today like there’s no tomorrow,” I read out loud.

I choke up, but I somehow stifle down my emotions, forcing them to stay in check. I don’t have to tell Aspen anything; she just gets me. I swivel my head to look at her in awe. Her emerald eyes shine when our eyes lock. She’s so fucking perfect. I lean in closer, and between my fingers, I take a stray strand of silky black hair, brushing it back behind her ear. My hand continues to trail down her arm. “Thank you.” I intertwine our fingers together.

My eyes move to her full, soft lips. I slowly lift my other hand to cup her cheek and allow myself to caress it with my thumb. Her skin is so damn soft. If I take this leap, there will be no turning back, and if I don’t, I’ll miss this opportunity. With my mind made up, I lean in closer, our lips just a breath apart. I can already taste the sweet wine on her lips, and I haven’t closed in yet. She takes unsteady breaths, closing her eyes in anticipation.

My lips barely graze hers when a clank from a glass makes me jump. I let out a soft groan and place my forehead on her shoulders. Half relieved and half annoyed by the interruption.

“Shit!” Aspen’s mom whispers to herself. When I look up, she’s standing at the sink with her back turned to us. “Sorry, y’all! I was just getting a drink of water. I forgot to take my pills,” she says as she turns on the tap water to fill her glass.

“It’s okay, Katherine. I was just about to leave.”

I stand, holding out a hand to help Aspen up from the floor. She grabs ahold of it, and I pull her up into a hug. “Thankyou again for inviting me tonight . . . and for the presents; they’re perfect.” I whisper. Her hair smells of something floral, but I can’t quite place it.I take another inconspicuous inhale through my nose to breathe her in.

“You’re welcome,” she squeezes me a little tighter. Then peers up at me with a sweet smile. “Thank you for mine.”

I release her, then collect my gifts and stroll to the door. “Merry Christmas. Goodnight,y’all.”

Katherine throws her head back and howls in laughter, then points her finger at me. “Don’t you go mockin’ me, young man.”

I wink at her as I walk out the door. The icy road causes me to slip and slide as I cross the street. You would think with me being a hockey player, I would be able to handle a little bit of ice, but I barely make it back home in one piece. I laugh at myself as I walk through my front door.

I carry my gifts into my room and place them on my nightstand. After I’ve completed my nightly routine, I tumble into bed and envision Aspen’s beautiful face. The curve of her hips. The feel of her skin. Her emerald eyes. Fuck me—those pouty lips. The guilt for kissing her slams into me like a ton of bricks. I don’t understand this. Why can’t I just move the fuck on? I feel fine when I’m with her, but the moment I leave her side, I’m right back where I started. I feel myself constantly slipping right back into a very dark place; it’s a never-ending cycle. Which is why I don’t want her to ever leave my side. I like the way I feel when I’m with her.

Picking up the box from my nightstand, I take the watch out, flipping it over to read the inscription again; I’m trying like hell to grab onto the joy she brings out of me. I want to live today like there’s no tomorrow. I shoot her a text.

Me:Are you still up?

A few minutes later my phone rings. “Hi.”

“Hey,” she breathes. “Miss me already?”

I give a noncommittal laugh.

“Because I’m standing at your door. Let me in; it’s freezing out here.”

My eyes widen in surprise. I don’t know what I was expecting from texting her, but it wasn’t for her to show up at my door. I jump up from my bed and throw on a pair of gray sweatpants, then race down the stairs to open the door. Aspen stands gawking at me for a few seconds, her tongue licking those beautiful lips before she can fully mask her expression. The frosty air hits my bare chest, causing goosebumps to pebble on my flesh. I grab her hand and pull her inside. My throat moves in a hard swallow at our close proximity. God, she’s everything.Everything.Aspen is silent for a few moments as she peers up at me. There’s an ache in my chest for her.

“You left without finishing something.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

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