Page 103 of One of Them Girls

His eyes fall. “It was made especially for you. I can’t take it back.”

I let out a deep sigh. “Okay.”

I reach out, grabbing the box. His finger brushes against mine, making my heart stutter.

“I know you were mad at me before,” he starts, his finger lingering on mine. “I wanted to apologize. I know I made a mistake, and it was wrong. I don’t deserve your forgiveness for the way I acted, but I hope you find comfort in my words. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.”

My walls crack as he walks past me to his driver’s door. I remember what he said on Thanksgiving.

What if he doesn’t have anywhere to go?

“Wait.” I spin, unable to keep myself from asking, “What are you doing for Christmas Break?”

He turns, giving me a sad smile. “If I said nothing, would you invite me to stay with you?”

I bite my lip, considering his words.

Would I?

He lets out a laugh. “I’m joking. Don’t worry about me, Adra. I can take care of myself.”

I take a couple steps forward, setting the gift on his hood before grabbing his uninjured arm.

“Seriously, Avi, where are you going for break?” I look up into his eyes.

For half a second, I worry that he’s going to tell me he’s going to spend it with Tinsley. Why it would matter, I don’t know. I know they are just friends. I’m not even jealous of her anymore. Or at least I shouldn’t be.

Didn’t I end this? Aren’t I the one keeping us apart?

One word could keep him here.

Stay.

That’s all it would take for him to wrap me into his arms and accept me back.

One word caught in my throat because of fear. Fear that I can’t trust his feelings. Fuck, I can’t trust my own feelings right now.

“I’m going home with Jack. I hear his mama makes a mean brisket for the holidays. I can’t wait to figure out what that means.” He steps closer to me, pulling me into a brief hug, before backing up to pull my face to his.

It’s just a ghost of a kiss across my lips, but the heat it spreads throughout my body is an inferno. The memories it elicits causes me to shiver.

“Sorry. I had to have one last taste of heaven. I’ll be fine. I don’t want you worrying about me. It’s cold out. You should get inside to your family. Have an amazing holiday. Maybe when classes start back up, I’ll see you on campus.”

He opens his door then, getting inside the car. When the door closes, it jerks me from my frozen place.

I grab my gift, making my way back to the door. I turn to look before going in and smile. He waves at me once before motioning for me to go inside.

Ever the gentleman.

Once inside, I peek out the side window and watch him leave.

“He didn’t want to stay for dinner?” Dad asks from behind me.

“He did, but he’s spending the holidays with his friend Jack. He didn’t want to make him wait too long.”

“Ah. He’s a good one. Always considerate. He’s taken quite a liking to you, pumpkin. What is it he got for you?”

I hustle toward the stairs. “It’s private, Daddy. I’m not going to open it until Christmas. I’m going to put it in my room.”

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