Page 45 of My Fake Date With My Childhood Friend
“Thank you once again.”
As we slow danced to the song he dedicated to me, I thought about how he helped me with the dress, pretending to date me, how he helped me realize my worth. He always went above andbeyond for me, dedicating a song to me in front of anyone, all the small things, I’m sure he would never cheat on his girlfriend.
Alexander rested his forehead against mine. “Merry Christmas, Penny.”
“Merry Christmas, Alexander.”
Whoever ended up with Alexander, in the end, will be a really lucky girl. I was just sad that it couldn’t be me.
By the time Alexander brought me home, most of the windows in my house were dark by now, which was an unusual feat in my big family. Alexander walked me to the front door. We paused in front of it and faced each other. My key was clutched in my hand, but I didn't know whether he wanted to say goodbye out here or was hoping that I would invite him in.
“Is anybody home?” Alexander asked, eyes running over the dark and silent house.
“I don't think so,” I said. “Mom said they were all going to the mall to meet Santa and put their Christmas wishes on the tree.”
“Those were the days,” Alexander murmured.
“It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?” I looked down at the key to avoid having to look him in the eyes. “Having that sort of Christmas spirit... believing in Santa and wishes and...”
“It's never too late to start believing,” Alexander said. “And it's never too late to make some new wishes.”
“No,” I said. I looked at him again and got lost in his eyes. I caught a glimpse of the same Christmas spirit I'd seen in them all those years ago. It was still there, shining through, even in the darkness. “I guess it's not.”
We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Then I took a step back and turned the key in the lock.
“Do you want to come in?” I whispered. My eyes shifted toward his car in the driveway. “You know, to warm up before you drive home.”
Alexander smiled. “I would love to.”
Inside, I flicked on some lights and led him into the kitchen. It felt strange to be alone in my big family home. Normally, there were at least a few people here, bustling around, laughing, and talking.
“Can I offer you something to drink?” I asked. “Hot chocolate or cider?”
“Hot chocolate would be great. Any chance you've got peppermint?”
“I think there's some in the cupboard above the fridge,” I said. “And conveniently, you're tall enough to reach.”
“Lucky me,” Alexander laughed.
Alexander took off his blazer and laid it on the back of a chair, then rolled up his sleeves. Then he reached up to open the high cupboard, his shirt riding up to expose his toned back. I went to fix his drink, my heart racing as I watched him. He was so handsome. So perfect.
I felt a little awkward being alone in my big family home, but it was also kind of nice. I’d grown up spending Christmas with at least a few people here, chatting and laughing. But tonight... there was just Alexander and me.
“Here you are,” I said, handing him a mug of hot chocolate.
Alexander took a sip of his hot chocolate.
“Mmm. This is delicious,” he said. “Thank you.”
We walked over to the living room and sat down on the couch. My stomach fluttered as his arm brushed against mine. We sipped our drinks in silence for a few minutes. My head was spinning with all the thoughts racing through my mind. This was definitely more than a crush. I was just too scared to admit it before. Now I was sure I was falling for him. And that was scaryto admit after all that happened to me, but nevertheless, I was falling hard.
Alexander cleared his throat and put his mug down on the coffee table.
“There’s something I wanted to talk to you about,” he said.
“Okay…” I said in trepidation. He leaned forward. Sensing a serious conversation coming, I did the same.
“I want to break a rule,” he whispered. I raised an eyebrow in surprise.
