Page 78 of Endless December (Sleepless November Saga 2)

“How are you?” She asks. “I mean after what happened during Thanksgiving break.”

The fact that she knows catches me off guard, but then again, I’m sure Holden had to explain why I left in such a haste.

“I’m okay, I think. I’m sorry I left like that.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t need to apologize. I probably would have done the same thing in your position.”

“Still, it was rude, and I apologize.”

“I’m just glad you haven’t completely given up on him.” She says lowly, nodding toward the sound of Holden and Brandon coming down the stairs. “In the eighteen years that I’ve known him, I’ve never seen look at anyone the way he looks at you.”

I smile happily, but don’t have time to respond before my boyfriend comes into the room. He comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my shoulders.

“Are you sure about this?” He questions once again.

Dipping my head down, I kiss the top of his arm. “Positive. Ready to go?”

“Just waiting on Jo, as usual!” He shouts, intentionally making it so she can hear him.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” She sasses, linking her arm with mine and leaning in to whisper in my ear. “One of my friends said Bianca is going to be there tonight. She can be vicious. Are you sure you’re ready?”

I lock eyes with Holden and remember what Heather told me. Once I see exactly what she was referring to, I nod. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Chapter 27

Holden presses himself up against my body, careful to not let me out of his sight. We’ve been here for twenty minutes and to be honest, I’m really enjoying myself. However, we’re still anticipating the arrival of the girl with hair as black as her soul.

Sure enough, I’m talking to Jo when her eyes widen at something behind me. Following her line of sight, I turn around to see Bianca talking to a few people near the door. They all seem cordial, but it’s obvious some of them are faking it – judging by the looks they give their friends when she isn’t paying attention.

“Do you want to leave?” Holden murmurs into my ear.

Just as someone points us out to Bianca and she looks our way, I turn in Holden’s arms until I’m facing him. “Is there anything else I don’t know?”

“No. You know everything.”

His answer is exactly what I need, and I stand on my tippy toes to kiss him. “Then we’re not going anywhere.”

He smirks and leans down to kiss me once more, placing his hand on my lower back and pulling me impossibly closer. I grin against his lips and giggle until someone clears their throat behind us. Instead of stopping, Holden deepens the kiss, lacing his fingers into my hair to hold me in place.

“A little rude, don’t you think?” Bianca

remarks.

Holden pulls away, and I run my fingers through my hair to put it back in place. Looking around, everyone is trying to subtly watch what happens. I guess in such a small town, word gets around about things like this.

“Didn’t I tell you to leave me alone?” Holden doesn’t even attempt to mask his annoyance.

She fakes a smile. “Nice to see you too, babe.” I roll my eyes as she turns to me. “I’m surprised to see you here. Kylee right?”

“Kayleigh, but you already knew that.”

“Mm.” She hums, raising her eyebrows. “Holden, can I speak to you alone for a minute? You don’t mind, do you Kylee?”

“It’s Kayleigh.” Holden barks. “Cut the shit, Bianca - and the answer is no. Anything you have to say to me you can say in front of my girlfriend.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close, showing there is no way in hell she will get in between us again.

She crosses her arms, like a child throwing a temper tantrum. “Whatever.” She scoffs, and storms off towards her friends.

“Thank you.” I tell him.

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