Page 56 of All My Firsts

There was a sparkle in his eye and joy in his voice as he rattled off story after animated story of Christmases inhis family.

“I have so many things planned for us to do. Living close to DC means we can go see the Capitol tree, museums, and there are Christmas markets. Have you ever ice skated outside? I’m thinking that’s not possible in Texas.” He was laughing when he said this and was vibrating withexcitement.

It sparked memories from my childhood, wonderful memories of holidays spent with my parents and grandparents in Texas. It was nice to have the occasional fond memory pop up from my time back home; too much of my mind was filled with the darkness of the more recent years.

“Well, you’re right there – no snow in Texas, at least where I lived. I’m excited to have this time with you, too.” But then I hesitated as I looked out the window. “I’m a little nervous to meet your family, though. What have you told them about us? I mean, do we even have a label for whatwe are yet?”

I think he only then realized how nervous I was. I’d been tryingto hide it.

“Well, first of all, my mother is going to love you. And you know Bryce doesn’t live there anymore, so we probably won’t see him until tomorrow. I won’t lie, my mom does think we’re a couple, but to be honest, Lanie, so do I. And I was hoping you did, too.”

His eyes lingered on me longer than they should have, considering he was driving. “I know we aren’t saying anything at school yet, but I was looking forward to being able to be with you this month. No hiding. I want that badly. I think I need it.” His fingers dug into my thigh with an urgency I wasn’t expecting but didn’t mind. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it back. I brought it up to my mouth, kissing the back of it, before responding to him.

“Xander, it sounds wonderful to be able to spend the next month not worrying about anyone or anything. And I’m sorry if I made you feel anything less to me than you really are. You’re everything, my everything.” I looked out the window before saying my next words, unsure of how he would receive them. “I guess the labels don’t do it for me. Callinghimmy boyfriend has ruined that label for me, I think.”

He seemed to accept that explanation, his head nodding in understanding. I leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth. The groan that escaped from his throat told me he’d like more than that simple gesture. But it looked like we were leaving the interstate, meaning we were almost to his house.

I was a ball of nerves as he grabbed our bags from the back of his Jeep. He threw them over his shoulder, grabbed my hand, and led me through the door.

“Mom!We’re here!”

I heard thudding footsteps coming down a staircase I couldn’t see, and a petite, beautiful woman rounded the banister at the end of the entrance hall. Xander definitely didn’t get his height from her. I was slightly above average in height at five foot seven, and I towered over her. She had long, straight raven hair. But it was her striking blue eyes that had me staring; they were an exact replicaof Xander’s.

“Oh my God, Alex, I’ve missed you so much!” Xander picked her up and hugged her while swinging her around several times. “Put me down. I’m going to be sick. I’m too old for that.” She pushed him away but still had him in her hold. “Look at you, still handsome as ever. I like the hair, kiddo.”

She then turned toward me with warmth in those striking eyes. “Lanie, I’m glad to have you here. It’s nice to meet you.” She reached out and wrapped me in her arms. For a tiny thing, she had a strong grip. Then she whispered in my ear, “I’m happy for you both to have each other, and I can’t wait to get to know you.”

She pulled away, holding on to my arms and looking at me, almost studying me. But it wasn’t uncomfortable. I welcomed it. Her warm smile was wide as she rubbed my arms and nodded, almostin approval.

“Now, you two go ahead and put your things upstairs. I’m turning a blind eye to the sleeping arrangements.” She snickered as she walked to the back of the house to what I could only guess wasthe kitchen.

I looked at Xander with wide eyes. “OK, what just happened?”

“I told you she was going to love you.”

“Alex?” I looked at him with skepticism all over my face. “Who have I been kissing these pastfew weeks?”

“I don’t know, Elaina. Who have you been kissing?” He pushed a finger into my ribs and turned toward the stairs. I followed him, still full of questions.

“Where did Xandercome from?”

“My full name is Alexander. On the football team in high school, they shortened it to Xander, and it stuck. Mom doesn’t like it. She still calls me Alex.” We got upstairs, and he turned to look at me with a wicked grin on his face. “Well, now we have a decision to make. Which room do you sleep in? Mineor Bryce’s?”

“Was she serious?”

“I really don’t know. I’ve never brought a girl home before, but I don’t think she would have said that if she didn’t mean it.”

I started to get a little nervous. I mean, Xander and I slept in his bed the weekend Max came, but it was out of necessity. This was different. I mean, Xander and I hadn’t done anything more than kiss and gropeeach other.

He saw my face. “OK, too much, too soon. I don’t disagree. Let’s set you up in the spare but keep our options open. How doesthat sound?”

He lifted my chin and put his mouth on mine. I shivered at his touch, and he immediately dropped all the bags. He pulled me into his arms while walking me backward into the room toward his bed. Then his hands were all over me, from my head to my neck and down my back. They eventually rested on the tops of my thighs, right under my ass, ready to pull me uptoward him.

I immediately wanted nothing more than to be in any bed with him.

“Is thisOK, Lanie?”

Such a different person.

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