Page 14 of If He Wanted To, He Wood

“I’m excited to see where our lives will go. I love you, Ash.”

“I love you Tasha. I’m glad you picked me.”

We head out. Next year, I'll work to give her the life she deserves.

“Where did you want to take me?” she questions. I had a walk planned, but the snow changed that. I guide her down the road to a building I remembered all too well.

“This is where I used to live. We all did. We rented the top floor of this building. Ironically, it used to be like a penthouse, but this area has gone to shit.”

The building has boarded windows, paint covers the bricks, and it’s a ghost town. I share with her about my pre-curse life and where we used to go. We end the night at my favourite ice cream place. I’m surprised it’s still open, but I’m glad it is. We enjoy a dish together and walk hand in hand to the truck.

When we get to the front door, I pull her hand to turn her to me. I slip my fingers through her hair, cradling the back of her head, and slide my lips over hers and give her the end of date kiss she deserves. As I pull away, I see the lust in her eyes. I make a mental note to fuck her on this porch in the future.

“You know the rules, we aren’t doing anything until New Year’s eve. I need you rested and limber for what you want,” I remind her. She rolls her eyes as we walk into the house, and she goes to draw a bath, while I head to the living room to watch television with the guys.

“You guys have a good date?” Bruce questions. I nod. I look forward to taking her on many dates upon our return, both with and without the others.

“I showed her where we used to live. You know the penthouse? It’s in ruins. All boarded up now.” I shake my head, thinking of all the memories our old place held and how we used to live.

“Forty years, man. It’s bound to happen. Nothing lasts forever. Well, I thought this curse would,” Forrest utters.

“Love lasts forever, sometimes.” I say, rubbing my hands over my face.

“Goodnight, have a good sleep.” Heading to the spare room, I strip to my boxers and lie in bed. We’ve been taking turns cuddling her at night, I ponder our future and what lies ahead.

Nineteen

Tasha

The next night is my date with Bruce. I wear a simple red dress, throwing on a white cardigan.

“You look delicious as always baby girl.” Bruce whispers in my ear as we leave the house. “Thank you, daddy,” I grin. Bruce directs me where to go and as I pull up to a little Italian restaurant, I’m surprised.

“It’s my favourite place to eat, I wasn’t even sure if it was going to be open anymore,” he says.

Once we’re seated inside, the chill from outside wears off and he looks across the table at me. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” I ask him. Just as the waitress drops off our plates, I smile at her and look back at Bruce.

“I haven’t been here in over forty years, I’m just taking it in. My favourite food with my favourite girl. I’m just sad it’s going to be ending.” He goes back to eating and I think about his words. I’m going to miss the way he takes care of me. “It won’t be forever, I’ll be anxiously waiting for you guys.”

“I know, I just worry that the curse won’t be broken and all this will just be a dream,” he says. I reach my hand out to cover his. If we could freeze time right now I would.

“What if it doesn’t break it? Does that mean I’ll only have you for the holidays each year?”

“Honestly? I don’t know, but hopefully we won’t have to find out,” he says.

We pay the bill and walk out to the truck. Our date wasn’t anything crazy but I’m glad I got to spend this time with him.

“We’re not done, let’s drive around and look at the Christmas lights, I know how much you must love them,” he whispers.

After an hour of driving through the neighbourhoods, we go back home.

“I’m going to spoil the heck out of you baby girl, next year.” When we stand on the porch, he guides his hand to my lower back and brings me to him. Bruce lowers his head, kissing my lips softly as he grips me. I enjoy the embrace and grasp his hand on our way inside. We say goodnight to the guys and head for bed.

Once we strip down, I lay with his arms wrapped around me. The time we spend together saying nothing at all is my favourite and tonight I needed this more than any fancy date could have ever provided. “I love you Bruce,” I say as I close my eyes.

“I love you baby girl.”

I’m getting ready for my date with Forrest. Earlier today, I had lunch with Liz, I've talked to her about my feelings before, but never felt such intensity when it comes to love. Telling her about my plans to keep them, to break the curse and hoping that it’s all enough. Thinking about the conversation about who had the weirdest Christmas, I still think I won even though her uncle got drunk and drove over the reindeer on the lawn. I’m pulled from the strange memory when a knock sounds at the door.

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