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  "Is she serious?" Heather mouthed, dumbfounded.

  I shrugged and reached for my drink.

  "Wait, for old time's sake." Heather raised her glass and smiled.

  "You know I always beat you?" I quirked a brow, challenging her. When we were kids, we'd chug our milk to see who could drink the entire glass without spewing.

  "Not so fast. I've been around a time or two."

  I opened my mouth to smart off, but decided not to. She'd been back less than an hour and it seemed like she'd never been gone. We clinked our glasses together and went to town.

  The first few gulps didn't bother me, but soon after, my throat and chest burned from the freaking cold.

  I peered over the rim at Heather. Her brows were pulled in the middle, concentrating. I slowed my gulps until she caught up with me, sipping the rest.

  When she slammed her glass down, I finished off mine.

  "I guess I'm not as good as I used to be," I said while milk sloshed in my stomach, creating a wave of nausea.

  Heather smiled and then frowned. "I think I'm going to hurl."

  "Me too." I grabbed my stomach. "I'm glad you came home."

  Heather gave me a soft smile.

  "Have you talked to Dad?"

  Her body went rigid.

  "I mean, I know he'd be happy to hear from you." Shit. Something was wrong.

  "Yeah, I talked to Dad. He actually bought my plane ticket home." She cleared her throat before going on, her body remaining stiff. "He planned to fly with me, but said something came up. He couldn't make it." She shrugged and frowned. Tears misted her eyes.

  I reached over to hold her hand and squeezed.

  "Heather, Dad cares." I paused, afraid of saying something that'd upset her more. "I think sometimes he just doesn't know how to show it, but he loves you..."

  The vulnerability in her eyes made me want to hug her tight while telling her everything would be okay. I tucked my hands between my legs and clenched my jaw to keep from yelling or shaking her.

  God, this was like jumping back in time to when we were kids. Back then, I did my best to convince her that Dad would be around, and that he'd be there to shoot baskets with us on weekends. He never was.

  Those old feelings swept over me with such intensity I balled my fists. My nails burrowed into my palm, leaving crescent-shaped indents in my skin. Hurt from our dad dropping out of our lives nearly sucker-punched me in the gut.

  "Hey." I wrapped Heather in a tight hug. "I'm proud of you. You're doing great. I'm here, and so is Mom. We'll always be here, no matter what."

  Heather nodded, silent tears streaming down her face. I wanted to wash her pain away. The more I tried to make it right, the more I seemed to screw up. She pulled away, and the light in her eyes dimmed.

  "It's okay, Elle. I'm fine."

  I wanted to call her bullshit, but because I continued to mess things up by opening my mouth, I let it go.

  "Okay. Consider the subject dropped."

  Heather grinned.

  "What?" I asked, bumping my shoulder into hers.

  "We'll see how long you last."

  I suppressed my frustration with a smile. I could absolutely drop the issue.

  Mom hollered from the living room. "Girls, come in here."

  I jumped from the stool. "Hey, I've changed, you'll see."

  Heather laughed and we headed to the living room.

  "So, I think Mom hit her head or something. She hasn't been this motherly since–"

  I closed my mouth.

  Heather's face fell, but she recovered quickly.

  "Don't worry about it, Elle. I said I was fine." She walked over to me. "I really am, but it's kinda nice." She nodded toward Mom. "Her being the mom again, lets us just be sisters."

  "I'll always be your sister, and I'll always love you. No matter what." I stopped quick and swallowed, not wanting to turn our reunion into a cry fest.

  "I know."

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  I'm not sure what happened. One minute we were fine, and the next, the three of us were in a jumbled mess on the floor, laughing. An empty pizza box sat on the coffee table, with the other just about gone. My phone dinged. Heather reached across my lap, but I snagged my cell before she could.

  Spud, we're eating chicken fajitas. WTF is wrong with my mom. She knows Dad and I eat beef. What about you?

  I laughed while typing. Pizza…with extra cheese and pepperoni. Too bad sucka ;)

  And you say I don't play fair. Still love you, though. I could think of something tastier than my favorite pizza…

  Honestly, I hadn't a clue what he was getting at. I frowned while I replied. ???

  Baby, the only thing I'm hungry for is you. You're window better be unlocked. I'm coming… over later.

  Holy shit.

  "Elle, you're blushing," Heather teased.

  I popped my head up, my face bathed in heat, and glared at the sinister grin spread across Heather's face. I refused to look in Mom's direction.

  "Shut it," I grunted back. To my extremely naughty boyfriend, I typed, You are in so much trouble right now! Heather is making fun of me. I'll consider leaving my window unlocked. Ass!

  Lol! You know you love me. Say hi to your mom and Heather.

  Fine… you're lucky I do love you.

  I stood up. "Be right back." Mom and Heather continued chatting, ignoring me so I ran up to my room. I tossed my phone on my dresser, refusing Heather the chance to read any other potentially embarrassing texts from Tristan.

  Once down stairs, I grabbed another slice of pizza, happily taking my place on the floor next to my sister.

  The afternoon raced by as we talked, laughed, and yeah, even cried. This time Mom had tears running down her face but from laughing so hard.

  She ended up pulling out every family photo album we owned. The living room floor was littered with old pictures, even some with Dad. One picture in the pile caught my attention.

  The day came back to me like it was yesterday, the summer after our seventh grade year. Heather stood in the middle of me and Tristan with her arms wrapped around our waists. She was looking up at me with a big stupid grin on her chubby-cheeked face.

  I remembered Heather had just joked about Tristan and me growing up and getting married. I'd smiled down at her, feeling ridiculously embarrassed that she'd said that aloud. After Alyssa had taken the picture, I pinched the crap out of her.

  Tristan, cute as ever, wasn't looking at the camera. Instead, his eyes were set directly on me. His face red from playing outside and his smile was so big and animated. I traced his outline in the picture.

  Life had a funny way of working itself out. Right then I missed him, terribly. The pressure of his lips against mine. The inferno of desire when he touched me. The way his deep, smooth voice made my pulse race… especially when he'd tell me he loved me.

  Heather fell back against the floor, snorting with laughter again, her legs spread across my lap. My stomach dropped, feeling awful for wanting to leave to be with Tristan. My mind drifted further to Tristan undressing me, kissing me, touching me. My breathing increased from the mere thought. Crap, I needed to get a grip.

  "I think we should call it a night," Mom said, standing from the floor. "We're supposed to meet at your grandmother's house tomorrow around lunch."

  "Yeah, I'm beat." Heather sat up. "Hey, let's watch White Christmas. Remember, we used to watch it on Christmas Eve before going to bed."

  "Sure." Mom turned her attention to me. "You wanna come, Elle?"

  As much as I missed having fun together, they needed time alone. I shook my head. "Thanks, though."

  I stayed up cleaning the mess in the living room while they watched their movie. When I finished, I popped in to say goodnight, but they'd fallen asleep already.

  The night ended perfectly, or almost. My bed was lonely without Tristan, my body cold without his strong arms holding me. I checked my phone for missed calls or texts, and found one. Tristan had texted over an hou
r ago.

  I miss you and would be absolutely okay with skipping out early tomorrow… can't stop thinking about your body on top of mine… I love you.

  Damn, now I really wanted him. I looked at the time. Well after midnight. I didn't want to risk the chance of waking him up, so instead of calling, I sent a short and sweet text back.

  I wish you were here with me too. :( Sorry I missed your text. See you tomorrow. I love you more <3 Merry Christmas.

  I tossed my phone on the nightstand and climbed into bed alone, and a little bit grumpy from missing Tristan's text. I knew he wanted to give me time to spend with Mom and Heather, and I appreciated his sentiment. I just, well, I kinda wanted to share the moment with him.

  The longer I stayed still in bed, the heavier my eyelids became, until they fell shut.

  Tristan's fingertips brushed over my thigh, causing my stomach to tighten. His name fell from my lips in a soft moan.

  "Merry Christmas, Spud."

  Tristan

  I dumped my bags in my room and grabbed a change of clothes before heading to shower and shave. Twenty minutes later I was out, dressed, and then tackled by two kiddos when I entered the living room. My aunt and uncle's kids were great.

  "Hey, munchkins."

  Thomas crossed his arms over his chest, frowning. "I'm not a baby anymore."

  Biting back a grin, I agreed. "Right, I forgot. You're what, ten now?"

  Thomas rolled his eyes and his sister giggled.

  "Look who finally graced us with his ugly mug." My uncle John walked over and shook my hand.

  "Good to see you, John. Kids are getting big."

  My aunt rounded the corner about that time. "Ahh, get over here and give me a hug."

  I crossed the room and pulled her in. She and Mom were complete opposites. Mom was tall while my aunt hovered five feet, if she was lucky. She stepped away and smiled.

  "I hear you're a star player at Tech." She nudged my arm with the back of her hand.

  "Now, Sarah, don't give the kid a big head. He barely made it through the doorway as it was."

  My aunt glanced around me, glaring at her husband. "John, leave him alone."

  John and I barked out a laugh, until my dad interrupted.

  "Until he broke his collarbone, he was lead receiver. Did pretty well, I'd say."

  Everyone froze, unsure how to respond to my dad's compliment. Especially me.

  "Enough about sports, let's eat before dinner gets cold," Mom insisted to everyone in the quiet room.

  "Great, I'm starved," Dad said.

  What the fuck was going on? Something was definitely up, but my stomach growled and I followed the others to the kitchen, starving. Or was, until I realized what was on the menu. Chicken fajitas. Dad and I traded glances. He shrugged and I shook my head.

  Dad sat next to Mom, laughing and making decent conversation with everyone. I caught John's eye. He frowned, obviously not in the know either. It was no secret we didn't get along. Holidays were always strained. At one point, I scratched my head, literally.

  "Son, you still seeing that Richards girl?"

  I knew it was too good to be true. Time was up.

  "Yeah, what of it?" I clenched my jaw, tensing up for his smartass reply.

  "Ah, good, good."

  I had no words.

  "Don't forget to bring Elle by before you two head back," Mom said.

  I shifted my attention to Mom. "Yes, ma'am."

  She smiled, her eyes glossy with tears. "Good."

  I cleared my throat, and then shoveled a heaping bite of rice in my mouth to keep silent.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Staring up at my ceiling, I debated if I should stay in my bed or go get what I wanted. The texts from earlier promised more of her lips, the pressure of her body against mine. The sound she created, soft whimpers, taunted my addiction for her even more. Elle needed space, time alone with her mom and sister. I got that. Regardless, I grabbed my keys a number of times, ready to drive over to her house and check on her.

  Fuck it. That was a piss poor excuse. I didn't want to check on her. I wanted to see her, touch her, make love to her.

  Earlier today while trying to think of something other than Elle, I'd called Heather. Her voice shook when she said hello. I heard her panting and my stomach twisted, but she recovered quick enough. Damn stubborn girl walked clear across town instead of catching a ride. I stayed on the line until she got home, since she refused to tell me where she was. Once we hung up, I went back to moping.

  After a few hours of mindless fixating on my beige ceiling, I'd finally relaxed enough to fall asleep, and then my phone vibrated. I didn't waste time after I read Elle's text. No way in hell would I stay away.

  Lucky for me, I'd never changed out of my clothes. I ran my fingers through my hair, grabbed my keys, and headed out, quiet as possible.

  I sped through the streets until I turned on her road. Killing my lights, I parked in front of her house. I halfway thought about texting her to say I was on my way, but surprised her instead.

  Jogging to the spot under Elle's window where I used to climb into her room, I shook my head and let out a low chuckle. Hadn't crawled into her bedroom since we were in high school.

  Back then, she'd leave her window open. For old time's sake, I hoped she still did. Problem was I had to climb their old-ass terrace, in the freezing-as-fuck cold. Hopefully the wood wouldn't give and break on me.

  I only slipped twice and didn't cut my hands up, so the climb didn't suck too badly. At the top, the window slid open without so much as a squeak, and I stepped inside.

  Elle slept on her back. I inched closer, my heart beating faster with each step. The intoxicating floral scent from her shampoo filled the small space. Moonlight spilled in from the window. She was the most beautiful sleeping angel I'd ever seen.

  I sat next to her on the bed, careful not to wake her when she moaned. She fucking moaned. Everything south of the boarder jerked in response.

  I leaned down, and whispered, "Merry Christmas, Spud."

  Her eyes shot wide open. I expected to hear her scream, but instead she wove her fingers in my hair and slammed her lips against mine.

  "Remind me to wake you up more often," I said, smiling against her warm lips. Elle sucked in a quick breath before pulling away. She ran the tips of her fingers across her lips. Sexy as hell.

  "I had to make sure you were really here and I wasn't dreaming."

  I smiled. "So, you were dreaming about me?"

  I slowly eased the covers back, exposing her legs, only she moved into a sitting position. Damn. Not what I wanted.

  I ran my hand up her thigh to her hip. Her breath caught. The brightness from the full moon made it easy to see her clearly. Her lips parted. Fucking incredible.

  "You have no idea how many times I thought about you today." I grabbed her legs and jerked her tiny body down.

  "I guess you got my text message?" Her words faltered when I traced the curve of her breast through the thin fabric of her T-shirt. I used my thumb to circle the hard edges of her nipple. Elle scraped her bottom lip between her teeth, amping my desire for her.

  "Hey, Tristan?" Her voice came out low and sultry. "Can we do less talking?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  In a need to taste her sweet lips, I moved in. Only she pulled away. I came close to arguing with her, but she surprised me. In one quick motion, Elle sat up and peeled out of her T-shirt, tossing the material on the ground.

  Panties still on. No matter, I'd take pleasure removing them myself. I sat back, taking in every beautiful curve of her bare body.

  Elle advanced slowly. Once in front of me, she tilted her head to the side.

  "What?"

  Her pouty lips were so close. God, please don't say stop. I would. I'd be okay just holding her until she fell asleep again. I'd just need a cold shower, and I really fucking hated cold showers. So I waited.

  "You still have your shirt on." Those full lips lifted in a slow, seduc
tive smile.

  I moved fast, jerking my shirt over my head, and then tugged off my jeans.

  Elle inched to the edge of the bed. I waited, wanting her to make a move. Sitting up on her knees, she did just that, and crashed her lips to mine.

  Unfortunately, our last shred of clothing was still in the way. Nothing I couldn't work with. I wrapped my arm around her, lifting her up. My other hand slid to the nape of her neck.

  She tasted hot and spicy from her cinnamon toothpaste. The tips of her fingers dug into my back and she jumped, locking her legs around my waist. Her trickster move further increased the pressure from wanting her into a near painful ache.

  I groaned against her mouth. Too bad we were in her mom's house. The thought of hearing her climaxing damn near drove me insane.

  I repositioned us on her bed. Breaking apart from her lips, I lifted her chin, trailing my fingertips over her soft skin. She shivered under my touch. Her deep green eyes held mine. Once I reached her collarbone, her pulse beat steadily. I traipsed on, crossing the curve of her shoulder to the front of her chest.

  Her eyes closed. I dipped forward, taking her nipple hostage. With her back arched, she pressed her head into the pillow. I swirled my tongue around her hardened nipple and then lightly tugged with my teeth. This time she groaned, squirming her hips and legs under me.

  "Tristan…"

  I made my way to her other breast while sliding my hand down to her hip, around her thigh, and then slipped my hand inside her panties.

  "I want you," she panted.

  I never wanted to watch any other woman being pleasured, but I wanted to see Elle. I struggled with an immense need to bury myself inside of her. I wanted to witness every small detail of pleasure she experienced.

  God, she was wet and ready for me. She gripped a handful of her sheets. Her breathing turned ragged. She rocked her hips against my hand. A small whimper escaped her parted lips. She lifted her head. Her heated focus… damn if she didn't shock the hell out of me.

  She demanded in a raspy whisper, "We are so breaking up if you do not, um, get up here. Now."

  I slid my boxers off and fit myself between her legs.

  A few strands of hair stuck to the side of her cheek. I brushed them away, wanting to see the look on her face when I rocked into her. She grabbed my hips and dug her tiny fingers into my skin.