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  "I know what being without her is like, and well, I guess… she makes me want to be a better man."

  Mrs. Richards's lips curved into a sly grin. "Listen, I've known you had feelings for my daughter for a while. Elle looks different, better… I guess."

  Mrs. Richards stared off into the distance. Elle usually spaced out when there was more on her mind than she wanted to say–just like that. I shuffled from one foot to the other, jumpy as hell.

  "She's been through a lot, Tristan. She deserves to be happy, and I'm glad she found that with you."

  She snapped out of her daze. Focusing on me again, she then stepped forward. "However, I'm still her mother and this is my home." She crossed her arms and raised her brow. "Got it?"

  "Yes, ma'am." I cleared my throat, nervous since she moved close enough to, I don't know, smack the shit out of me or something.

  "Great. Tell your mom I said Merry Christmas and I'll see her tomorrow at the food drive."

  Since when did our moms work together?

  "Uh, yes, ma'am. I'll be sure to let her know. And, don't be hard on Elle."

  Her already raised brow lifted higher.

  "She didn't know I was coming over last night."

  A ghost of a smile cornered her lips and she shook her head. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Now, get home."

  "All right. I'll see y'all in a bit." I didn't give her a chance to ask questions. I hauled it to my car and jumped in. Elle was going to kick my ass.

  When I pulled into my parents' driveway, my phone buzzed. Did you see my mom when you left…because she knew you were here! No more sex in my mom's house.

  I didn't finish reading her message. Instead, I sent a quick reply back. Fine. I'll be by to pick you up later…we can have sex at my parents' house. Crisis averted. You're welcome. I love you.

  She'd be pissed, but hot, angry make-up sex would be worthwhile.

  I walked inside my house, ready to shower and change when a three-year-old linebacker and her six-year-old brother tackled my legs. I reached down and grabbed Tailer first and then her brother Thomas. Both giggled.

  "Auntie M is mad at you," Thomas said between laughing.

  I set them back on their feet. Tailer ran off.

  "Hey, little buddy." I mussed Thomas's hair and he frowned.

  "I told you yesterday. I'm not a baby anymore, ya know."

  "Oh, right. Sorry, man. I forgot."

  "What did I tell you," my aunt said from around the corner. She looked down at her son. "Go help your sister pick up toys in the living room, young man."

  Thomas's shoulders dropped and he bowed his head. "Yes, ma'am."

  When the little guy ran off, my aunt pulled me in for a quick hug. "You know, it's still hard to believe you're in college. I remember when you were his age." She jerked her thumb behind her.

  I laughed. "Yeah, I guess. So, the kids said something about Mom being mad?"

  She raised her hands in the air. "That's between you two."

  "Hey, I thought I was your favorite nephew."

  She shook her head. "You are, considering you're my only nephew."

  "Thanks. Is she in the kitchen?"

  "Yeah."

  I headed in that direction, prepared for an ass chewing, especially after I told her my plans had changed for today. When I went in, Mom smiled instead of yelled. I didn't really know if her smile was a trick.

  "Merry Christmas, Mom."

  "You too, son."

  Ah, fuck it. I didn't have a lot of time to waste.

  "I'm not going to be around for lunch. I'm gonna take a quick shower and then head over to Elle's grandmother's place."

  She stopped rolling out dough and stared back at me wide-eyed.

  "I'll be back for dinner. With Elle, as promised." I walked over to give her kiss on the cheek and then rushed away. I wasn't 100% sure she wouldn't take a swing at me with her rolling pin.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  I pulled up to Elle's grandmother's house the same time they were getting out of her mom's car. Heather shoved Elle's shoulder, and then they were laughing. I couldn't tear my eyes off her, even though guilt began to creep in my gut. Sometimes I still beat myself up for not telling Elle about Heather, but seeing them together, goofing off, made helping Heather to rehab worthwhile.

  Just then, Elle threw her head back and laughed. Sitting back, I crossed my arms over my chest. I could watch her smile for hours.

  Elle's mom pointed at me, and she and Heather turned in my direction.

  I hurried out and jogged across the street. Elle met me halfway, throwing her arms around my neck and smiling.

  "I missed you," she said.

  The wind blew strands of her hair across her cheeks. I caught a whiff of the shampoo she used and inhaled deeply.

  Peace. She was my peace.

  Elle

  Heather coming home paired with spending Christmas with Tristan, as a couple, was so surreal. I couldn't be happier.

  Unless you counted the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach from thinking about my sister.

  Heather's decision to get clean took a lot of courage, but her being around our family could be a huge step back. Especially if our Uncle Sam showed up.

  A real awesome guy. Ya know, the kind who showed up to church every week only to pass judgment on, ah, everyone. Asshole.

  Heather's emotional scars were rooted deep, and I'd be an idiot if I thought a few weeks of rehab meant insta-cure. She'd been using for too long. I never stopped believing that Heather would turn her life around. Mom did, too, but most of our family didn't.

  Mom's family was huge. You couldn't shit without someone knowing what color your turds were. She had two sisters and two brothers, all married, which meant a ton of cousins. Over the years, their constant reminders of how messed up our lives were created resentment.

  This morning I hadn't picked up any weird vibes from Heather, but I didn't want to chance it. So, when Heather walked into my room, I blurted out what was on my mind.

  "Hey, I'm worried about you being around everyone today."

  She scrunched her brows together.

  "I don't want you to let anyone get to you, like if they start talking crap."

  She laughed.

  "Elle, you're not my mom. Shit. And I'm fine. Really." She moved to my suitcase, looking around until she found what she wanted.

  I didn't buy it. "I care, so bite me."

  She glanced over her shoulder and supplied me with a genuine smile.

  "I don't want you to let anyone ruin today. If anyone tries to start crap, let me know and I'll take them down. I'm still your big sister, ya know. Kicking someone's ass for being mean is my job."

  She laughed so hard she snorted. "Yeah, okay."

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  When we got to my grandmother's house, Mom spotted Tristan waiting for us outside. He relaxed against his car, hands shoved in his pockets. His hair fell in a sculpted mess near his eyes. Spotting us, he jogged over. My pulse sped with each step he took.

  His smile widened when I ran to meet him, throwing my arms around his neck. He caught me in a secure hold. The wintery breeze picked up, carrying his sexy rugged, mountain-fresh smell. I nuzzled his neck and inhaled.

  "I missed you." I backed away. His full lips pulled up in the corner, turning my stomach into a mess of excitement.

  "A minute away from you is a minute too long." His low, husky voice vibrated across my chest, traveling to other areas.

  "Let's get inside, love birds," Heather taunted by the front door. Tristan set me on my feet and reached for my hand.

  "She looks good," Tristan whispered, sending a fresh wave of goosebumps across my skin.

  "Yeah, she does. I can't believe she cut her hair, though. But I like the change."

  Tristan squeezed our laced hands together.

  "Lookin' good, kiddo." Tristan punched Heather in the arm like he used to when we were kids.

  "Thanks." Heather blushed. "Enough with how amazing
I look. Let's get inside. I'm freezing."

  "Correction, I didn't say anything about amazing. Don't push your luck," Tristan teased.

  They picked up as if time hadn't affected them. I tossed my hands in the air. "Some things never change."

  A few tightlipped smiles and nods greeted us when we walked inside. Others acted as if they were genuinely happy we came.

  I kept a close eye on my sister. Mom stayed at her side. Amazingly enough, Heather held herself together. I couldn't say the same of Tristan.

  "How can you stand yourself?" Sam's lip curled up on the side in a sneer. His dark eyes emitted disgust.

  Heather took action before I had the chance to. "You forgot to add 'bless your heart.' Cause you know judgment isn't tolerated unless, of course, you finish up with bless your heart," Heather said, pushing past him.

  The self-centered prick acted as if nothing happened, and then he turned and focused on me and Tristan. His beady eyes targeted Tristan as he walked over.

  "Elle." Uncle Sam nodded without looking at me. He did outstretch his hand to Tristan. "Tristan, good to see you."

  Reluctantly, Tristan shook his hand. "Thanks." Tristan then smiled down at me.

  "So," Sam clasped his chubby hand onto Tristan's shoulder, "I hear you and Elle are a thing now. She's lucky. Never thought those girls would make it out on top." His superior tone made my skin crawl. Sam chortled, his second chin bouncing up and down. "Little chance for the other one, but Elle hit the jackpot."

  I sucked in a quick gulp of air seeing Tristan's lip curve in a sneer. Sam was oblivious to Tristan's contempt.

  "I couldn't disagree with you more, Sam," Tristan seethed, shifting his body in front of mine. "I'm the lucky one. And Sam, don't ever let me hear you talk about Elle that way again. The same goes for her mom and sister, too. You have a great day." Tristan reached for my hand and led us away from my now stuttering uncle.

  When we were far enough away, I whispered, "It's okay. He's like that sometimes."

  Tristan stepped in front of me, his expression serious. "No, what he said–suggested–is not okay. Ever. You deserve to be treated better than that, and so does Heather." His eyes softened. "You have no idea how much you mean to me, do you?" He took a small step closer.

  His words overwhelmed me. My heart swelled, making me light and airy on the inside.

  "You're the most important person in my life, Spud. I love you, and if someone is stupid enough to treat you with anything less than the utmost respect, they should expect to have their ass kicked."

  I hadn't realized I'd held my breath until he stepped back. "Um… what?"

  "You need a personal trainer. First lesson on your lineup: how you drive me fucking crazy insane from wanting you." He sucked in a slow, deliberate stream of air through his teeth. His eyes darkened. "I'll give you a preview tonight." He winked, and my body burst into a passion-fueled fire.

  Damn him. Tristan knew exactly what to say to make my body quake. Forgetting where I was, I stood in front of him panting with need. His lips turned up in the corner, and he leaned next to my ear.

  My nipples hardened, wetness pulled between my weakened legs.

  "Do you want me?" He ran the back of his hand down my trembling arm. "Do you like it when I touch you?"

  My eyes closed. I nodded, licking my dry lips.

  "Do you want me to make you scream?"

  Every inch of me shivered. "Tristan," I breathed, fisting the front of his shirt and pulling him to me. "Please."

  His chest shook with quiet laugher. "Nothing turns me on more than hearing you beg." He let out a gust of hot air along my neck. "But you're gonna have to hold that thought. We're drawing an audience."

  I straightened my spine. My head popped up, and I stared into Tristan's now amused eyes. I swallowed, my mouth dry.

  "You're an ass."

  "I'm your ass." He kissed the tip of my nose.

  I grunted, frustrated with how easily he'd been able to get me worked up.

  For the next hour, I had to pretend happy family togetherness with people I hardly ever saw, or cared to see, while my body burned. Tristan never played fair.

  Eventually most everyone warmed up to Heather being back home and to the fact that Tristan and I had finally gotten our crap together–said by one of my younger cousins, though everyone agreed.

  During lunch, Tristan casually said that I was expected to be with him and his family for dinner. "We can check out of here early," he wagged his brows, "make a detour before we see my parents."

  And he said I was insatiable. I did agree to dinner with his parents, but on one condition. We stuck around another day so I could spend more time with Heather. Besides, after the stunt he pulled earlier, he was lucky I said yes to eating with his family. My body still hadn't completely recovered.

  I wanted to check with Heather, make sure she was doing okay. I'd caught her wringing her hands a few times, and back at home this morning when we'd called Dad, as usual, it rang over to voicemail. Disappointment radiated from her green eyes when we didn't reach him. She had the same sad look as yesterday when she admitted Dad was supposed to fly up with her.

  Late in the afternoon, Heather and I ditched the others in the game room and made our way to the back porch. Tristan's competitive nature won over and he joined the group playing cards.

  Outside, we rocked on our grandmother's porch swing. Leaning back, Heather sighed and closed her eyes. The cold wind skirted around us, but I didn't mind.

  I turned to her. "You doing okay?"

  Heather frowned and shook her head, her hair swaying back and forth. Her eyes stayed shut. "Why do you do that shit?"

  "What? I'm only asking if you're okay?"

  "I have a mom, Elle. I don't need another one. God." She stood up, fists by her side, and walked to the front of the porch.

  "Don't you think you're being a little, I don't know, selfish?"

  Heather's shoulders dropped. I couldn't win with her sometimes. I had plenty more to say, but she started in first.

  "I know you don't mean to sound like an overprotective ass." She looked over at me and grinned. "But you are. Just so you know."

  I didn't want to admit it, but she had a point. Sue me for caring. "Okay." I hesitated, brows scrunched together. What the hell was I supposed to say to her. Dammit.

  Heather chuckled. "I'm fine." She cocked her head to the side, and glared. "You really need to find another hobby, something other than trying to save me. And while we're at it, I get upset. Angry," she threw her hands in the air, "hell, I'm scared most the time. But I'm working through my shit. Thing is, I can't do that if I have you and Mom constantly up my ass asking me if I'm okay."

  "Okay." I chewed on my bottom lip.

  "I'll have bad days. You get that, right?"

  I simply nodded. Heather wasn't a talker. She locked her feelings inside, and even though she was basically telling me I was an overbearing pain in the ass, I wanted her to get it out.

  "I'm trying." Her eyes filled with tears. My gut told me to go to her, but I resisted. "Feeling… ah, shit. It doesn't matter. I guess what I'm saying it that you've got to give me space."

  I sighed, a little pissed, but trying to respect what she wanted. "Space, I can do."

  She crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes.

  I laughed. "Hey, I'm trying here, too." I stood and walked over next to her. She wiped the few tears from her rosy cheeks.

  "Yeah, I keep doing this." She pointed to her eyes and laughed. "And I can't turn these damn things off."

  Doing as she asked, I let it go, and then punched her arm.

  "Hey, what the hell was that for?" She rubbed her arm.

  "That was for this morning."

  "What–" Understanding brightened in her eyes. She grinned. "I'm really happy for you. Just don't be an overbearing pain in the ass and he might stick around."

  I punched her again, only harder this time. "The man is hooked. And as for you, don't be a non-exi
stent pain in the ass sister."

  Her face clouded over, but she nodded. "Deal."

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  "At this rate the two of you will be hitched by next year," my grandmother, of all people, commented.

  "Gran," I said, attempting to keep the scared-to-death sound from my voice. I could feel Tristan's eyes set on my warm face. I loved Tristan, and yeah, I could see us married. Hell, I'd pictured the two of us living happily ever after since I was a little girl. But not now. Not yet. We needed to finish college. My throat felt sticky, and the air seemed too thin. I needed space.

  "I don't have a ring yet, so you can breathe," Tristan whispered.

  I detected a small amount of hurt in his voice and turned. "I'm just not ready yet. I mean, we need time."

  He nodded. "You ready to head to my place?"

  I palmed his cheek. "I love you."

  Tristan reached for my hand, squeezed, and then laced our fingers together.

  When we said our goodbyes, my grandmother complained that she never got to see me. Tristan promised that we'd be back more often. Suck up.

  We made our way out the door, with Mom and Heather behind us.

  "Mom, I'm not sure what we have planned, but I have my key. You don't have to wait up."

  "Okay, just try not to stay out too late."

  I hugged them both and turned for Tristan's car–and to his house for another round of overeating.

  "Heather did good, right?"

  Tristan glanced at me with a warm smile. "Yeah, I thought she seemed pretty relaxed."

  "Me, too," I said, easing into his passenger seat. The warm air from the heater blowing on my face made me drowsy. More like the turkey, pies, dressing, and then more pies were to blame for my drowsiness. A second later, my eyes closed, and I was out.

  Tristan

  Elle fell asleep not long after we took off. Her usual soft snores quickly transformed into a loud, obnoxious gargled sound. I glanced over at my beautiful sleeping ogre and laughed. Her mouth hung open with a small trail of drool running down the side of her chin. To her credit, she hadn't gotten much sleep, so I didn't wake her.