AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After the conversation in the car, it was like the universe placed me in just the right moment–in the presence of a woman I desperately needed, even if I didn’t know it, yet. Everything about his family was like that.
They were easy to talk to, and so clearly loved one another. It’s the kind of love you try to run from, and simply cannot escape–the thing churches spend so much time preaching about.
“That’s beautiful.” June Peterson looms over me, staring at the picture of a forest of pines.
“You think?” I say, turning back to see the look on her face. You’d think she was looking at real art.
After asking, Finn’s mom picks it up, her eyes sweeping over the scene. “Absolutely stunning,” she says. “I’m surprised you haven’t done something with this talent. You’re into marketing?”
“Well, yes,” I answer. “Though it’s not my favorite. It’s a job, though.”
When she sets the sketch down, she continues. “My paintings are going to be featured in an art show around the end of March. If you’d like, I’d love to throw some of your drawings in there. We can see how they do?”
My heart beats faster. “Really?”
Finn’s mom squeezes my shoulder. “Of course, dear. You work on them, and we will make it happen.” She leans down like she’s telling a secret. “They like me too much to tell me no, anyhow.”
Our attention shifts when Griffin appears at the door. “Dad said food’s here.” I offer him a little wave, and he rolls his tongue along his cheek, his eyes lighted.
“Delivered?” I ask, if only because it’s Christmas Eve.
When I stand up, Finn’s mom chimes in. “I can’t cook to save my life,” she admits. “We ordered from one of the few restaurants open. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
When I walk out of the sunroom, Finn takes my hand in his, and for the rest of the evening I find myself lost in the festivities, and the people who helped him become exactly who he is.
Kind.
Twenty-Five
Griffin
Snow falls gently over Ellie’s house, floating down just in time for the holiday, and I can’t help but think the day has been perfect.
Hell, the last few weeks have been perfect.
I walk up the concrete steps and pause by the door, thankful that Ellie hasn’t withdrawn again.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to fucking do, but I knew something was up in the car. Usually when we’re together, we spend the entire time talking, so the radio silence worried me.
I’m glad she talked to me though–that she felt I was worth opening up to. And the way she interacted with my family?
Fuck.
If I was down bad before, I’m now a complete goner for this girl.
I brush a strand of hair behind her ear, the cold wind swirling around us, but I don’t care.
“I had a lot of fun on our date,” she says, and damn if it doesn’t warm my chest right through. The snow doesn’t exist anymore. There’s only her.
“Yeah?” I ask, my fingers still running along her cheek. I don’t want to leave yet.
“Yeah. I like your family, too.”
I smile before leaning down to brush my lips over hers. It’s not like the other night. It’s soft and warm. The kind of kiss that feels real. Like it means something.
When I pull away, I keep my lips close to hers. “Goodnight, Ellie.” Turning on my heel, I make the walk back to the Jeep, but before I get halfway there, her voice halts me.
