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I bound off the bed and tackle-hug him. “This is the best thing I've ever received.”
He pulls away, smiling. “Ok, ok. Don't get all weepy on me.”
“I made you something too.” Grinning, I cross to my desk, pull open the drawer that hides my secret hobby, and grab the envelope with his name.
“It's not my birthday,” he says, taking it from me.
“I know, but I've decided I don't want all the attention. It's awkward.”
He laughs, opening the envelope and sliding out the card I made—a smiling hand drawn chestnut.
“‘You're my favorite nut,’” he reads inside. “You know, this may be the best one yet. You're getting really good. Someday when you're rich and famous, I'll have the originals.”
Later, when I’m down at the party, standing with Morgan and Daphne, the daughters of one of dad’s friends, I hold the dove between my fingers and smile. Nothing will separate us. There isn’t anything my father could do to make him into a bad guy.
When I look up, Xavier is there.
“How did you get in here?” I ask, checking over my shoulder to make sure my father hasn’t spotted him yet.
“I came in the service entrance,” he jabs a thumb over his shoulder, “through the kitchen.”
I smile. “My father will…”
He cuts in, “Kill me, I know.”
There’s a twinkle of mischief in his eyes and a slow grin curves his lips. “Let’s get out of here. Unless you’re having fun standing here in the corner.” He winks.
“Xavier, you’re going to get me into trouble.”
He shrugs. “Nah, come on, it’ll be fun.”
He doesn’t need to say any more. Next thing I know, we’re sneaking out of my party and through the front door.
Somewhere across the lawn he grabs my hand.
“Let’s go to the lake.”
There’s a small lake right at the edge of my father’s property. I’m not usually allowed to go to it, except during the summers when I’m well-monitored.
But, I’m older now. And even if I wanted to say no, the thrills of excitement that race through me as Xavier sneaks me away from my house scream yes. It’s more addictive than chocolate.
He removes his sneakers and drops my hand as he hits the tip of the shore. “Water feels good,” he tells me, dipping his toe in.
His shirt flies off and in my direction. And I don't move looking at his bare chest. It has ripples and muscles. He’s sixteen and already has the physique of a hard-working teen. He drops his jeans, revealing his black boxer briefs, and my mouth hangs open like the fish we hook in the summer. Not attractive, I’m sure. And then,splash, he wades into the water deeper.
“Come on,” he urges.
I glance down at my dress and toe off my dress shoes. “Well…” I’m not sure how to finish this thought.
This thought being ‘I can’t be in my panties and bra alone with a sixteen-year-old.’ Especially not Xavier. I have boobs and stuff. And my bra isn't even a full bra, it's a special half one that doesn't cover much.
“Rhiannon,” my father’s voice booms from behind me, causing a momentary knee-jerk reaction of panic all throughout my body.
I turn slowly. “Hi, I was just stepping out for a little fresh air.”
His face turns a deadly shade of red when he catches sight of Xavier. “Go back to the house, Rhiannon,” he orders.
I gaze out at a very calm Xavier, pushing his hands through the dark water, and then back at my dad.
