AllFreeNovel
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Sometimes I hate that he knows so much about me and what’s going on in my house. That I’ve had to make him keep a secret, even when it’s caused him pain and worry that something could happen. I hate that he’s seen my worst, and that he felt he had to help me fight against a grown man.My father. If he hadn’t, I’d have probably died.
Nodding my head and pushing away the dark thoughts, I follow him into the living room.
As has been the case too often lately, instinctively, my eyes seek out Savannah. She’s sitting in reindeer pajamas on the couch, her legs tucked under her and her hair piled into a messy bun on the top of her head. When her soft gaze lifts to mine, I feel my body relax as the tension leaves me. A small smile graces her lips before she looks away shyly.
I could look at her all day.
Her skin is clear and she almost looks ethereal in the daylight spilling in the window.
Fuck, if she isn’t an angel.
Sadie speaks, pulling my attention to her. My stomach drops, like I’ve just been caught doing something I shouldn’t. “Hey Noah, we’re so glad you’re here, sweetheart. You want some hot chocolate?”
Scrubbing my hand over the back of my neck, I reply, “That would be great.”
I don’t want hot chocolate, I want to keep looking at Savannah.
Jack elbows me in the ribs forcing my gaze away from her. His brow arches as he says, “Come on, man. Eyes off my sister.”
My face flames at having been caught and I avert my gaze looking down at my lap.
She soothes me by just being present, she doesn’t have to say or do anything. She’s my life raft in a sea of uncertainty. Always there to ground me and bring me to shore safely.
I’m losing my mind.
With a smile, and completely oblivious to my inner turmoil, Sadie walks from the room, but not before saying, “You’ve come just in time for presents, Noah.”
Presents? Shit.
I’ve known Jack for three years and this is the first year I’ve crashed a holiday. Sure we’ve hung out during the holidays, but it’s usuallyafterfamily time.
This family has welcomed me into their home without question. It’s too much. There’s no way I can repay them. I didn’t get them any gifts. Not that I could afford any, I don’t get the trust fund my grandparents left me until I graduate college.
The trust fund is the only reason I’ve gone to college. I’d have never left my mom if getting that money wasn’t a possibility. It’s our way out and away fromhim.
Plopping down onto the couch between Jack and Savannah, the faint hint of lavender engulfs me. Savannah rests her hand on my knee, using it to push herself up from the couch before she darts from the room. Just that small touch sends a spark of energy surging through my body from head to toe. I wonder if she feels it too.
Christ, Noah, it doesn’t fucking matter if she does.
It’s probably just a figment of my imagination anyway.
Sadie returns carrying a mug overflowing with whipped cream and mini marshmallows just as Savannah bounds into the room.
“Be careful, it’s pipin’ hot,” Sadie warns, handing over the mug.
I place the mug between my feet, careful not to spill any of the hot liquid as Savannah hands me a gift. I turn it over in my hands. It’s less than a centimeter thick and half the size of a piece of paper. It’s been wrapped neatly in snowman wrapping paper. She eyes me for a moment before she sits back on the couch. The warmth of her leg pressed against mine a constant reminder of her presence.Why does she feel so much closer than moments ago? I shouldn't have sat here.
“Lennie, baby, do you wanna give everyone a present to open?” Sadie asks.
Savannah and Jack both exclaim excitedly as they rip at the paper on their gifts. Tuning them out, I slide my thumb under the first tab, gently pushing at the wrapping paper, urging the tape to come free.
With as much care and precision as I can, I unwrap the gift until it’s uncovered and laying in the middle of the creased paper. Lifting the piece of cardboard laying on top reveals a copy of the latestDC Supermancomic book. My breath catches in my throat and I swallow around the lump forming.
A dainty hand lands on my arm and I lift my attention to the dark blue gaze looking back at me, that same soft smile on her lips. Her voice is a hushed whisper as she says, “I hope you don’t already have that one, but I wanted to get you something I knew you’d love.”
Savannah’s eyes dip to where her hand rests on my arm before she lifts it and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. I feel the loss of her skin on mine, the faint touch forever burned into my memory.
“If you do have it, I can take it back. Maybe get you a gift card. It’s not a problem.”
