AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I snort. “Better not let him hear that. Don’t think he’s hit his midlife crisis yet.”
“That’s what you think. He’s been shopping for cars, and you should see the things he’s looking at. Can you picture your father driving a red convertible? Imagine.” She shakes her head, but honestly, I can totally see him driving one. I can see my mother riding passenger, just as happy.
“Do I smell cinnamon rolls?”
That raspy voice would never fail to make me melt. I glance over at Creed as he strolls into the kitchen wearing a black shirt and matching basketball shorts. His hair is a mess, and a pillow line runs down one side of his face. Yet he still manages to look sexy as hell.
My mom sets her coffee down on the counter and wraps her arms around Creed. “Merry Christmas, and yep. They are about to come out of the oven. I hope you boys are okay with a simple breakfast. We’ll do something special for lunch before you head to your parents’ for the night.”
“Sounds perfect.” Creed hums in approval, and I agree with him.
Mom finally releases Creed after almost a moment too long. I don’t fail to notice he got more love than I did and frown at my boyfriend who flashes me a knowing grin. Good thing I love the cocky asshole. My mom has always adored him, and he knows it. It’s only gotten worse since we broke the news of our relationship to our families a few months after making it official the night the truth had brought us together.
“And then after breakfast we can do gifts. That sound okay to you two?” She continues to plan the day, pretending we get any sort of vote. Mom is the commander of Christmas in this house, and rightfully so. She’s always made the day special.
“Yep,” Creed and I reply almost at the exact same time, and my mother seems delighted based on her smile widening to the point that the corners of her eyes crinkle.
“Great. I’ll go wake up your father then.” She pats us both on the shoulders as she passes by on the way out of the kitchen.
I glance up at Creed, my gaze dropping to his lips in a silent demand. He easily obliges, leaning down and placing his soft, full lips against mine. “Merry Christmas,” he mumbles against my mouth, and I can’t help but smile.
When we pull apart, I remember taking the gifts we’d brought for my parents upstairs because they still hadn’t been wrapped. “Do you mind running back upstairs for the gifts?”
An odd expression passes over his face, there and gone so quickly I might have imagined it. “Actually, I need some coffee. If I head back up there, I’ll likely faceplant on the bed and go back to sleep. Do you mind grabbing them?”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, drama queen.”
Creed scowls. “King. Dramaking.”
“Whatever you say,” I snark as I head toward the living room, listening to the deep sound of his laughter that makes me grin.
I climb the stairs and head into my bedroom where the gifts we’ve covered in green and white striped wrapping paper are stacked next to our bags.
On top of the stack, one of my old notebooks is open with the cover folded back. I frown as I pick it up, immediately recognizing Creed’s handwriting.
December 25,2024
Dear Jake,
It’s Christmas morning, and I’m waking up in your bed. Alone. That’s rude by the way. I’ll forgive you though because I love you. I love you a lot actually. More than I realized one person could love another, and it only gets stronger by the day. How is that possible?
I also woke up thinking about the two of us in Maui for some reason. Maybe we should spend a Christmas there one year so I don’t freeze my balls off. Just a thought. You do seem to love my balls after all.
I snort as I continue reading.
But I also started thinking how I never want to wake up on a Christmas morning without you. Or even how the occasional morning we don’t stay the night at each other’s places sort of…sucks. I don’t want to do that anymore. I want you in my bed every night so I can wake up with you every morning.
What do you think?
In case I wasn’t clear, I want us to move in together, but the decision is yours. I’m not going anywhere either way.
Love forever,
Creed
I’m not breathing,but my heart is pounding an erratic rhythm. My head feels light and my body tingles. I’m not sure if it’s from the lack of oxygen or the words on the page. I force myself to take a deep breath before I pass out. Living with Creed is something I’ve imagined. I’ve even considered bringing it up myself, but I wasn’t sure if he was ready for that. I’m glad I didn’t ask, because this is…everything.
My eyes begin to tear up, and I have the urge to run downstairs to answer him, but I can’t seem to make myself move. I don’t want to put down the notebook.
