AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I smiled, lost in memories. “Eric has always played the protective older brother role to perfection. When our parents weren’t around, he stepped in. He taught me to ride a bike, helped with my homework, and even scared away a few potential boyfriends.”
Mason chuckled softly at that. “I remember how much he hated some of your boyfriends. I can just imagine his reaction to this entire... situation. There’s a real risk he might not take it well. Three of his closest friends, all involved with his younger sister?”
“I mean, there’s a chance he could surprise us and be supportive,” I countered, hope lacing my words. “And look at the bright side—if he freaks out, it’ll be three against one!”
Mason chuckled again, but it was probably a pity laugh. Bad jokes were usually my way of handling tough situations.
“Okay, so how do we handle Eric?” It took all my restraint not to make another joke.
Mason’s gaze was intense, searching. “We’ve talked about it, the three of us. The last thing we’d ever want is strain our friendship with Eric. It’s been built over years, and it means everything to us.” He paused. “But we don’t need to tell him right now. If this becomes more serious, we believe in confronting it head-on, together.”
“Okay,” I whispered, taking the conversation more seriously. “But we have to be cautious. Let’s hope his ability to be open-minded prevails when and if we decide to break the news.”
Mason brushed his fingers against the back of my hand, and that was all I needed to close the distance between us.
Our lips met, the kiss deepening as we both lost ourselves in the intensity of the moment. His hands found their way to my waist, pulling me towards him as my fingers tangled themselves in his hair.
At that moment, all that mattered was us and the potential of a future together.
When we pulled away, Mason’s eyes were bright with emotion. “I know it won’t be easy, Zoey. But we’ll face whatever comes our way together. The four of us—or I guess the five of us, when we finally tell Eric.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Whatever happened, we would navigate this new relationship together.
And with that thought, I nestled closer into Mason’s side, taking comfort in the safety of his embrace. For the first time in a long time, I felt like everything might just turn out okay.
CHAPTER13
Liam
Afew days had drifted by since that tension-filled party. We each had to work a little bit during the day, but we’d all created our careers around having ample free time.
Most days were filled with exhilarating ski runs down the powdery slopes. Each evening was reserved as an ‘alone night’ where Zoey spent time with each one of us in turn.
Our bonds strengthened, individually and collectively. Now, as another morning dawned, I felt a sense of contentment and perhaps a bit of mischief.
With this playful spirit, I carefully balanced a tray in my hand. On it was a steaming mug of hot cocoa, infused with a touch of nutmeg and topped with marshmallows slowly melting into the rich chocolate. A candy cane hung on the side, infusing its minty sweetness.
I approached Zoey’s bedside, placing the tray gently on her nightstand.
Her eyelids fluttered open, and a sleepy smile curled her lips upon seeing me. “Morning,” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. The cocoa caught her eye, eliciting a deeper grin. “For me?”
“Every bit,” I confirmed.
Leaning down, I held up a sprig of mistletoe above her head. “Seems you owe me a morning kiss. I don’t make the Christmas rules; it’s just the way it is.”
She pulled me close. “It does seem that way.” She closed the gap, drawing me into a passionate kiss that immediately made me want more.
As we parted, her breath hot against my cheek, I noticed her eyes were filled with a hint of playfulness. She reached for the tray, her fingers brushing mine as she took a sip of the hot cocoa.
“This is delicious,” she murmured, her voice low and sultry. “But I have something even sweeter in mind.”
With that, she leaned in to kiss me again, this time with a hunger that I had never seen before. Her lips were soft and plump against mine, and I felt her tongue slip between them, exploring my mouth with a fierce intensity.
I was caught off guard but soon found myself responding with equal fervor.
She pulled away and patted a spot on the bed next to her, inviting me to join her. She didn’t need to ask me twice.
As I climbed onto the bed, she spread her legs, and I positioned myself over her, hovering on my elbows. Lowering myself onto her, with my body pressed against hers, I could feel her heat through the thin fabric of her pajamas, and it only fueled my desire for her.
