AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Get out of my room,” I snap, my cheeks flushing with anger and embarrassment. It’s infuriating how easily he can affect me, even when I’m trying my hardest to resist him.
“Alright, alright,” he chuckles, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But before I go, I have an invitation for you.”
“An invitation?” I ask, my curiosity piqued despite my annoyance with him.
“Yep.” Hudson grins, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms over his broad chest. “They delivered the Christmas tree, and we’re decorating it tonight. I thought you might want to join us.”
“Join you?” I repeat, disbelief lacing my voice. How could he possibly think that I’d want to take part in their holiday festivities after everything that’s happened? And yet…the idea of being surrounded by twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and the scent of pine needles is strangely appealing.
“Sure, why not?” Hudson shrugs, his smirk softening into a genuine smile that reaches his eyes. “You could use some Christmas spirit, don’t you think?”
I keep forgetting that my favorite holiday of the year is so close by.
I hesitate, torn between my reluctance to spend time with Hudson, Benedict, and Antonio and my desire to lose myself in something as innocent and heartwarming as decorating a Christmas tree. In the end, my longing for a moment of normalcy wins out.
I honestly can’t believe they even want me to be a part of it, but I’m not going to complain.
“Fine,” I say grudgingly, my voice softening as I meet Hudson’s gaze. “It sounds like it could be fun.”
“Great!” he exclaims, his teasing demeanor replaced with genuine warmth. “You have ten minutes to get dressed and join us downstairs, or I’ll come back up here and drag you down myself.”
“Ten minutes?” I scoff, my cheeks flushing at the thought of Hudson barging into my room again. “What do you think I am, some kind of speedy superhero?”
“Hey, time’s already ticking,” Hudson teases, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Better hurry up.”
“Ugh, fine,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as I snatch a pillow from my bed and launch it at him. He dodges it easily, his laughter echoing through the room as he shuts the door behind him.
As I stand there, the sudden silence making the tension in my chest dissipate ever so slightly, I wonder if maybe this evening won’t be a total disaster. The thought of spending time with all three of them still has my stomach twisting into knots, but perhaps the festive atmosphere will keep things light and casual—or at least, that’s what I’m desperately hoping for.
With each passing moment, the anticipation builds within me like a slow crescendo. As I slip into a comfortable pair of leggings and a soft cozy sweater, I feel a strange mix of excitement and trepidation.
For one night, I get to be normal. Or at least, my version of it.
17
BENEDICT
Iwatch Harper as she decorates the Christmas tree, my eyes drinking in every detail of her appearance. Her sweater slouches to the side, revealing a smooth shoulder, and her leggings hug her body, showing off her curves, while her hair is pulled up into a messy bun. The sight of her like this is intoxicating, and desire for her courses through my veins.
“Hey, why aren’t you guys helping?” Harper asks, looking over at Antonio and me.
“Sorry, bella.” Antonio shrugs, his dark eyes meeting hers. “I don’t celebrate Christmas.”
Harper raises an eyebrow at him, clearly not expecting that response. I smirk, knowing Antonio’s background has always been a bit of a mystery to us all.
“Really? Why not?” she questions further, curiosity piqued.
“Let’s just say it’s not part of my culture,” Antonio says cryptically, leaning back on the couch with a nonchalant expression. It’s apparent he doesn’t want to talk about it any further, so Harper lets it go.
Her gaze then turns to me, and I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. She’s so close, yet so untouchable in this moment. How could I possibly explain to her that I’m content merely watching her? That seeing her like this is more than enough for me.
My gaze remains fixed on Harper as she reaches up to hang another ornament, her cheeks flushed pink from the effort and the attention. Her sweater rides up slightly, revealing a tantalizing sliver of skin above her waistband that she keeps trying to fix.
“Harper,” Hudson says playfully from his spot on the floor, surrounded by an array of ornaments, “you know it’s futile trying to adjust that shirt. It’s just going to keep riding up.”
She shoots him a mock glare, though her cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink. “Well, maybe you should stop staring then,” she retorts, but I can hear the playfulness in her voice.
“Can’t help it.” He grins, winking at her before returning to his task. “Your skin is quite the distraction.”
