Page 21

Story: The Christmas Bet

If I hadn’t felt it before, this would have done the job; this would’ve done me in. I need her. I want to wake up like this next to her. There is no greater feeling than her smooth, creamy skin against mine. Her soft breaths warming my skin. I run my free hand over my face.
I really fucked this up. I never should have taken that bet. If she ever found out about it, she would be fucking crushed. Or maybe I should tell her. Maybe I should let her know what started out as a bet ended with me falling in love with her.
Am I in love with her?
Shaking my head, I try to dispel that thought. I don’t know what that actually feels like. I just know that she pulls me to her. There’s not a moment I can’t stop thinking about her.
Am I pissed off that I met her under the guise of a bet? Yes and no. When I walked into that bar, my eyes immediately picked her out of that crowd. I was drawn to her.
But I also know that I would’ve probably pushed her away after one date had it not been for this bet. I would have done what I’ve always done: fuck them and leave. Gotten my dick wet and moved on to the next warm place to put it. But she’s different.
Fuck, she can never know about the bet. Even if this goes on, she will never know how this all started.
As I’m lost in thought, I feel her stir.
“Hmm, good morning,” she says with her eyes still closed, but a smile starts to form on her lips.
“Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?” I ask as I run my fingers through her hair, placing some behind her ear.
She moves in, shifting herself so she’s closer to my face. “I slept wonderfully. I had someone keeping me warm all night.” Her big, beautiful eyes met mine and instantly turn me into putty.
Turning my head, I mold my lips to hers, softly brushing against her tongue with mine. I pull back and see a huge smile on her face, her eyes still closed.
“I have a question to ask you, Allie.” I run the back of my hand down her cheek.
Her eyes shoot open, and her brows pull together. “Sure. Ask away.”
“Well …” I shift my arm to her waist and roll us so that she’s underneath me. I pepper her face with kisses, then place my forehead on hers. “My company Christmas party is next Friday. I’d like to know if you would be my date and accompany me to it?”
Her eyes widen. “Y-You want me to go?”
I chuckle. “Yes, I do. I want you next to me. I want to laugh with you, dance with you, and be able to steal a kiss from these lips anytime I want.” Leaning in, I brush my mouth against hers and give her bottom lip a little nibble.
She pulls back just enough so that our noses touch, then brings her hand up to my face. The moment it makes contact, a desire, a fire, rages through me. Every hair on my body stands on end. This woman is it. Allie is everything. I need her in my life.
“I’d love to go, Conner.” Her face lights up.
Saying nothing, I smile back and roll us onto our sides, pulling her into me. Allie snuggles into my chest and lets out a sigh of contentment. Within minutes, I hear her soft little snore.
My hand traces along her back, and my mind starts reeling, making it well known to me that I’m an asshole for making this bet in the first place. It was stupid, and I need to make sure that I tie up any loose ends so she doesn’t find out it was ever a thing.
There’s a feeling that I have crawling around inside the pit of my stomach that I don’t like. It’s a warning, a red flag. If I can do enough defense, I can make sure it never comes to the surface. That this bet never sees the light of day.
The inevitable is coming. I just need to be ready to fix what I’ll end up breaking.
Chapter 13
Allison
It’s only two days before Christmas and I’m giddy with excitement over it. Have I mentioned how much I love this time of year? Well, if I haven’t: I love this time of year. The family, the friends, the festivities. But today even more so because I’m accompanying Conner to his Christmas office party. Well, it’s actually more of a gala type of party. People from all over the city come and donate to help the less fortunate, sponsored by his firm.
I stand in front of the mirror, unsure whether my dress is too much or not enough. Conner explained to me that this was a black-tie event, so I picked what I am hoping will be enough for the evening. I don’t want to overdress, but I also don’t want to underdress. It’s a burgundy satin trumpet mermaid dress with a V-neck and a sweep train. The entire upper part of the dress is embellished with sequins, including the long lace sleeves of the dress. I throw on black satin shoes and grab my hand purse, making sure I have what I need for the night.
This whole night is kind of a big deal. I mean, Conner and I have really only been together a few weeks, yet he asked me to attend his work holiday party as his date. He’s become my sun and moon in such a short amount of time that it’s kind of crazy to think about. Do people really move this fast? Do relationships progress this fast? I’ve never had a relationship with someone that I’ve been head over heels for, that I loved so fast.
Whoa. Love? Am I in love? Yeah, I think I am. Wow. I’m in love with Conner.
As I’m throwing my diamond studs into my ears and contemplating my sudden realization that I’m in love with him, a soft knock comes from the door. Opening it, I find the man who has stolen my heart standing on the other side, leaving me completely speechless.