Page 36 of Fireworks

“Well, you know what Nate, forget her then. Move on, you knew it was wrong in the first place and God forbid Asher ever found out.”

She didn’t need to remind me of the disaster it would have caused. I knew what I felt was wrong and what I did was even worse. I had spent the last three months trying everything to shove that lust back down into the little box it was in the four years prior, but it wouldn’t fit. No matter what I did, some little part would seep out.

“I guess you’re right. I’m still going to text him, you know.”

“You better not. I’ll kill you.”

We both broke out laughing, knowing that she would probably try her best to kill me if I embarrassed her, but I knew they both needed the push. She hated being stuck in this town and would love getting away, especially if it was with him. Asher would be sure to show her a good time and at least give her the motivation to stop bar tending and running back into the same asshole guy's arms.

Two hours later, she informed me she needed to get to her shift before her boss had her head for being late again.

“You’re welcome to spend the night if you need to.”

I debated it, but I wasn’t sure if that was the best idea.

“I already pissed my mother off that I left Christmas Eve. If I’m not there Christmas morning, bright and early…”

I trailed off for a minute, not wanting to think about what my mother would actually do to me.

“Let’s just say you won’t have to worry about me calling you anymore. Thanks for everything.”

Hugging her, I missed hanging out with her like we did over the summer. We had grown so close the last few years as she was the only one who I was ever comfortable talking to about things. Sure, I had plenty of friends, but none that saw through my bullshit and knew that I beat myself up every day for shit that wasn’t even in my control.

“Take care of yourself, Nate. You deserve a girl who isn’t going to toy with your heart.”

I hated she was right. I hated it even more that regardless of knowing I needed to move on and find someone new, all I wanted was Katie.

*****

Katie

Our lips hovered over one another, the heat of his breath sending a shiver down my spine. All I can see is black, as I can feel my chest rising and falling in slow motion. I wait impatiently for him to close the gap as his finger traces my jawline resting on my chin. I can hear his voice, but I can’t make out what he’s saying. His hand releases me as his breath moves away.

“Katie, time to get up. Brandon is already in the kitchen waiting for you.”

My mother’s voice startled me awake. I had been having this dream for the last three months. I can almost taste him on my lips and feel his hand on me every time and I’m left feeling guilty dreaming about him when I have an amazing boyfriend. Groaning, I roll over.

“I’ll be down in two minutes.”

“Merry Christmas Katie.”

“Merry Christmas mom.”

Pulling my phone off my nightstand, I unplug it, throwing the charging cord to the floor.

Katie: MERRY CHRISTMAS RYDER!

I know she’ll be up already since she has younger siblings and Christmas morning starts when the sun comes up for kids. As expected, she promptly responds.

Ryder: Merry Christmas! How’s Brandon fitting in? Did you know who show up?

Biting my lip, I hesitated to tell her the truth. Seeing that she knew the entire story, I was unsure how much to tell right now.

Katie: charming everyone socks off like usual. Lol yes, but he split shortly after he saw me. It’s been awkward. Have fun today can’t wait to get back to our room.

Ryder: it’s only a few days. You got this girl. Have fun! Text me if you need anything.

Getting up out of bed, I knew she was right. It was only a few days, and I would be back in the comfort of our dorm room again. Everyone was already downstairs with their cups of coffee when I joined in.