Page 12 of With Every Breath

“Then why have you been ignoring me for the last few weeks?”

“I’m not.” It was a lie, but he didn’t need to know that. “I’ve had finals, and stuff. Just busy, ya know?” I refused to look at him. I knew if I did, those eyes of his would hypnotize me. The crooked grin would pull me in, and then I’d lose my resolve and do something I swore I never would. Dex had been testing my willpower since the day I met him, and no matter how much I want to, I can’t give in.

“I understand. I was just hoping you’d do me a favor.” He smiled, and I knew I was in trouble.

“What’s that?” I crossed my arms over my chest and backed up slightly. I needed to be out of his immediate grasp.

“I have this thing I have to go to on New Year’s Eve. I was hoping you’d come with me.” His eyes widened slightly. “Just say yes. You’ll be doing me a huge solid.”

“Fine.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll text you all the details. You need a cocktail dress, and I’ll pick you up in a real car.” He laughed.

“Sounds great.” I nodded as I motioned to the door. “Can I go inside now?”

“We don’t want Cinderella turning into a pumpkin.” He stepped out of the way, and bowed as if I were royalty or something. Just as I opened the door, he reached for my hand. “I know this isn’t a very friendly thing to say, but you look smoking hot tonight, Bailey. I’ve had to remind myself more than a few times that you aren’t mine. I’ll see you in ten days.” He let his fingers drift down my arm, across my wrist, and over my palm, and I felt every single bit of attraction he’d been fighting too, I just didn’t let him know.

Chapter 6

Bailey

It felt weird being home. Last year, my parents went on a trip over break, so Madi and I stayed at the apartment and had our own celebration. This year, my dad insisted that we have a traditional Christmas at home. The jetlag has been killing me, and I currently am frustrated with the fact that I don’t know what time it is.

“Honey?” Mom knocked on my door. “I saved you some breakfast.” Ok, so that meant it was late morning, I think.

“You can come in.” I yawned as I stretched and sat up. I leaned against the headboard and pulled the blankets over my lap.

Mom opened the door carrying a tray containing a plate of food. “I know you said no more food in the bedroom, but I thought you’d be hungry.” She smiled as she set the tray on the night table, and then sat down on the edge of the bed.

Years ago, I made my parents promise that we’d move on from the days when I was sick. We’d do everything differently because I didn’t want reminders of the way things were then. Breakfast in bed was one of those things. The look on my mom’s face right now said she knew how I was feeling, but she was truly conflicted.

“It’s ok. I am kinda hungry, and the fact that it’s three hours later here than I’m used to makes it hard.” I smiled as I reached for the plate of pancakes. “You made my favorite too, so that makes it all better.”

“Your dad is going to put the tree in the stand this afternoon so we can decorate it tonight.” Mom grinned. Christmas was her holiday. I had the best traditions growing up because of her.

“Nice.” I took a bite of pancake. “Maybe we could bake some cookies this afternoon.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She patted my knee. “I’ll make a run to the store to gather the ingredients. You enjoy your breakfast.” She stood, and glanced around the room before looking back at me. I know she was probably doing the same thing I was… trying to remember all the happy times, and not the years of sickness.

ooooooooo

I’d forgotten how cold it was in the winter here, or maybe it was just so mild in California that I didn’t realize the shock that coming home would be to my system. The heat was on, but I still felt this need to dress like an Inuit. I’d grabbed sweatpants, a hoodie, and thick wool socks, but as I made my way to the living room, I was rethinking getting out of my warm bed.

“Hey, kiddo.” Dad smiled as he lowered the paper he was reading.

“Mom said you were putting up the tree.” I looked over in the corner where our tree had always stood proudly for as long as I could remember.

“It’s in the stand. I left it in the garage so the branches could settle.” He rocked forward as if getting up.

“Oh, ok.” I laughed lightly. “Have you wrapped your presents yet?” My father was famous for waiting until the last minute to wrap his gifts, and then begging me to do it because I was better at it.

“Most of them. I was hoping to get your help with one, though. We can talk later.” Just as he said that, the garage started to open, meaning Mom was back with stuff for cookies.

“Ok, sure.” I grinned as I shuffled into the kitchen. The door to the garage opened, causing a blustery winter wind to come swirling through the kitchen. I shivered as I grabbed some bags from Mom and set them on the counter.

“I got everything we need for all your favorites, plus a few little surprises in there, too.” She winked as she pushed the door closed with her foot. “It’s getting crazy out there. I saw a car slide right off the road.”

“Glad I don’t have to go anywhere.” I laughed as I began unpacking the bags. Mom wasn’t kidding when she said she got everything. At this rate, we were going to be baking all day.

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