Page 4 of Under the Mistletoe
I listen to the sounds of him moving around in the kitchen,watching the house get darker as he turns the lights off on his way to thebedroom. I dig through my backpack for something to sleep in, and then turn thelight off in the living room. Hopefully, this storm ends and I can leave in themorning. I only need to survive tonight knowing Jake Maston is sleeping a fewfeet away.
I’ma jerk.
It’s not for my gruff manner or being short with Sydney. No,it’s because I’m standing in the dark, watching her undress. Her back is turned,so she doesn’t know I’m here. I came to check if she needed anything before Iturned in. Instead, I was struck dumb by the sight of her skin, glowing goldenin the firelight. Her brown hair is longer now—past her waist—but that’s notthe only thing that’s changed. She has the curves of a woman, not the girl Iremember. I spent so many hours learning every inch of that body. Ten years hasdone nothing to dull the memories, but the situation in my pajama bottoms tellsme I’d love the chance to reacquaint myself with it.
I’m a pervert.
I back away, trying to move as quietly as I can. I thought Igave up on Sydney George a long time ago. I thought she was out of my system.One look at her smooth skin and I’m transported back to the first time Itouched her all those years ago. She was always so outgoing and energetic, butthat night… that night she stared up at me with big brown eyes, scared anduncertain. We were so young… just kids, but from then I knew she was going tobe my wife. Too bad she had different plans. Sydney didn’t just leave. She leftme at a time when I needed her most. It’s not that I’m still angry, justdisappointed. I’m disappointed in myself that after all this time, memories ofher affect me this deeply.
Climbing into bed, I push her out of my mind. There’s nopoint in thinking about what could have been. Sydney can never be mine. Iaccepted that ten years ago.
It’s been a while since I was woken up by pots and pansclanging against each other. Two years to be exact. Sue was always up before meand tried to be quiet while making breakfast, but it never worked out.
Sue.
It’s been two years since the accident that took her. Someidiot on his cell phone ran a red light. They said she died instantly. I nevergave her the life she deserved, and now she’s gone. She always said she wassecond-best, but she didn’t mind because she loved me enough for the both ofus. Despite what she believed, I didn’t settle for her. I just couldn’t open myheart to love her the way I should have. I didn’t want to get hurt again.
Glancing out the window, I find the sun beginning to peek out.It’s stopped snowing. I need some time before I face Sydney again, so I brushmy teeth, shower, and get dressed. Finally gathering the courage, I head to thekitchen where the scents of coffee and breakfast are floating from.
“Good morning.”
Startled, she almost jumps a mile.
“Jake! You scared the hell out of me. You sure move quietfor such a big man.”
“Something you know nothing about.”
That came out harsher than I wanted it to. She averts hereyes, motioning to two breakfast-laden plates.
“I’m sorry. I was…. Sorry. I’ll just clean up and get out ofyour hair.”
She moves to the sink, and I watch her clean up the mess.Damn it. What am I doing? It can’t be healthy to hold a grudge for this long.What happened between us can’t be changed. I need to leave the past in thepast.
While she’s drying her hands, I pick up the plates and takethem to the table. She made me breakfast, so the least I can do is be civil.However, she doesn’t accept my olive branch, heading for the living room.
“Sydney, eat.”
“I’ve lost my appetite.”
I didn’t have one to begin with, so I head for the coffeepot. I need to get ahold of myself. She’ll be gone again in a few days andthings will go back to normal. Besides, I probably won’t even see her aftertoday. After finishing my coffee, I go in search of her.
“Sydney?”
The living room is empty. The bed is a couch once more, thesheets and blanket neatly folded on top.
“Sydney!” I call out, but I’m met with silence.
That’s when I notice her boots and bag are gone. I look outthe window, seeing a trail of footsteps leading away from the house. Damn it.Grabbing my winter gear, I hurry to the shed for my snowmobile and follow thetracks. I find her SUV first. Looks like she tried to clean it off but realizedit was pointless. Another set of tracks start in front of the vehicle. Lookingahead, I spot her in the distance. I don’t know how she got so far so fast, butSydney has always been a determined woman.
As I approach, she turns around to investigate the noise. Ipull up alongside her, fully intending to apologize, but she stomps off onceshe realizes it’s me. Turning off the snowmobile, I chase her on foot.
“Sydney, wait!”
“For what? Wasn’t I quiet enough when I left?” she asks,tone sarcastic. “Sorry about that.”
I grab her hand, stopping her progress. She spins to faceme, eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring.
“What do you want, Jake?”
