Page 66 of Just a Taste
‘Are you going to behave?’ I ask, trying to inject as much sternness into my voice as possible. Though, given the way she quirks a brow at me, I’m not sure I’ve succeeded.
‘Of course,’ she says sweetly. And I’ve known my sister long enough to know that the tone of voice she’s using right now promises nothing but chaos. But Hoxton’s sitting next to me, listening to every word, and there’s no point in delaying the inevitable.
I shoot him another apologetic grimace and then turn the camera in his direction.
Eve’s smile widens. ‘Alex,darling.’
Hoxton hesitates for a moment, glancing at me as if he’s looking for permission, before he reluctantly scoots closer to the camera. The expression on his face is a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Eve has always had a way of luring people in with her charisma, a talent she flaunts shamelessly. I can almost see the invisible thread she weaves to draw Hoxton into her web, and part of me wants to warn him, but another part is curious to see how he’ll fare against her.
‘You must be Noelle’s sister,’ he says slowly, cautiously.
‘Eve. I’m sure you’ve heard so much about me. All good things, I hope.’
Hoxton glances at me briefly, panic sparking in his eyes.
‘She’s messing with you,’ I tell him, leaning forward soI can get in frame and roll my eyes at her. The movement sends me brushing against his shoulder, but he doesn’t pull back. ‘Be nice,’ I say, in warning.
‘Right, right.’ Eve waves a dismissive hand in front of her face. ‘Aren’t I always?’ She pulls her camera a little closer to her face, like she’s trying to inspect Hoxton. ‘I just wanted to meet the guy who’s keeping Noelle all to himself for Christmas.’
I expect Hoxton to blanch at that, but he only responds with a slight eyebrow raise. ‘You mean the storm?’
Eve blinks silently for a few seconds and then bursts into laughter. In that moment, I know that Hoxton’s got her. There’s nothing Eve likes more than someone who can hold their own against her without getting flustered. It’s about 90 per cent of the reason why she fell so hard for Nathan – he never lets her dramatics slide and can give back as good as he gets.
I feel myself start to relax; tension I didn’t know I was holding onto falling from me in waves.
Eve’s laughter fades into a smirk as she leans back, clearly impressed. ‘That too. But…’ The smirk fades away into something serious. ‘Itisjust going to be the two of you for Christmas, isn’t it?’
I swallow. I’ve been desperately avoiding the reality of the situation but Eve has pulled it to the forefront and I have to finally accept that I won’t make it home in timefor Christmas. Even if the storm stopped right at this very moment, I wouldn’t be able to leave. The roads would still be an icy death trap, so I’d have to crawl along at a snail’s pace. If I’m lucky, I might get to Gran’s by Boxing Day.
The soft snort of laughter I allow myself isn’t enough to hide my dismay at the fact that this will be my first Christmas alone.
My heart pangs slightly.
‘I don’t know if you’ve realised, but Christmas is a big deal in our family,’ Eve continues, that same serious expression on her face. ‘Make sure Noelle gets to enjoy it, all right?’
I expect Hoxton to scoff, maybe roll his eyes and then launch into another mini tirade about how Christmas is nothing but a consumerist nightmare. But, to my surprise, Hoxton’s face softens and he nods, his expression unexpectedly solemn.
‘I’ll do my best.’
I don’t know what he sees on my face when he looks up to meet my eye, but whatever it is makes his lips curl upwards into a soft smile. Rare. One just for me. ‘Noelle deserves a proper Christmas, even if it’s not the one she’s used to.’
Eve studies him for a moment, her eyes softening before she breaks into a smile. ‘Good. Because if you don’t, I know where to find you.’
Hoxton laughs – a real, genuine laugh that has the corners of his eyes creasing – and Eve smiles approvingly at himbefore turning her gaze back to me. ‘And you. You better make the best of it too. Don’t let the absence of our crazy family ruinyourChristmas spirit.’
I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. ‘I promise I’ll try.’
Eve gives me a satisfied nod. ‘Good. Now I’ve got to go before Gran makes good on the whole ‘no eating’ thing tomorrow.’ She beams at us one last time before hanging up.
The call ends and there’s a moment of quiet between me and Hoxton. It’s Christmas Day tomorrow and the reality of spending it away from my family settles in my chest like a lead weight. But I’ve promised Eve I’m going to at least try to make the best of it, so I shake my head, banishing any negative thoughts, and fix a smile onto my face.
‘That was—’ I begin.
‘A lot,’ Hoxton finishes for me. He gives me a sideways glance, his eyes searching mine for something I can’t quite decipher. And then, as if deciding on something, he shifts closer to me on the bed. The distance between us closes until our knees are touching, sending a pulse of warmth through me.
I can feel his hooded gaze on me, intense and unwavering, like he’s trying to read my thoughts. My heartbeat quickens in my chest as I meet his eyes, the air suddenly charged with an electric tension. For a moment, it feels as if the world has fallen away, leaving just the two of us in our own little bubble.
I clear my throat and the sound breaks the spell that’s wrapped itself around us. Hoxton blinks, like he’s just woken up from a trance, and I spy a faint, pink blush colouring his cheeks.
