Page 66 of Meet the Teacher

“Yay!” Riley exclaims, jumping up off the couch. “I can’t wait to go see my favorite teacher! This is gonna be the best Christmas ever!”

I smile at Riley before heading out the door. “I sure hope so,” I whisper to myself.

* * *

After about eighteen outfit changes—fromboth me and Riley—we finally arrive at the Parker’s residence. I’ve been to their beach house so many times now, but never to their family house away from the shore.

Excited, Riley is the first one up the front porch steps. She makes her way to the door and turns to me to see if she can knock on the door, and I give her a nod for the go-ahead. A small dog begins to bark and Autumn’s dad, Dan, answers the door.

“Hey, there. You guys made it. We’re so happy to have you. Come on in,” he says, waving us all inside their cozy home.

I walk in and am instantly hit with the aroma of meat roasting in the oven along with a hint of gingerbread. It smells amazing and takes me back to the times we spent at my grandma’s house for Christmas. I look around at all the red, gold, and green garlands and lights. Small figurines of Santa and Mrs. Clause along with a sled and reindeer sit near the door, greeting guests as they enter. Garland is strung across every banister in the house, and little snowmen and angels stand about on the tables and shelves. I’m glad I decided to wear the Christmas sweater Riley gave me a few years ago.

Dan leads us through the foyer and into the living room. There isn’t a TV on, but I hear Christmas music. I look down and spot a CD player switched on.I can’t believe she gave me shit about the one in my truck. I didn’t think portable ones still existed, though.

Cathy enters the room to greet us. She’s so warm and friendly, with bright green eyes that match Autumn’s. “Welcome, welcome. So glad y’all could make it. Please make yourselves at home.”

“Thanks for the invite,” my dad says.

“Glad I ran into ya, Rick. It’s been years. And there’s our sweet Riley and Zayn. I know Autumn will be so pleasantly surprised to see you both.”

I swallow.She doesn’t know I’m here. This isn’t good.“We brought a few things,” I say holding up the bag and wine.

“Oh wonderful, I’ll go pop these in the kitchen. Dinner is ready, so go on and make your way into the dining room. I’ll be right there,” Cathy says.

Dan leads the way as I follow behind Riley and my dad towards their dining room—yet another ornately decorated room filled with holiday spirit. My father goes to take a seat at the other end of the table, and as soon as he clears the view, I see Autumn. Her beauty lights up the room even more. I can’t help but notice her bright red dress with puffy sleeves—a favorite type of hers to wear. Some of her hair is tossed in a little bun that rests right on top of her head. She looks so cute and sexy all at the same time. My eyes instinctively shift towards her lips. I can’t help but notice the extra shine on them from her lip gloss. I gnaw on my lower lip to refrain myself from leaping across the table to her. Especially after the last time we were together. Well, before she ended things.

Riley runs over to her and gives her a big hug before taking a seat next to her. When she notices me, her jaw drops. “Zayn?”

I wave. “Hey, Autumn.”

Her dad notices, “Y’all over here acting like strangers outta nowhere.”

“Oh no, we’re still good friends,” she says. There’s that damn word again—friends. “Just haven’t seen each other in a while with our busy schedules.”

My thoughts are interrupted when she gestures for me to take a seat. I look around, realizing I’m the only one not yet sitting. Hopefully they all didn’t notice me gawking at Autumn. I take my seat across from her and Riley, cushioned between Dan and my dad.

Autumn hops up from her seat and says, “Oops, looks like we’re missing the rolls and mashed potatoes. Riley, want to help me grab those?”

She agrees instantly and goes into the kitchen to help Autumn. I take a few sips of water from the table and a few moments later, Riley and Autumn return with the side items. Autumn looks around at the table and says, “Oh, looks like I forgot the wine, too. Sorry guys, I’ll be right back.”

Riley already sat down, so I offer, “Here, I’ll help you grab it. I don’t mind.” I want to have at least one second alone with her to see where we really stand.

Autumn forces a smile and I follow her into the kitchen. We head straight for the wine on the counter without exchanging a word. She quickly grabs the bottles, and then points to a cabinet and asks me if I can grab two extra wine glasses.

“Sure thing,” I tell her. I clear my throat and add, “Sorry if you didn’t realize we were showing up. Apparently, Cathy saw my dad at the store and invited us.”

“It’s no big deal,” she says, standing in the door frame between the kitchen and dining room, waiting for me to grab the glasses. “Wait, will your dad be drinking?” she asks.

I shake my head and open the cabinet door, pulling only one wine glass down from the shelf. As I meet her in the door frame, I notice her eyes are closed. Standing next to her, I hear her whispering a checklist of all the food items to herself. She opens her eyes and looks directly in mine. “Okay,” she says taking a deep breath. “I think we officially got everything.”

“You sure we don’t need five more trips?” I tease.

Holding the two bottles of wine, she elbows me playfully in the arm. I chuckle and feel a wave of comfort.Maybe things aren’t so different. Her eyes shift up above our heads and widen. I look up to see what’s caught her attention and realize it’s a mistletoe.Shit.

“Don’t even think about it,” she says.

“I . . . wasn’t. I’m not,” I respond in an almost whisper, both of us knowing I’m lying through my teeth right now. “Autumn, I—can we please talk?”

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