Summer of Love

To celebrate still being a virgin and Christmas, I made some homemade Hot Chocolate. It was my mother’s recipe and had always been my favorite around the holidays. I carried the mugs out to the living room where Jordan sat beside the tree, arranging the presents neatly. His hair was still a mess, but it suited him. I couldn’t help but smile. He really was a gentleman.

“I come with hot drinks,” I sang and set them on coasters. He turned with a pearly smile.

My heart constricted and a blush rose to my cheeks. I looked away and sat on the edge of the couch. I sampled the hot chocolate and hummed in appreciation. It was just like hers. Jordan sat beside me with a sigh. I watched as he lifted the mug to his lips and tasted. He swallowed thoughtfully before he looked at me in surprise.

“This is amazing. Homemade?” he asked, taking another sip and I nodded.

“My Mom’s recipe.”

“It’s delicious.”

“Why, thank you.”

He set down his cup and rubbed his palms on his pants. “I have a gift for you.”

I grinned, feeling my heart swell. “I have one for you, too.”

I set down my cup and moved under the tree. I grabbed the small wrapped box and handed it to him. He reached for a fair sized box wrapped with a bright red ribbon. Feeling giddy, I undid the bow and tore into the wrapping paper. Inside was a plain box and I opened it. I gasped. Inside was a strapless black dress covered in a fishnet material of roses.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathed, holding it up.

He smiled. “When I saw it, I thought of you. Real roses die eventually, but these won’t and you even get to wear them.”

I laughed and folded it back into the box. I turned to him as he unwrapped his box to reveal the tiger eye pendant.

He held it up for further inspection, his brows drawn together. The sunlight glistened off of it and he broke into a smile.

“How did you know Tiger’s Eye stones are my favorite?”

I blinked. “They are?”

He nodded and placed the necklace around his neck. It hung to the middle of his chest. “My first special good luck charm.”

His voice was soft and dreamy. It occurred to me that since his mother had passed away, he probably hadn’t received a gift like this. I smiled and patted his leg. He looked up at me with a smile. Reaching out, he took my face in his hands and brought me closer for a sweet kiss.

“Thank you, Misa. This is the best present I’ve ever been given.”

I blushed and ducked my head, embarrassed. “When I saw it, I thought of you.”

“How about you go and try that dress? I wasn’t sure of the size so I estimated.”

I grinned and grabbed the box, dashing upstairs hearing him chuckle. I closed the door and immediately stripped down. Stepping into the dress, I zipped up the back and stood in front of the mirror. It fit perfectly and was beautiful. It hung just above my knees, hugging my form and conforming to my waist. I twirled with a laugh.

I danced down the stairs and posed in the entry way to the living room. Jordan sat there staring at his pendant with a smile on his lips. He looked up when he felt my eyes on him and stared. The look on his face was priceless. I blushed furiously under his look of awe and swayed from side to side.

“W-wow,” he stuttered, his adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

I peered at him from under my lashes bashfully. “Yeah?”

His lips spread wide and he nodded. “Oh yeah.”

I laughed as he jumped over and spun me around. Gently, he set me back on my feet and smiled down into my eyes.

“My god, you are so beautiful. I’m glad it fits,” he murmured, his hands tracing my waist.

“You’re pretty good at estimating,” I teased, rubbing my nose against his. He chuckled and kissed my cheek. Taking my hand, he led me back to the couch and we sat in together in comfortable silence.

My body was filled with warmth being curled up next to him. He draped an arm around my shoulders and gave a squeeze.

“So what are the plans for today?” he asked curiously.

Before I could answer, my phone began to ring. I jumped up and rushed into the kitchen. Grabbing the phone, I realised it was work calling. Then it all rushed back. The Christmas Party!

I hit talk. “Hello?”

“Misa, did you forget about our Christmas Party?” Chief’s voice whined from the other end.

I rolled my eyes with a smile. “I’m sorry, Chief. Is everyone there already?”

“Yes and we’re waiting for you, silly! Oh, and you can bring someone by too!”

She hung up without further ado and I sighed. Setting the phone down on the charger, I returned to Jordan.

“So I forgot all about my Christmas Party at work. Would you care to accompany me?”

He smiled and rose to his feet. “Sure, I’d love to.”

I rushed back up the stairs to fix my hair and apply some light makeup. I stayed in the dress Jordan had bought me and slipped on a pair of leather boots. Feeling ready to take on the world, I went downstairs where Jordan waited. He had changed in the main floor bathroom and now donned black jeans and a light green button up shirt. His hair was still messy, but had been tamed for the occasion.

I smiled as he held out my coat for me. I opened the door and locked it, letting him out first before following suit. I jiggled the lock to make sure everything was good before joining Jordan on the sidewalk. We talked all the way to my work, laughing and just having an overall good time. Jordan, being the gentleman he is, opened the door for me. The familiar jingle of the bell sounded and I stepped inside, greeting the others with a smile.

Then I saw Cian. I had forgotten he had been asked to help out the kitchen staff. I should have known he would have been invited. At his side was a pretty brunette with kind clear lake blue eyes and an inviting smile. I felt the first stab of jealousy, but brushed it aside and smiled up at Jordan. He seemed to take in what was happening and grinned down at me. Cian was trying to make me jealous. I felt sorry for the innocent girl; she looked so adorable and shy. She reminded me of Hannah. Instantly I felt bad for her and decided to go and introduce myself.

I greeted my co-workers first as I passed and stopped in front of the girl. I smiled.

“Hi there, I’m Misa. Thank you for coming to our little party,” I said cheerfully. The girl blushed shyly, but smiled. I so wanted to pinch her cheeks.

“It’s nice to meet you , Misa. My name is Terra.” My god, her voice was just like angels singing in a choir. I smiled wider. I like her.

We shook hands and I looked to Cian. As always his eyes were unreadable. “Merry Christmas, Cian.”

I reached into the bag I brought and held out his present. I felt nervous giving him this gift because I had chosen it before everything had happened. I put my heart into that gift, knowing it was made just for him.

He accepted the box, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. Our group was silent as he opened the box to reveal the dragon chain I had purchased. He stared at it silently as the time ticked by. I stole a glance at Terra and her brows were drawn together in a worried frown. She managed a smile.

“Wow, that’s beautiful! Isn’t it Cian?” she asked brightly and gave him a solid elbow in the side. He seemed to snap from his trance, his face etched with surprise.

His eyes flickered to me and away again, his cheeks growing red. “O-oh yeah...thank you, and Merry Christmas.”

He reached behind him and pulled a small box from his pocket. His eyes met mine once more as he held it out. Surprised, I accepted the tiny box and opened it, my heart hammering in my throat. Inside were two topaz studs. I looked up at him with wide eyes.

He ducked his head and shoved his hands into his pockets. “They reminded me of your eyes.”

I looked down to the studs that winked back at me in the light. Indeed, they were like the color of my eyes. My heart thumped loudly, ready to jump out into my hands. Guilt and shame washed over me. I felt like the worst person in the world. There was no turning back now, I knew. Now, it was turn to deal with the aftermath of my actions. I lifted my chin proudly, steeling myself and smiled genuinely.

“Thank you, they’re beautiful.”

He bit his lip and gave a one sided shrug, his face erupting into flames. Oh boy, I was in for a rough ride. Never did I imagine I would catch myself in a love triangle.

Terra smiled, her face lighting up to rival the sun. “Why don’t you try them on? They would match with your beautiful dress.”

I looked to her gratefully and took the small studs from the casing. I poked the last one through and set the back. I lifted my head for them to see and her eyes lit up.

“Oh wow, they are perfect!” she gushed, her hands clasped together. A blush warmed my face and I laughed shyly.

“She’s right,” Jordan said, appearing beside me. “They look gorgeous on you.” His eyes were warm and filled with affection.

I cast a glance to Cian and saw him staring down at his shoes, his jaw working. I didn’t sense any hostility but could feel the jealousy and sadness. My heart gave a tug and I sighed. Mustering a smile, I faced the others.

“Thank you, I love them.”

“Dessert time, kiddies!” Chief sang as she appeared carrying trays of special desserts. My stomach gave a growl and Terra laughed. She stopped when hers followed suit and blushed with embarrassment. I laughed. I liked her a lot.

“Oh, Misa! You look absolutely delicious!” said Caroline as I approached the dessert table. Her eyes raked over my body head to toe and lingered longer on the earrings and dress.

I laughed. “Thanks. The dress was a gift from Jordan and the earrings were from Cian. Oh!” I cried when I remembered the rest of the gifts.

I went to grab my bag and returned. One by one I handed out their gifts and were pleased by the smiles I received in thanks.

Caroline blushed. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t have time to get you anything. School has been so hectic, I didn’t have time to shop for anyone!”

I laughed and waved my hand. “Don’t worry about it!”

Chief brushed a tear from her eye, smiling. “Ah, my first present this year. Thank you, Misa!” She grabbed me into a surprisingly strong embrace. I laughed and backed her back while Jordan chuckled off to the side.

I had a fun time being with my friends from work. Strangely being around Cian and Jordan together wasn’t like it was yesterday either. Cian was oddly quiet but we managed to hold a conversation like we normally did at school. I felt better that things were slowly returning to normal.

At some point when Terra had dragged me back to the dessert table, Cian took Jordan aside. I watched them carefully. Terra sensed my worry and followed my gaze. She smiled reassuringly.

“Don’t worry, they’ll be fine. They’re big boys,” she said with a wink and I couldn’t help but laugh. However, it didn’t relax me very much.

I continued to steal glances over toward them, but they seemed to be getting along just fine. Jordan was smiling and seemed genuinely interested in what Cian was saying. Cian on the other hand, seemed to be having trouble. It was obvious he was forcing himself to be polite. His eyes had darkened and my heart skipped. At Cian’s next words, Jordan’s smile faded into an unreadable expression. I turned, ready to walk over when Terra grabbed my arm. Her bubbly smile was gone as she watched them.

“Just let them be. I’ve a feeling this is something that they need to talk about.”

I was surprised at her intuition. She was one smart cookie. I sighed and allowed her to led back to the others, but I kept an eye on them. Jordan’s eyes looked sad as his lips moved. I saw Cian’s back go ramrod straight in surprise. His eyes had widened as Jordan continued to speak. A look of shame fell over his face and he shook his head. I tried to read his lips.

Man, I’m sorry. I had no idea.

I was stunned. Cian apologized to Jordan. Jordan smiled back wryly in return and gave a shrug. Afterward, they couldn’t be separated. Terra refused to let me go so I could watch from afar as they chatted away animatedly together, all animosity forgotten. Cian even laughed at something Jordan said.

My jaw dropped. Terra smiled and patted my hand. “See? Conversations work wonders.”

I looked at her and frowned. “Why the hell are you so smart?”

She smiled mysterious and shrugged. “Who knows?”

I laughed and shook my head as we joined the others.

Mid-afternoon, Chief kicked is out saying that her family was coming. “Sorry guys, but I hope you had fun!”

We all assured her that we did and she smiled happily and locked the doors, drawing the curtain. I bid farewell to Caroline and the others and turned to Terra. I smiled.

“It was nice to meet you. You’re pretty cool for a little girl.”

She gave a snort and grinned back. “Eh, I guess you’re not bad either for a Amazon.”

Shocked, I burst into laughter and Cian snickered. I poked him in the chest with surprise. “You told her to call me that, didn’t you?”

He held up his hands in a peaceful gesture, his face innocent. “I did not! I can’t help it if she thinks the same way I do!”

“You’re taller than me, buddy!”

“I’m not a girl!”

“It doesn’t matter!”

“Yeah, it does!”

“No, it doesn’t!”

“Yes, it does!”

“Okay,” Jordan sang with the roll of his eyes. I missed the knowing glance he exchanged with Terra. His hands settled upon my shoulders and I stopped instantly. I tilted my head to look at him and he grinned.

“Let’s go, Tiger.”

I laughed and looked back at Cian, happy. The atmosphere had shifted and suddenly we were back where we started. He seemed to think so too, because he grinned and treated me to a mock salute. Before we parted, I quickly exchanged numbers with Terra and waved to them. I turned with a smile as Jordan took my hand and we began walking home.

“That was definitely not what I expected...not at all,” I admitted with the shake of my head. He chuckled.

“I’m glad that Cian came to talk to me. I finally got to say my story and he apologized. He’s not a bad guy after all.”

I laughed and rested my head on his shoulder as we walked. “I’m glad things are returning to normal.”

He smiled down at me. “I’ll admit, it’s a huge relief. He kind of scared me.”

I smacked his arm as he laughed and flinched away. Smiling, I rolled my eyes.

We arrived at my house to find all my friends back from their families, donned with their Christmas presents. I exchanged gifts with them and loved the amazing pair of shoes Sara had bought me, and awed over the pretty silver locket Hannah presented. After we all gathered in the living room with coffee and snacks, enjoying the bright colored lights from the Christmas tree. We talked and laughed, overall having a great time.

This is my family and I love them so much it hurts. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad. Merry Christmas, Derek. I love you guys.