Chapter 34
brANDON
Christmas Eve
The drive to Nathan’s cabin was a blur. Dylan and my dad yapped about work most of the way, while I was distracted.
This was the first time since last year that I’d see Lexi with our families present.
I wondered if I’d be able to keep it together or if we’d be outed.
Lexi had already come clean to Daphne, and Dylan knew about us, but they both agreed to let us keep our secret for now.
Lexi wanted to get through the holidays without the added pressure of our relationship going public—a relationship that was going surprisingly well.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been nervous to start things back up with her, but since agreeing to this whole dating and no sex thing, we’ve had a lot of fun and gotten much closer.
In the few short weeks since we started back up, I saw so many positive changes in Lexi that I was sure we were well on our way to taking things to the next level.
I didn’t want to rush things, but the sexual tension between us was becoming almost unbearable.
Snow blanketed the driveway of the cabin, the perfect backdrop for our Christmas celebration. Nathan even put up some Christmas lights and decorations. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was Daphne’s idea, seeing as how Nathan wasn’t usually big into Christmas like Mom and I were.
We were kicking the snow off our boots on the porch when Nathan opened the door to greet us. “Hey guys! Glad you could make it. Come on in.”
Dad wrapped Nathan in a hug. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, son.”
“Yeah, thanks for the invite. I’m excited to see the place.” Dylan was next and greeted him with a fist bump.
I hugged Nathan, giving his back a slap. “Feels like we haven’t seen much of you lately. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the place.”
We made our way into the living area, where Daphne was waiting to greet us each with a hug of her own. She had really become an integral part of our family over the last year, and we all loved her. It was so great to see how well she and Nathan were getting on. I’d never seen Nathan happier.
“Can I get you guys something to drink?” Nathan asked as a knock sounded at the door. We each muttered our responses while Daphne went to get the door.
“Hey bitch! Merry fucking Christmas!” Lexi’s voice rang out through the space, and I instantly tensed. We’d talked about how this would go down, but as the moment approached, the thought of seeing her here was suddenly overwhelming.
“I think it’s wine o’clock!” Lexi called as she breezed past me without even a sideways glance and went to grab a glass.
I bit my lip to keep myself from reacting, but she looked so fucking good, I was having a hard time sticking to our plan. Dressed in leggings and a cropped sweater, I had to tear my eyes away from her plump ass. All I wanted to do was bury my face there.
Gathered by the kitchen island, we spent a few minutes catching up and making small talk.
Not long after that Daphne’s parents arrived, and we all sat down for dinner.
I didn’t try to sit next to Lexi, but that’s just how things worked out.
I kept my eyes and hands to myself mostly, only stealing a look when she was talking so as not to seem like I was being rude.
She seemed unfazed by our proximity, though, causing me to second-guess her feelings towards me yet again.
After dinner and dessert, Dad and Daphne’s parents took off to a cabin down the road where they were staying, and the rest of us went to get into our comfy clothes, per Daphne’s request. After changing into sweatpants and a long-sleeved tee, someone pulled me by the arm to the side of the stairs while I was coming down from the loft.
“What the—” I was cut off as Lexi pulled me to her by the collar and kissed me. This was not like the tentative kisses we’d shared over the last few weeks. This kiss was full of passion and longing. Fucking finally.
I returned her kiss, delving deeper into her mouth, exploring every inch. She moaned quietly into me, causing my cock to grow hard. I pressed into her, and she lifted a leg and wrapped it around me, drawing me closer still.
“I want you,” she whispered. “This whole pretending we don’t know each other thing is so fucking hot, Brando.”
I chuckled against her cheek. “Careful, Sweetheart. Keeping this a secret was your idea, remember? If you keep this up, we’re bound to get caught.”
“Fine. But after everyone goes to sleep, you’d better get your ass to my room.”
Then, she was gone. Looking around, I was thankful no one was close by.
I needed a minute to get my raging hard-on under control.
I was wishing I still had jeans on, because these sweatpants weren’t doing me any favors in hiding the effect Lexi had on me.
When I had everything sorted out, I rejoined the others in the living room, where they were gathered around the coffee table.
“What do you think, brother, Cards Against Humanity or Bullshit?” Nathan asked as I took a seat on the floor across the table from Lexi.
After a few hysterical rounds of Cards Against Humanity, it was Dylan’s turn to be the card czar, and as he pulled a black card from the pile, he chuckled, “I still can’t believe you bought this place.”
Lexi chimed in, “I can’t wait for a summertime invite. This snow crap isn’t really my thing.”
“The snow’s not so bad when you’ve got a cozy fire and good company,” I added, giving her a wink.
She rolled her eyes. Dismissing me, she turned toward Daphne. “I expect summer beach parties.”
Daphne laughed, “Yeah, okay, I think we can make that happen, right, babe?” She beamed at my brother.
“Of course.” He leaned down, kissing her.
“Gross, get a room,” Dylan huffed.
“Great idea.” Nathan scooped Daphne up and carried her to their room. “See ya in the morning!” He called over his shoulder as Lexi, Dylan, and I hooted and hollered after them.
“I guess you two will be sneaking off to do some canoodling of your own then?” Dylan teased as he started cleaning up the cards.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dylan,” Lexi said with a roll of her eyes.
“Cut the crap, you two.” Dylan set the cards down. “Anyone with eyes can see that the two of you are back at it. Just don’t break his heart again, okay, Lexi?”
“Hey, that’s not fair. It’s not all Lexi’s fault things that went the way they did. I was rushing things, and neither of us was ready.” I came to Lexi’s defense.
She chimed in. “I know I handled things poorly, Dylan, and I’m sorry for that. Brandon knows how sorry I am, too, and we’re going slower this time. I’m really trying not to fuck it up again.”
“Whatever. I’ve said what I had to say. You two are adults. Do whatever you want.” Dylan got up. “I’m going to bed. See you guys in the morning.”
“Goodnight,” Lexi and I said almost in unison.
Once Dylan was halfway up the stairs, the energy in the room seemed to shift.
Lexi and I stared at each other across the table, unmoving except for our breaths.
Mine were ragged, and every breath felt like a chore.
I wanted to turn the table over and cross the room to her, but we were in someone else’s home and had an agreement between us—an agreement that I was struggling to uphold at that moment.