Chapter 10
Violet
I scoot out of Brody’s lap and rush to the other side of the room before answering my dad’s call. Like a few yards of distance will help me pretend I didn’t just enjoy the most erotic moment of my life with his best friends.
I can’t tell him I’m here with Heath and Brody. But I hate lying—it makes me incredibly uncomfortable. He’ll know, he’ll hear it in my voice. Or worse, I’ll get caught later.
But I can’t tell him the truth.
I swipe to answer and force myself to smile. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, Vi. Merry Christmas Eve.”
“Merry Christmas Eve, Dad.” I hope the sentiment doesn’t sound strained. I’m terrible at moderating my tone of voice. “What’s going on?”
“Oh, not much. I wanted to call my little girl in case things get too hectic tomorrow.”
“What’s happening tomorrow? Oh, right—Christmas.” I force a laugh, feeling awkward and fake.
He chuckles. “What are you up to?”
“Just…hanging out at home with Mikayla. Nothing major. We’ll make cookies later. How are you and Retta? How’s Florida?”
“It’s not what I expected.” He sounds a little…sad?
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything’s fine. You don’t need to worry.”
“Okay.” Except I am worried—not about him, because he’ll tell me if I should worry—but about him finding out about me having sex with Brody and Heath. The longer we talk, the more risk I’m in of letting something slip.
He clears his throat. “Hey, I wanted to let you know, a couple friends of mine will be using the cabin. In case you and Mikayla were thinking of going up there. I meant to tell you sooner.”
“The more the merrier, though, right?” I say, just a random throwaway line—I thought—until Brody snorts and covers his mouth to keep from laughing.
“Not in this case.” His voice is harsh. “It’s Brody and Heath.”
“Wait—why? What’s wrong with Brody and Heath?”
“You should stay away from them, Violet.” Dad’s voice is soft, but firm. “They’re too old for you, and they’re dangerous. I saw how you watched them at the Fourth of July barbecue. But they’re never serious about anything or anyone. I don’t want your heart broken.”
I carefully avoid looking at the guys. Can they hear what my dad is saying? I don’t think so, but I angle myself away from them, trying to hide.
“Who’s saying anything about breaking hearts?” I force myself to focus on the conversation, and not on the panicked, too-fast thrum of my pulse. “I’m just hanging out with Mikayla, that’s all.”
“You’re right. Sorry for going papa bear on you.” He pauses. “Merry Christmas, Vi.”
“Merry Christmas, Dad.”
I just lied to my father. I feel awful, but Heath and Brody are putting on sweatpants, getting me dressed in comfy clothes, and pulling out some board games. There isn’t time to feel guilty about lying to Dad.
But why does he think they’d break my heart? He said they’re dangerous. Does he know something else about them?
* * *
Brody
As the storm rages outside, we play. Heath and Violet put together a puzzle. While they lean over the board, I snap a couple photos of Violet. Her brown eyes are intent on the pieces, her beautiful mouth twisted in concentration.
When Heath was collecting firewood yesterday, he also cut down a small tree. We set it up in the living room with a makeshift stand. Although we don’t have any ornaments, the scent is nice.
We play Uno. Winner gets to choose a movie to watch on my laptop. Violet wins, raising her arms in victory. I catch Heath taking a photo of her in that pose.
The power goes out, but I’ve already downloaded the movie, and the battery life on my laptop is solid. We light a few candles. The effect is romantic and sensual.
I’m falling for this girl. Actually, I’m not falling—I’ve already fallen. I fell hard and fast. I can see our future stretching out ahead of us, full of love.
She snuggles between us as we watch a sexy movie about Greek gods doing very dirty things.
I get up to retrieve a bag of caramel popcorn.
I return to see Violet snuggled against Heath’s side.
They both look peaceful, content. I grab my camera and take a photo.
Heath looks up at the sound of the shutter, but Violet, absorbed in Psyche’s striptease, doesn’t notice.
None of the beds here are big enough for three. I’m thinking we should get a bunch of blankets and pillows and make a puppy pile here in front of the fireplace.
But Violet stretches and stands. “Goodnight, Heath. Goodnight, Brody.”
She walks up the stairs to her room before I can come up with a good argument.
Heath watches her go, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“What the fuck was that?” I whisper.
“Mason spooked her.” He meets my gaze. “I don’t know if he said anything about us specifically, but she started pulling away after he called.”
“She did?”
He rolls his eyes. “You’re so obtuse.”
“Fuck you.” I don’t even know what obtuse means.
Laughing, he says, “We’ll win her back tomorrow, don’t worry. It’s Christmas. We just need the right gift.”
I nod. “Already on it.”
* * *
Heath
I wake up alone in my own bed, already missing Violet.
I’ve slept with and played with quite a few women. It’s always been enjoyable, but it’s always been a body-level compatibility. But with Violet, there’s more. She’s kind, funny, vulnerable, sweet. And so fucking smart. Her mind is incredible.
Brody’s fallen for her. I’ve fallen for her.
But Mason…he’s going to be furious.
I indulge myself in the thought that perhaps Mason would approve. He would see just how much we love his little girl, and he’ll get on board with the idea.
And then, Mason calls. I grab my phone from the nightstand, frowning at the screen. What did he say to her last night?
I swipe my thumb across the screen to answer. “Hey, Mason. Merry Christmas.”
“It’s Christmas.” He sounds grumpy.
He also sounds like he’s traveling, probably on a golf cart or some shit.
I never understood how he could take up the sport with Retta.
Nothing against the sport, but he used to be into activities that involved more speed and strength.
He used to go climbing with me and Brody.
When he married Retta, all of that changed.
He adds, “How’s everything at the cabin? I saw a storm warning.”
“Everything’s great. The power went out, but it’s back up already. The storm has passed. I gathered more firewood and we were plenty warm. Got some good photos, too.” Photos of his daughter. He doesn’t need to know that, though.
I feel a little bad hiding this from him, but her love life isn’t his responsibility. And her sex life certainly isn’t.
“Thanks again for letting us stay up here,” I say. “This place is life-changing.”
It isn’t the cabin that’s life-changing, so much as spending time with Violet. But again, it’s not something I can say aloud.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re getting some good use out of it. Merry Christmas, Heath. Tell Brody I said the same.”
“Will do.”
The call ends and I hurry out of bed. I want to beat Violet downstairs and see her reaction to the gift under the tree.