TANNEN
Chapter Four
My mind has been full of Hollee coming over and not about the logistics of all the trees we have to deliver before Christmas Eve.
I fantasize that when she slid over the ice in front of the coffee shop to me she somehow managed to rip her T-shirt off, unzip my jeans and start mouthing my cock in one smooth movement.
I need to remember she was only coming over to inspect the trees. And anyway she might have a boyfriend - maybe that blond guy in her car. Since she loved Christmas so much, I was expecting a few questions about my lack of decorations.
There’s a soft knock at the door, and it hasn’t even been an hour yet. Maybe she’s been thinking about me?
I open the door and standing there in skin tight jeans and a fur jacket is my long lost ex, Natasha. She’s curling a key ring around her finger.
“Hey Tannen,” she purrs. Three years, no contact and suddenly she’s my best friend again?
I should shut the door in her face. But my mama raised me better than that so I hold it open and beckon her inside.
This woman ruined Christmas three years ago and left me hating the holiday season.
Now she’s turned up to remind me why. She leaves me cold.
“So, Natasha, what do you want?”
“Ah c’mon Tannen, don’t be like that. I know we parted sorta...
hastily but I remember our time together so fondly.
I’m sure you’ve moved on. Although I see you haven’t changed the locks.
I could have let myself in!” Natasha’s waiting for an answer.
I’m not going to give her the satisfaction. She looks around with a smirk.
“No tree yet?” She raises her eyebrows.
“Not yet.” I wish she would get to the point. Hollee could arrive at any time.
“Ok, so I’m back in town to take care of my Dad. You know he went into the nursing home? We’re having trouble paying the bill and I’m scared they’ll kick him out before Christmas with nowhere to go. I know you’ll hate me for asking, but I’m trying to raise the money to…”
A knock on the door.
Fuck - that must be Hollee.
“Sorry Tan - didn’t know you were expecting company.” Natasha doesn’t make a move to go, just waits for me to open the door.
I walk over and open it and there’s Hollee, wearing a red top that clings to her curves, highlights her fantastic cleavage and instantly makes me want to press her body to mine.
“Hi, I’ve come to see a guy about a tree,” she says, her eyes sparkling while she does this sexy, pouty thing that makes the blood surge through my veins.
Then she catches sight of Natasha behind me.
Her beautiful face falls. Damn.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize you were busy. I’ll come back another time.” She makes an attempt at a smile and walks down the path.
I take a moment to appreciate the way her unbelievable ass and wide hips sway as she moves. It makes me imagine her straddling me - but I need to get a hold of myself, she’s walking away.
I turn back to Natasha. She’s smiling, enjoying the fact that she’s caused some drama.
I want her out of my place - this encounter has made it clear I don’t have any feelings for her anymore.
She’s a handful but not in a good way - all she wants is to stir the hornet’s nest and make herself happy.
I’m sorry to hear about her Dad though - he’s a good guy.
“Is that your friend with benefits? She’s a bit on the large side isn’t she?” Natasha raises an eyebrow at me. I’d forgotten how nasty she could be about other women.
“That’s a mean thing to say, Natasha.” I stare at her.
I need her out of my house so I can put things right with the gorgeous girl next door. Hollee’s lush curves were perfect to me, warm and inviting.
I walk over to my kitchen safe and key in the code with Natasha following behind. We get paid by our customers in cash and I store it here before taking it to the bank. I take a roll of notes and hand it to her.
“I hope you sort something out with your dad. I have some work to do so you’re going to have to go.”
“Ok, thanks Tan. Don’t be mad at me and maybe we can get together for some eggnog?” She’s trying to be flirty, but I’m not interested.
I walk over to the door and hold it open.
“See you around, Natasha.”
My priorities are one hundred percent on the girl next door, not this gremlin from my past.