9. Hollee
Chapter Nine
HOLLEE
I’ve ruined everything.
The best week of my life - getting to know Tannen, watching Christmas movies and having spectacular sex. But I pushed it too far setting up the tree in his house and now he’s angry with me.
I don’t know what to do. Tears prick at my eyes as Noel brings the rest of the groceries inside.
He stops when he sees my face. “Hollee...babe what’s wrong?”
I let out a wail. “He doesn’t like the tree, Noel. I thought it would be cute but it’s too much… I saw his face and he’s angry with me. It was too much. He’s not ready for it and now he doesn’t like me anymore.”
Noel reaches out to give me a hug. “Don’t be silly. A tree isn’t going to stop him liking you, sis. Give him some time to get used to it.”
I sniff. My heart is heavy.
“C’mon girl - let's heat up those cinnamon rolls before I go. We’ll prep some of the food for tomorrow and I just need to get this evening shift done and dusted. We’ll have a ball tomorrow - unless you’re too busy treating Tannen to some make-up sex.” Noel waggles his eyebrows up and down.
We prep some of the dishes for Christmas Day with the radio blaring holiday songs and it helps to focus on something else. But then Noel has to go to work and I’m left alone, staring at my tree, sad and blue.
I heard Tannen jump in his truck and drive off a couple of hours ago. Where did he go? Is there any way to salvage this situation?
Maybe being proactive would help; I’m going to be brave and text him.
I’m sorry you didn’t like the tree. Can we talk?
He’s received and read it. No reply.
I should be wrapping Noel’s presents but I go upstairs and lie on my bed instead. Outside the window, snow is falling again, giving a soft creamy glow to the lights outside. Christmas Eve, when I imagined we’d be together, staring into his eyes by the roaring fire.
The tears begin to fall, streaming down my face as I listen to the Christmas music coming up the stairs from the radio in the kitchen.
The last time I was lying in my bed we were here together, joking and talking. I had ridden on top of him, starting slowly and grinding faster and harder until he exploded inside of me, calling my name over and over.
Now I’m here alone, crying, and he’s out there in the cold somewhere.
Hating me.