8. Elden
Chapter Eight
ELDEN
I’m helping my Mom with the tree but my head is filled with one subject; Neva. What happened out there? Who was that guy bugging her?
I know it’s early days but our connection is so special, I was sure she felt the same way I did. But I have no interest in being some side-guy if she has a boyfriend. I’m certain I want all of her, all of the time.
Tannen, Hollee and Hunter turn up in matching Christmas sweaters and big smiles. Hunter is excited at the big heap of presents for him under the tree and doesn’t understand why he can’t open them now. I know my Mom is getting ready to relent and let him open one.
“Bro, what’s up?” Tannen knows me well.
“I had to manhandle some guy off Neva in front of her whole family earlier. I think he was her boyfriend. Or ex. I don’t know.” I’m exasperated by all this drama.
Tannen looks at me. “What are you doing? You really like her, don’t you?”
“Yes of course.” It’s true. I more than like her. I fell in love with her ten years ago and never stopped.
“Then go talk to her. Don’t do the strong and silent thing. That didn’t work out before.” Tannen pats my shoulder.
“She’s got enough on her plate Tan. Without me getting involved - it’s too messy.” I shake my head.
“Sometimes you just have to go for it. She’s worth it, El. And she’s right next door. C’mon bro. Go make it right.” He points at the door and waggles his eyebrows up and down like a cartoon character.
I smile. There’s a knock on the door. I answer and Neva is standing there, looking like an angel. I want to kiss her but stop myself. I bet Tannen’s smiling broadly behind me so I go to the porch to talk to her privately.
It’s snowing again and the snowflakes are landing like diamonds in her long hair, but all I can see is her beautiful face.
“That was my ex, Tony. He’s an idiot. He moved in with his work colleague and split up with me after I lost my job and then he came back out of nowhere when it didn’t work out. He expected me to just take him back. I’m sorry you had to get involved.” She looks crestfallen and bows her head.
I cup her chin in my hands. “I understand. I also understand I can’t leave you alone for a second without some guy trying to get his hands on you.”
She smiles and makes a face. “I could have handled him.”
“No you couldn’t. But your Dad could have walloped him with that stick.” We both start laughing.
“Or Sylvia the cat could have jumped on him and scratched his eyes out!” She giggles.
Her eyes turn serious again. “I don’t want anything to do with him - I haven’t heard from him since he walked out on me. All I’ve been able to do is think about you since you picked me up that night at the station.”
I can’t resist any longer and bend down to feel her soft lips under mine. She tastes of sugar cookies and I can’t get enough.
“I can’t stop thinking about you too.” I say. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you all these years. I’m not letting you out of my life again.”
I bend down to kiss her again, as her soft curvy body presses against me. It’s cold out here but I’m warm with her in my arms.
As the snow keeps falling, I keep kissing her.
I let her go once before and I’m never letting go again.
She’s mine, this Christmas and all the rest.