Current Day

 

My Christmas tree taunts me as I can’t seem to block the memory of AJ lying in bed, naked and chained to the bedposts. Oh my, what a sight. That man is beyond built. Not only do those arms I remember, oh so well, toy with me, but the front row viewing of his entire package left me more hot and bothered than satisfied. I squirm in my chair, trying to block the path my mind wants to take.

It’s impossible. I’ve never been with anyone so ripped or well-hung before. I still haven’t. Now, I’m wondering if I did the right thing. I sought revenge against that man for years. Never once did I dream the opportunity would arise, but since I took advantage of the opportunity, all I feel is guilt, or maybe remorse.

Trying to humiliate him with the ridiculous outfit wasn’t enough for me. Oh no. I had to take it one step farther because I’m an awful person. And I did this after we spent the evening together that admittedly was nice. Heck, he even had a sincere apology for standing me up in college and was trying to take things slow. Slow. I’ve never witnessed AJ take things slow.

I run my hands over my face and groan. Perhaps I overreacted, but he had hurt me. Worse yet, he humiliated me. It’s going to take more than words to win me over.

What am I thinking? There’s no winning me over. I’m not a prize, and this certainly isn’t a game.

Gah, there is no use worrying about it now. I’m sure he escaped and isn’t still tied up. All he has to do is figure out the release button, so I should stop stressing. Besides, it no longer matters. After last night, he won’t have anything to do with me, and I can rest, knowing my revenge was finally carried out. I will no longer think about him. Except every time I look at a Christmas tree or turn on the twinkling lights. I didn’t miss the way my body reacted to his stolen glances when he thought I wasn’t looking.

Having him help was a bad idea.

I fire up the computer and get to work on the last photo touches. Editing this calendar has been the easiest project of my career. I suppose a good subject matter helps, but the setting and lighting of the warehouse were phenomenal. I add a few tweaks to Mr. November, and then I pull up the final month. And there he is—Mr. Hotty Elf himself. How the hell did he pull this outfit off? His dark eyes stare at me through the monitor with the same smoldering look from last night. That was until the surprised “what the hell are you doing” expression appeared.

“If only you weren’t a prick,” I say through a sigh. My statement only causes me more unrest. Other than standing me up, he hasn’t been a complete asshole. He’s sure of himself, yeah, but he went out of his way to help me yesterday. And when my car got broken into.

“God, I’m an evil person.”

Buzz. Buzz. Buzzzzz.

“Okay, okay. One buzz would be enough.” I back away from my desk, but the buzzing continues. My brother’s impatience would drive a saint insane. I answer the intercom with a clipped tone. “Did you lose your key again?”

“No. You left it on the dresser.”

The pit of my stomach falls. I didn’t think AJ would show up here ever again.

“I see you’re freed.” He’s not coming up here. No way.

“Can I come in? It’s an emergency.”

I hesitate, wondering if it’s a ploy. Although, there’s more worry in his tone than anger.

“Please.”

I buzz him right in. A few moments later, he pounds on the door, and the deep worry lines across his forehead have me concerned.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Have you seen your brother?”

“Drake? No, why?”

“Can you see if you can get a hold of him? My sister’s missing, and I’m hoping she’s with him.”

“Missing?” I don’t wait for an explanation and motion him to come in. I grab my phone from the computer desk, and AJ steps closer to me. As I hit Drake’s number, I follow AJ’s gaze to the monitor. Great. I’m sure he’ll think I was obsessing over him.

I kind of am.

“Yeah, I guess they’ve been dating,” he says, warily.

I bite my lip and avert my gaze. I had my suspicions, but before I could voice them, Drake’s phone goes straight to voicemail.

“I can’t get a hold of him. You want to see if they’re in his apartment?”

He nods. “Grab your coat. I’ll drive.”