Chapter 7
On Christmas morning for the last three years, Dex, Zac, and I have spent the day sitting on our couch, stuffing our faces with pizza, and watching football, but this year is different. Dex has Callie back, and Zac and I have been invited to join them in Senoia, the girls’ hometown, for Christmas at Cynthia’s.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. I’ve never had Christmas with a family, not even mine. Never had the exchanging of gifts around a decorated tree, singing Christmas carols, or any of the other shit people do on this day. It’ll be fun to spend it with Cydney, her sisters, and her mom.
“You have something you wanna tell me?” Zac questions, bringing me out of my thoughts.
“Huh?” My eyes drift to him in the passenger seat of Skye for a moment, then back to the road.
“Do...you...have...something...you...want...to...tell...me?” he repeats slower, emphasizing each word.
“No, why would I?” My brows furrow.
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe because you have that lovesick smile, or because Dex is moved out now and you still haven’t brought any chicks home, or maybe because we don’t hang out much anymore.” He doesn’t sound angry, just curious. I glance at him again in my peripheral vision.
“I’ve just been busy. We’ll hang out soon.” My eyes narrow. “Now that we’re talking about it, you haven’t been bringing anyone home, either,” I state with a smirk. “You got something to tell me?”
“Nope. How much longer until we get there?”
I chuckle at his change of subject and glance at the GPS on my phone. “Not long.”
He turns the radio up and decides to keep quiet the last thirty minutes of our trip.
“Merry Christmas!” Zac and I say in unison as we barrel through Cynthia’s door, Zac carrying presents in a big sack.
“Merry Christmas,” everyone greets, looking less than thrilled to see us.
“Thought we’d get more of a welcome than that,” Zac jokes around.
“Sorry, but you’re not as important as Momma’s new man we’ve been waiting to meet,” Cayden responds as we start heading into the kitchen.
But…right before we make it, there’s another ring at the door.
We all turn, going back into the living room, and Cynthia gets the door. When she lets the man in while holding his hand, Dex mumbles loud enough for me to hear, “You have got to be fucking kidding me. Now we have to for sure get along.”
Well, I’ll be damned; Cynthia’s new man is none other than Professor Bryant. The same Professor that Dex was having problems with.
He stands there with a shy smile before addressing his two students. “Callie, Mr. Mitchell.”
“Hi, Professor Bryant.” Callie does a little wave with a cheesy grin on her face.
The professor makes his rounds, shaking everyone’s hands and introducing himself. “Nice meeting you all!” the good-looking fucker says with a smile. I swear all the females in this house swoon, making us guys groan. I, for one, roll my eyes. He adds, “I’m so happy to be here—and please, call me Liam.” They actually sigh at his first name.
My jaw hits the floor. Really? Just a name and Cydney would fall at his feet! My eyes narrow on the professor as we sit down to eat. I see now why Dex isn’t a fan. I’m not much of a fan myself right now.
Cynthia’s food is out of this world: mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, ham, freshly baked rolls, and a ton of other stuff. I swear, she is going to spoil us guys since we never get home-cooked meals like this.
“This is delicious, Cynthia,” I praise, and shove another spoonful in my mouth.
“Ugh, were you born in a barn?” Cayden asks Zac. They haven’t figured out their shit yet, so she is giving him her attitude.
“Thank you, Maverick.” Cynthia smiles, then turns to her daughter. “Cayden!” she scolds.
“Sorry, Momma,” Cayden says, scowling at Zac.
Professor Bryant addresses Callie. “I hope this isn’t too weird for you. I asked your mom to keep us a secret until the semester was over because I didn’t want it to affect our student-teacher relationship. She agreed, and it was her decision to wait until Christmas.” He smiles, and he looks at Cynthia like she’s his whole world. It’s the same look Dex has for Callie and—oh, fuck, that’s how I look at Cydney.
She responds with a smile, “As long as my momma is happy, I’m happy.”
“Yep, or we will get the weed whacker out. Ain’t that right, Dex?” Cayden and Cydney laugh, but Dex is giving them both a go to hell look. I wonder what that’s about.
We finish our food, and Cynthia says it’s time to open presents. Everyone passes out the ones that they brought, and Cynthia hands out the ones that were already under the tree when we got here. Dex and Callie help Raine open hers as everyone watches. We all ooh and aww at her new toys, clothes, and bows.
Cydney opens the one from me first. I’m nervous and have no idea why. I know she will like the coveralls I got her for work.
She looks up at me in surprise, barely managing to utter, “Thank you!” She smiles and it’s real; she’s not worried about pretending that she hates me right now.
I open the present she handed me; it’s a book on how to restore cars. Looking up, I give her an ear-to-ear smile. “Thank you.”
She mirrors my smile. “You’re welcome. I thought it might come in handy.”
“It will.” I nod.
Zac opens his from Cayden, and it’s a new video game he didn’t have. He thanks her. And Cynthia’s present for Professor Bryant is a brand-new telescope. He shows her how much he appreciates it with a long, slow kiss.
After all the presents have been opened, everyone goes about doing their own thing. I sit on the couch, hoping Cydney will come sit by me. I hate being this close to her and not being able to touch her. Instead of coming to sit down, she says to no one in particular, “I’m going to get some fresh air.”
I keep glancing towards the front door. It’s been fifteen minutes since Cydney went outside, but in the last week there’s been a drop in the temperature, where it’s only been getting to the high thirties. I don’t want her getting sick.
Looking around the room, I see that everyone is talking or playing with Raine, so I stand from the couch, grab my hoodie, and walk out the front door. Cydney sits on the porch swing, looking out at the woods in the distance.
“Hey,” I quietly say as I sit next to her.
Cydney’s grey eyes gaze up at me. “Hey,” she repeats with a half-smile.
“Thought you might be cold.” I hand her my hoodie. “I don’t want you getting sick. ‘Cause we got a lot to do on the car, and all.” I look down, then back up at her.
With a full smile in place now, she pulls the hoodie over her head. “Thanks.”
“What’cha doing out here?”
“Just thinking.” She stands from the swing and holds her hand out for me to take. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Hand in hand, fingers entwined, she leads us into the wooded area. It’s quiet between us until she says, “Everything’s changing.”
My brows furrowing, I gently pull on her arm, until her shining eyes meet mine. “What do you mean?”
“For most of my life, it’s just been Mom, my sisters, and me. Now four men have bulldozed their way into our lives. It’s just a lot to take in.”
“Your mom is great; aren’t you happy for her?” My brows pull down tight. I only address her mom because Cyd did help get Dex and Callie back together, so I think this is really about her mom.
“Of course, I’m happy for her. She deserves to find love. I guess it’s just...” She huffs out a breath of air. “I’m always the strong one, y’know, and I don’t want Mom or one of my sisters to get hurt. I don’t want them to get their hearts broke.”
I cup her cheek in my palm, and she gazes at me. “You can’t always protect them, Cyd. And what about you? You’re strong for everyone else, but who’s being strong for you? Sometimes love hurts and sometimes hearts get broken, but sometimes a love is so strong that you can overcome any obstacle thrown your way if you have each other. Is that why you don’t do feelings and relationships? Because you’re scared to get hurt?”
“I don’t let anyone get close enough because of my father. He’s a drunk that abused Mom and left us.” She looks away from me, to the trees surrounding us. “Last Fourth of July, when Callie almost got raped, did you know it was a guy that she tutored?” I shake my head and swallow hard, letting her continue. “She tutored him for most of our senior year. Cayden and I knew something was off about the guy, but Callie wanted to help him. Well, that night he told her he wanted to talk. He walked her out here, deep into the woods, and he tried to rape her. I thank God every day that Dex saved her that night… But at the exact moment she was being pushed to the ground, my father was attacking me.”
“What!?” An angry growl bubbles out of me. What kind of piece of shit excuse of a man could attack a woman, let alone his own daughter?
“We saw him in town and we ran, but he showed up here that night. He was trashed, stumbling around, but he was still able to get the side of my face with his fist. I kicked his ass in the end.” She grins, but the hurt shines in the depths of her eyes.
I pull her in close to my chest. “As long as I’m around, I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” Her fists clench my long-sleeved shirt like I’m her lifeline.
I run my hand down her long, auburn hair. “I wasn’t raised by my parents. We existed in the same house, but I had a nanny. She was more of a parent than either of them was because our house was so big I rarely saw my parents. When I got old enough to fend for myself they fired her, and I was on my own. It felt like they ripped away the only person I ever loved and who loved me back. Now I see them even less, but they always make sure I have the materialistic shit. I guess that’s how they show they care, but it’s not enough.” I kiss the top of her head.
She tilts her head up. “That’s why you had nowhere to go for the holidays?”
Nodding, I reply, “They’re traveling around Europe as we speak. At least I have Dex and Zac, but your mom taking us in like she did makes me feel like I’m part of a family for the first time in my life. A real family, besides my baseball team.”
“Yeah, I don’t get the appeal of baseball.” She laughs, and I join in, thankful she’s lightening up the heavy talk.
“You got a baseball field in this town of yours?” I ask, grinning.
“Yeah.” Her brows pull down in confusion.
“Then let’s go.”
With my arm around her shoulder and hers around my waist, we walk out of the woods and over to Skye. She sits in the passenger seat, I’m in the driver’s, and I turn the ignition and get the heat going. As we go down the streets of Senoia, Cydney gives directions on where to go.
I pull into one of the spaces in the empty parking lot. We walk up to the fence; if we were in Athens I could get us inside, but out here will have to do. I grip the fence with my fingers. “When I’m inside there, the fans yelling, my team depending on me, I feel like I’m on top of the world. The crack of the bat connecting with the ball thrown at you and running from base to base until you make it back home…it’s exhilarating. It gives you a rush. Every pitch I throw and strike someone out with… I love it. Baseball isn’t a fast sport like football or basketball, but as a team we work together. We’re close, like family, and it’s the only thing I used to love.”
“Used to? And now?” she questions, and I realize I almost fucked up.
My eyes snap to hers. “And... Now I think we need to get back to your mom’s. Aren’t we supposed to be having apple cider and singing carols or some shit?” My lips twitch with a smile.
A glint of amusement shines in her gaze. “Yeah; it’s a stupid tradition because none of us can sing—we just sound like a herd of seals.” She laughs.
Pulling her in close, I kiss the top of her head. “I can’t wait to hear this.” I chuckle as we head back to my car.
“Where have you two been?” Cayden questions with a shit-eating grin as we walk back into Cynthia’s house.
“I showed him around Senoia,” Cydney replies, taking off my hoodie and handing it over.
“Mhmm. Y’all ain’t been fighting lately, now you’re spending time together. What’s going on between you two?” Callie chimes in.
“Nothing,” Cydney says, straight-faced as she looks between her sisters.
“I do have to say it’s a one-eighty between you two since Thanksgiving,” Cynthia pipes up.
“Oh, jeez, not you too, Momma!” Cydney huffs out, making us all laugh.
I clap my hands together. “So, where’s this apple cider?”
“Coming right up.” Cynthia starts to get off the couch, but not before another heated kiss with Professor Bryant.
We each take a glass of the steaming hot liquid. I haven’t had this stuff since I was a kid. The first taste hits my tongue, and holy shit, it’s the perfect mixture of apple and cinnamon. It tastes just like hot apple pie. It’s fucking delicious! “This has got to be almost the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” My eyes cut to Cydney. Her body and mouth are by far the best, but I can’t wait to get my mouth on her pussy. I see the faint blush coating her cheeks, but she drops her chin to her chest.
Cynthia puts a CD in the stereo and Christmas music starts playing through the speakers. Cydney was not over exaggerating about sounding like seals. This has got to be the worst shit I’ve ever heard, but I love it. In this moment, I am happier than I can ever remember, and I love the Fisher women, but especially one in particular. As I watch Cydney’s eyes close and her mouth move to the lyrics of “Silent Night”, I realize she is my home. She’s where I always want to be and I need to make her understand that not all men are like her father.
Later into the night, Cynthia and Professor Bryant are the first to go to bed, followed shortly after by Callie and Dex with Raine.
“I’m so glad finals are done,” Cayden speaks up and takes a sip of her apple cider.
“God, me too! Professor Lane is an asshole.” Cydney shakes her head.
“I remember him. He was a tough professor,” I reply.
“You had him? What’s your major?” Cydney asks, clearly shocked, judging by the way her mouth is hanging open.
“Business Management. I need a plan B if baseball doesn’t work out.” I set my own cup of hot cider on the coffee table.
“Mine too!” She points to herself and smiles, shaking her head.
“Is it so hard to believe we have something in common?” I question, humor lacing my tone.
“Yeah, actually.” She chuckles.
“On that note, I think I’m heading to bed before there’s a fight.” Cayden stands and stretches her arms. Zac’s eyes stay glued to her baggy sweatpants and short t-shirt. No matter how many times Zac may say he doesn’t want Cayden, it’s obviously a lie.
“Me too.” Zac stands and starts following behind, his eyes zeroed in on her ass.
“You wanna share a bed with me, slugger?” Cayden gives him that grin all three girls get when they want something.
“Not happening, Cayden.”
“Fine, then get your eyes off my ass!” She shuts her bedroom door harder than necessary, but Cayden can be a bit dramatic at times; I learned that from the incident at my front door with Raine and the dead fish redhead. Next, you hear the other bedroom door shut loudly.
Cydney laughs. “I don’t know why Zac won’t hook up with her. He clearly wants her.”
“I don’t know. I think he has his own issues, but I’m not worried about them right now. C’mere.” Reaching out, I take her hand in mine and pull her closer, making her straddle my lap.
We’re sitting on the floor in front of a burning fireplace. The wood crackles, and the flames cast a glow against her soft skin. I grip the nape of her neck and bring her in close. Our lips touch and our mouths open for one another.
In slow, precise movements, our tongues slide against one another. My other hand snakes around her back and under her t-shirt, my finger lightly skimming across the hemline of her pajama shorts. Tracing up her spine, I find the clasp of her bra and undo it.
She pulls back from the kiss. “Should we do this?” Her eyes search mine while biting her bottom lip nervously.
“You have to be quiet.” Leaning in, I pepper kisses along her neck and collarbone, then pull her t-shirt over her head and remove her bra. “Lay back,” I whisper.
When she does, I hold my weight on my forearms and cover her body with mine as my lips trail down from her beautiful perky tits, down to her stomach, and across her hip bones. Hooking my fingers in the hem of her shorts and panties, I pull them down her legs and off her feet. I throw them over my shoulder and stare down at her naked body. “I have to say it: This is the first time I’ve seen you completely bare and you’re fucking gorgeous, Cyd.”
I pull my own shirt over my head, then stand to remove my jeans and boxer briefs.
Her eyes rake over me. “You’re not so bad yourself.” She smiles; I mirror it.
I pull a condom out of my wallet then sit back down on the floor with my back against the wall. “Straddle my face, Firecracker. I think it’s about time I tasted that sweet pussy.”
She sits up and scoots closer. “There’s no way I’m gonna be able to keep quiet, Mav.”
“Unless you want to wake everyone in this damn house up, you will.” She huffs out a breath and stands, inching her way closer to my face. Gripping her ass cheeks, I pull her to my mouth. Her hands hit the wall as she braces herself for what’s about to happen.
I run the tip of my tongue through her wet slit, moaning quietly as I get the first taste of her. “So fucking sweet.” Plunging my tongue inside of her, I pull it out and move back to her sensitive spot, swirling my tongue around and flicking against her clit.
Her breathing becomes labored and a hand fists in my hair. Her hips start moving involuntarily against my mouth. “Fuck, Mav. That’s so good,” she praises on a quiet moan.
Pushing my tongue harder against her, my movements increase in speed. Her thighs part wider as she opens further for me. Her breathing is heavy, and her legs begin to shake; I know she’s getting close.
She rides my face harder and tries pulling my head in closer. I push two fingers inside her entrance; pumping them in and out, I stroke her G-spot meticulously.
She cries, “Right there! Yes!” She bucks faster and faster, pulling me in even further. I pump harder and suck her clit into my mouth, causing her to explode like dynamite. As a gush of fluid hits my tongue, the sweet and tangy taste fills my mouth as I drink her in until nothing is left.
Fumbling beside me, I find the condom, rip the wrapper open, and roll the latex down my impossibly hard cock. I grip her hips and pull her down, and she slowly sinks onto me.
“There’s never been a more beautiful sight than when you come undone.”
She stares at me with hooded eyes. “No one’s ever been able to make me come undone the way you do.”
I mentally high-five myself and pull her closer; our lips slam together as she begins to move her hips.
As she sets her rhythm to slow and seductive, I let her take control. Our tongues dance at a matched pace and we cling to each other like we wouldn’t survive if we let go.
I know this isn’t fucking and it’s not just sex; she’s showing me that her feelings for me are just as strong as mine are for her without saying the words.
I love this girl; she’s beginning to consume me, and there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it. I have to let my heart stay in the game and hope she doesn’t destroy me.
“Mav!” she moans in pleasure. Dipping my head down, I swirl my tongue around her rosy pink nipple, then suck it into my mouth and gently bite down. Her head goes back, and her hand grips the back of my hair, keeping me close. Letting her hard bud go with a pop, I move to the other, showing it the same attention while my hands grip her hips roughly.
“You feel so good, Cyd,” I tell her after letting her other nipple go. Moving up, I kiss the crook of her neck and lightly suck her heated flesh, feeling the goosebumps cover her skin.
Cydney begins rocking faster and her walls start strangling my cock. She’s working herself up to another orgasm as mine moves its way to the surface. As I wrap my arms around her, she lays her head on my shoulder. “Look at me, Firecracker.” She lifts her head back up and her lust-filled eyes meet mine. “Come with me.”
“I’m close,” she pants.
“Me too.” My own legs begin to shake, my grip on her hips tightens, and so do my balls.
“Now.” I pull her face close to mine, and our lips crash together. I swallow her cries of pleasure and groan out my release. She falls against my chest, both of us sweaty, breathing hard, and with racing hearts.
I run my fingers up and down her naked back. “Give me a chance.”
She pushes away from me. “What?” Her brows knit down in confusion.
“Give me a chance. Be with me, Cyd. Let me prove to you that not all men are like your father. Let me be strong for you.” I stare into her grey eyes.
“There wasn’t supposed to be feelings.” She pulls herself up and off me. “I told you I don’t do relationships. What, did you think because we’ve fucked a few times and had a heart-to-heart that it would change? It doesn’t change anything.” She rushes around the room, grabbing her clothes, and jogs to the staircase.
I throw my head back against the wall and blow out a deep breath.
She’s lying, I know she is! Shit between us has shifted. Everyone’s seen it; she’s just trying to keep those damn walls up. I tried being the nice guy and it didn’t work. I don’t know what more I can do besides going back to the asshole everyone loves to hate.