The next morning was tense, even more tense than when her and Jackson had first arrived.
While the raven himself seemed to be in a better mood since their snippet of conversation, her Aunt and Uncle had become intolerable.
Their nagging a constant thorn in her side the instant she even tried to breach the distance with Jackson.
It left her feeling grumpy and agitated as she walked around the house.
It made her feel hesitatant, too.
After her conversation with Joshua, she'd thought of a million ways to confession her feelings to Jackson. She wanted him to know how she truly felt about him. But with such a volatile environment, how could she?
It was definitely her worst decision yet, and it scorned her.
She really should've just celebrated with Jackson back at their makeshift place.
Soon, she knew she'd have to leave that behind too. The reality setting in that Randy owned that pl
"Jackson, what the heck are you wearing?"Kaitlyn tried hard not to laugh as she spotted Jackson standing in the corner of the living room, holding a giant, bright green plate piled high with vibrant cookies. The way he was serving the treats was cute, but his outfit?He was wearing the most ridiculous, holiday sweater she had ever seen. It was knitted, and lit up with small LED lights that made him look like one of the room's decorations. But the best part, the hideous thing featured several pictures of gifts with the coy message splayed proudly in the middle: 'Can I be your gift tonight?'She had no idea where he had found such a thing, but it was adorable and she couldn't stop giggling under her breath as she approached him.His pearly whites charming as he spotted her.He certainly fit in with the decorations. Her aunt had strung the living room to the brim with decorations, the room lined with miniature Christmas
Stacy reached her side in a matter of moments, returning to her side with two dark red glasses of wine. Kaitlyn immediately drained the cup of its contents.The bitter taste not the most soothing flavor to her turbulent feelings as she grimaced, scowling at her empty cup.So much for holiday cheer.Stacy gaped at her. "Kaitlyn, since when do you drink like that? It's a glass of wine! Not shots!""Does it really matter right now?" Kaitlyn grumbled, her face feeling harsh as she couldn't shake her frown. "I have since I got dumped, and even more when I became an idiot. I need another glass. Let's go, Stacy." she muttered as she stormed off toward the refreshments table her uncle had placed for the party.Her eyes scanning the packed room for Jackson, but even his bright flickering lights couldn't be found.The taste of the wine was more bitter than she remembered. Stacy patting her back awkwardly as she trie
Chapter 50Kaitlyn's hazy thoughts whirled. Her coughs of surprise seizing her throat as she gripped the nearest kitchen counter.She felt a strong hand hit her back as she regained her breath. She looked up, before distinctly pushing away from the last person she wanted to see right now and nearly fell into the kitchen sink."W-What are you doing here?" she stuttered, surprised and confused all at once."Nice to see you too, K. You look amazing."Randy greeted back, looking much less nervous and wrecked than at the cafe. He was dressed in a dark red open collar shirt, the buttons a deep gold against his tan skin. He also was adorned with black slacks, and a candy cane striped tie.She couldn't help but think Jackson's getup was cuter."Your aunt invited me and let me in. She also said she'd send you to me, and so here we are, K. I've been waiting for you everday, like I promised."The sugary
Chapter 51: To say Jackson was pissed was the understatement of the year. The smile that wouldn't leave his lips deceiving as he imagined all the ways he could beat the shit out of the man in front of him. Randy didn't know when to quit. That much was obvious to Jackson by this point. The information about him basically stalking Kaitlyn outside of her car, to sneaking into the party, it left him reeling. And it was fucking pathetic. But Jackson supposed he couldn't put all the blame on the piece of shit infront of him, he was about ninety-nine point nine percent sure Kaitlyn's horrible relatives had played a part in the disturbing reunion. They seemed like the type to meddle, regardless of Kaitlyn's feelings. It's a wonder how they raised such a naive and innocent woman when they themselves had about as much compassion as a nail sticking out of a board. Randy stepped back, like the coward h
Chapter 52: Kaitlyn was red, so red, that her skin looked flushed. A simple touch to her cheek radiating heat as she all but nuzzled into him. He could tell she was nervous by the skittish in her eyes, the way her lip trembled slightly, her teeth already gnawing at it. It was the same way she looked every time she was embarrassed to admit something. "Well... what is it, Kaitlyn?" She bit her lip, again and he inwardly groaned, wanting to replace her teeth with his own. The urge to nibble and lick, very, very real as he tore his gaze away. Kaitlyn knew what effect that had on him yet she continued to do it. He couldn't tell if she teased him on purpose, or was just forgetful. He flinched and froze when she suddenly leaned forward and placed her hands on either side of his face. After a second, her lips parted, pulling him toward her. "I'm yours, Jackson. I want you to address like I am." She whispered before ki
Chapter 53: When Kaitlyn woke up, the birds were just beginning to chirp, the world still barely covered in light as she sat up in her bed. Her head was pounding, and groggy from sleep. She nursed her head with gentle rubs of her fingertips, before glancing to her right. She smiled, as the soreness of her body and the toned arm splayed across her waist affirmed last night hadn't been a heated dream. It was real. And Jackson was cuddled next to her securely, his face squished into her shoulder. It was adorable and heartwarming, and she felt completely at peace. The pain from her headache overlooked as she moved her fingers to play with his bangs instead. It was still shocking to her, new, to be able to touch him so freely. She turned so she could observe him: the slight rise and fall of his chest, his long lashes that she was envious of, the way his full lips parted when he slept. This
Chapter 54:The time back at the house was surreal, and Jackson had returned to work already. It had been almost a week since their arrival from the islands, and the snow was heavy on the ground outside.Despite the weather change, the atmosphere had stayed from their last night in her aunt's home. Their newfound relationship growing on her mind as her eyes cut to the clock.The days back had been lingered with kisses, and constant moments of affection that left her blushing.Since they'd been back, she'd honestly probably taken off his clothes more than he had changed outfits. The thought left her stomach swirling and she smiled despite herself, combing a brush through her unruly hair as she prepped for their date tonight.It had only been about a week, but it was lively and fun. Something she hadn't had before.Jackson had taken on a new life since their confessions, he was even more flirtatious, but he was al
Chapter 55:She didn't know what to think as she stared across the kitchen at Randy. The overhead light seeming to dance shadows across his face as she swallowed.His words haunted her mind, and she stumbled.She continued harshly, her mouth set to a frown while she tried gathering her bearings."Stop putting words in his mouth," Kaitlyn warned. "Like I said, I need to hear it from him. Jackson would never hurt me intentionally."When she said the words, she held fast to that belief.But Randy was determined to shake it, or maybe he was just angry. But he looked more out of sorts than usual, gruff and frustrated."Oh, you mean like how I would hurt you?"Kaitlyn frowned. "Randy, you chose Natalie over me, for years. You left me in the dark, in this naive little bubble! You KNEW I felt like I wasn't good enough, you knew how much I was hurting, but you just kept looking the other way. So