“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. I’ve heard so many great things about you both from your beautiful daughter.” I keep my gaze forward as Bailey turns her head to give me a funny look.
“What?” I ask softly.
She smiles and then bursts into tears, sobbing into her hands. I wrap my arm around her shaking back and pull her close, holding her until she stops crying.
“Why can’t you be like this all the time?” she whispers into my shoulder.
I frown, confused. “Like what?”
“Like this. Caring, kind…lovable.”
I falter slightly, but try to hide it. I’ve already hurt her enough for an entire lifetime, I don’t need to make it worse. I hold her up as she presses her weight into my side.
“I was fifteen,” she mumbles out of nowhere, shifting her weight. I don’t answer. I don’t need to. “We were heading to an athletics meet in the next town over. It wasn’t raining or dark or anything like that. It was mid-morning and sunny. I remember counting the white lines on the road as we drove.” She takes a deep shuddering breath. “His excuse was he was tired. He shouldn’t have been behind the wheel. He made a mistake and pulled his truck out onto the highway ahead of us. Dad didn’t have enough time to swerve or slow down.” My arms tighten around her shoulders and my head drops. I had no idea. “Riley was only twelve,” she sobs. “No one wanted us, I was already too old. So as soon as I turned eighteen, I took custody of Riley and we left.”
I don’t know how long we stay there, all I know is that I don’t want to move, I don’t want to disrupt this moment.
Before long, the sun sets and the stars twinkle above us. I tilt my head back and stare up at them.
Have you ever looked at the stars and suddenly everything you’ve ever done is insignificant? Like your life really doesn’t matter, the universe is a whole lot bigger than any one person and their problems.
Bailey shifts beside me and I adjust my arm.
I tip my head forward to look down at her. “Are you okay?”
Her eyes shine with unshed tears, but she smiles softly. Just as she opens her mouth to answer, her stomach grumbles loudly, echoing around us. The look on her face is hilariously cute. I laugh and stand up on unsteady feet, holding my hand out to help her up. “Come on, let’s go and find something to eat.”
CHAPTER 17
KRISTIAN
The entire office is decorated. It looks as if Christmas threw up all over everything. Honestly, it hurts my eyes to look at all the cheer. Bailey bumps my shoulder with hers.
“Oh, stop being a big baby! Christmas is the best part of the year.”
I screw up my nose. At least she’s talking to me again. “You’re on your own with that one.” Shaking my head, I leave her at our cubicle and head for the copier room.
“Kristian, how’s that report coming?” Fiona asks from behind me.
I grab the paper from the copier and hand it to her. “Here you go.”
She looks down at the papers, surprised. “Oh, thank you.” She pauses and looks back up at me. “Are you coming to the Christmas party tonight?”
“I guess so.”
She smiles wide. “Great, see you tonight then.” She twists on her heels and strolls away. I make it back to my desk and pack up my stuff. Bailey is already packed up and standing.
“See you tonight,” she calls over her shoulder as she walks away.
“Where are you going?” I jump at Jess’s voice and wrap my towel tighter around my hips.
“Work Christmas Party.” I exit the bathroom and wander over to my dresser, pulling out something to wear.
“I thought we could spend some time together. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages,” she sighs, leaning against me as I sit on my bed.
“I can’t tonight.”
“It’s that girl again, isn’t it?”
“No, Jess, and you need to stop.” I stand and then immediately sit back down so I can touch her. It’s awkward talking to someone you can’t see. “You’re not acting like yourself.”
Sadness creeps into her gaze and she looks away. “You love her, don’t you?” My mouth drops open and I stare at her. Where the hell did that come from? “Don’t deny it,” she says before I can answer. “I can see it in your eyes.”
I shake my head and gently turn her head so she’s looking at me. “You are the most beautiful girl I have ever had the privilege of knowing, Jessica Scott, and I will always love you.” She smiles softly and presses her lips to my cheek.
“I love you too, Kristian.”
“Now I need to get dressed, okay?” She nods once, like a child, and smiles as she disappears. I wait until I can’t feel her presence and then I drop my head into my hands, running my hands down my face with a sigh.
All the desks and cubicles have been stacked and pushed back up along the walls to make room for the Christmas celebrations. Someone has put a fair bit of effort into making the office look like the inside of a snow cave. It’s actually quite beautiful. Everything is frosted in whites and blues, snowflakes dangling at different lengths from the ceiling and the tiny white fairy lights draped around the room. Nearly everyone is already here when I arrive. I stand at the edge of the room and search for Bailey.
I can’t see her anywhere. Maybe she’s not here yet.
“Why hello there, Mr. Reed,” Fiona slurs slightly as she stops beside me and places her hand on my arm. “I’m glad you came. Dance with me.” She drags me into the center of the room and onto the makeshift dance floor. I’m pretty sure she’s a little drunk. She giggles as we spin and dip around the room. Make that a lot drunk. She must have arrived first.
As we turn past the door, I spot her.
Bailey stands at the entrance, her white dress sparkles as she walks in. Her dark hair hangs down below her shoulders and she’s not wearing her glasses. I pause, staring at her. Fiona trips over my foot and I turn to catch her before she goes down.
“I’m sorry, Fiona, this was great, but I have to go.” I glance behind her and grab Jeremy, the guy that runs HR, by the arm. “Jeremy will dance with you.” She smiles at Jeremy, who surprisingly smiles shyly back as he wraps his arm around her waist. Huh. Didn’t see that one coming.
I shake my head and turn back in the direction of the door. Bailey’s no longer there. A few of the people I work with wish me a Merry Christmas as I push my way through the crowd. I make it to the edge of the room and stop, frowning. I turn and search the office. Where did she go?
Something touches my back softly. “Looking for someone?”
I spin around and smile. “Bailey,” I breathe. “You look beautiful.” And she does, absolutely stunning, right down to her shiny painted toenails peeking out from the bottom of her dress. She blushes at my scrutiny and looks away.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.” She fiddles nervously with her hands.
I suck up my own nerves and hold out my hand to her. “Would you like to dance?”
Her eyes snap to my mine, shocked. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” She nods slowly and places her hand in mine. I walk us into the group of people dancing and spin her around until we’re facing each other, inches apart. I gently place my hands on her waist as she wraps hers around my neck. Her light blue eyes glitter as we twirl under the fairy lights. I can’t keep my eyes off her. The party fades away, leaving only the two of us alone in the room.
“Kristian, I—”
“Shhh.” I pull her closer until her head rests on my chest. “Don’t ruin it.” She giggles quietly, but stays where she is. Her fingers twist in the hair at the base of my neck, it sends tingles down my back. I barely stop myself from shivering.
I don’t realize how long we’ve been swaying to the music until Georgia from HR taps me on the shoulder with a smile. “We’re going to lock up soon.” She winks at us and walks over to a table where Fiona and Jeremy have their heads close together, talking.
I glance down at Bail
ey. “Time to go.” She smiles softly and nods, stepping away from me. I can feel her absence immediately. She turns to leave, so I follow her out, grabbing a hold of her hand as we walk. I can see her smile out of the corner of my eye.
Trying to be a gentleman, I walk Bailey all the way back to her apartment. She stops at the door and fiddles with her keys.
Looking up at me shyly from underneath her eyelashes, she asks, “Do you want to come in?”
“I, uh…” Probably not a good idea. I think I’m a little tipsy from the punch and champagne.
“Okay.” She nods once and unlocks the door. “But you know, it’s not like you haven’t slept over before. I’m not pushing you into anything, just offering a friend a place to crash.”
Well, when she puts it like that.
I follow her into the apartment and stand awkwardly in the kitchen. Even in my drunken state, I can tell things have changed between us. I can’t fool myself with the “we’re just friends” speech anymore, because we’re not.
Not anymore.
It’s all a blur. I don’t remember how I got another glass of champagne in my hand and I definitely don’t remember how I ended up in Bailey’s bed, fully clothed and lying on my side, facing her.
“I think we are both a little tipsy, Krissy,” she whispers, her face turning serious.
“I think we’re a bit past tipsy,” I whisper back. She giggles and covers her mouth with her hand. I lift my heavy arm and gently run my fingers down her soft cheek. Her eyes go wide and she drops her hand.
“What are you doing?”
“I don’t know,” I admit, pulling my hand back slowly. We go completely still and then Bailey lifts her own arm and touches her fingertips to my lips.
“I would rather have you in my life as a friend than not at all, and if that’s all I ever get, I’ll be fine with it…”
I barely hear her words as her fingers trace the line of my lips and then down my chin. I’m holding my breath. She’s still speaking, but I’m not paying attention. I’m watching her soft, full lips as they move. Before I know what I’m doing, I dive forward and crush my lips against hers, cutting off whatever she was saying. She makes a small noise of surprise as my fingers weave into her hair, holding her face to mine. Her tongue runs along my bottom lip and I shiver.
I slide closer on the bed until our bodies are pressed up against each other all the way down. My hand leaves her hair and runs down her back to her waist. She presses closer and runs her fingers under my shirt and up my stomach. I can’t tell if I’m breathing, but I definitely feel alive. Her fingers are shooting tingles along my skin everywhere she touches me.
Somewhere deep down, I know what I’m doing, but I can’t seem to pull myself far enough out of the haze of my mind to stop.
Bailey pulls back, gasping for air. I take a deep, shuddering breath and run my hand over her hair, smoothing it with my fingers. She looks uncertain as she searches my face, like she’s waiting for me to explode.
“What?” I ask quietly.
“I’m trying to figure out if I brought my best friend home, or if I’ve accidently picked up someone else,” she breathes.
I huff out a short laugh and pull my hand back. “It’s me.”
She narrows her eyes. “I’m still not sure. The Kristian I know would have bolted by now.”
“Oh,” I say a little ashamed of my previous behavior. “Well, I’ll just go then.”
I move to get off the bed.
“No!” She grabs my arm in a panic and pulls me back down. “Please stay?” I grin and settle back onto the bed. “Don’t move,” she orders. “I’m just going to change out of this dress.” She walks backwards out the door and then pokes her head back around to make sure I haven’t vanished.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I call to her as she disappears again. I’ve sobered up a bit, so I can’t blame the alcohol. I must actually want to stay. I absently play with the corner of the pillow. This is a really bad idea. I should leave. What am I going to tell Jess?
Bailey jumps back into bed, interrupting my internal battle. She’s wearing only a tank top and a pair of shorts. I hesitate, then pull off my shirt and climb under the covers with her, lying back on my side, facing her. She looks as if she wants to say something, but she stops herself.
“What’s wrong?” I choke out, nervous as hell. I’ve never chosen to spend the night in the same bed with a girl willingly before. The last time I fell asleep on Bailey’s bed doesn’t count. It wasn’t the same.
I know I’m breathing too quickly and my heart is beating too fast, but I can’t help it.
“Nothing.” She smiles. “I just can’t believe you’re here, that’s all.” Her hands wrap around mine under the covers and my breathing slows.
Somehow, we end up closer, our foreheads just touching as we gaze at each other in silence.
I don’t remember falling asleep.
I’m woken by a soft touch on my arm. My eyelids flutter open and I look around the room as my eyes focus. Bailey’s face comes into view and I stretch my arms above my head.
“Morning.”
“Good morning,” she chirps. “Riley will be here soon, so I was just waking you up to warn you.” She giggles and leaves the room.
I jump up and pull my shirt over my head. I do not want to be here when Riley arrives. I just spent the night with his sister. He already hates me enough. I throw my shoes on beside the door and wave goodbye to a laughing Bailey as I exit her apartment.
I dawdle home, my hands shoved in my pockets, head low and deep in thought. I replay last night over and over in my head. How drunk was I, really? I don’t remember having that much. Which means…
I pause outside my apartment, key hovering just in front of the lock. I have to tell her. As soon as I step into the room, my senses are overwhelmed and Jess presses in close.
“Where have you been?” Her voice is high in anger.
“I—” Guilt floods my chest.
“You were with her, weren’t you?” She steps back, still gripping my arm tightly. “I can’t believe you, Kristian. You promised!”
“I know, I’m sorry, Jess. I didn’t mean to.” I reach out to her, but she bats my hand away. It must be a talent of mine, messing everything up.
“You didn’t mean to what? Fall in love with someone else?”
“No…I can explain everything—”
“How could you,” she accuses, her dark blue eyes turning icy. “If I can’t have you, then no one can. Especially not her.” She rips her hand off my arm and fades away. I snatch at the air around me.
“No, Jess, wait!” I stare at the empty room in shock. She’s gone.
What did she mean by especially not her? Where has she gone? A sharp pain rings through my ears and I cringe. She’s hurting, I can feel her. Oh god, the realization hits me hard and fast.
Jess, she’s gone after Bailey.
I stumble past the counter without grabbing my keys and race down the stairs and out the front door. Pain lances through my stomach and I nearly trip on the sidewalk as I double over in a coughing fit. Oh god, what is she doing? I have to get there before she hurts her. Gathering my strength, I push myself up and into a sprint.
I turn onto Bailey’s street and stumble over the gutter.
“Jess! Stop!” I scream down the street. People stop and stare at me as I race past, sidestepping out of my way. I must look like a complete lunatic, but I don’t care.
Three feet from Bailey’s front door, my legs turn to jelly and I collapse onto the pavement, the air leaving my lungs in a heavy whoosh. My head hits the cement as I go down. My entire body feels as if I’ve been crushed and shattered into a million tiny pieces all at once.
I’m barely conscious, laying on my side, staring vacantly down the street, unable to move a single muscle. My breaths come short and labored, rasping through my suffocating lungs. I’m dying. I can feel it. The pain is still there, but it’s almost as if I’m numb to it now, like I�
��m not completely attached to my body anymore. A single thought flashes through my oxygen starved brain.
Bailey.
CHAPTER 18
JESSICA
I don’t know what happened. It’s the same as every other blackout. I came back to myself in a girl’s apartment, she was crying, but I don’t know how I got there. Now I’m standing on the sidewalk, my vision slightly blurred. I’m only just hanging on to conscious thought. I’m not scared. How can I be? I’m already dead.
I stare down at the fuzzy shape lying on the pavement a few feet away. It groans in pain and I realize it’s a person. Walking over to it cautiously, I bend down, pushing its shoulder back to look at its face.
“Kristian?”
His glassy, unfocused eyes land on my face. “Jessica?” He pushes himself up into a sitting position, but his body stays on the ground. It’s like there are two of him. One slightly fuzzy and the other perfectly clear. “Where are we?”
I glance around the strikingly familiar street. I’ve been here before. “I think I know where we are.” He tilts his head to the side, confused. The blackouts have been getting worse. I don’t know what I do when I’m in a blackout, but I can guess. The old lady’s words flash through my mind. She warned me, but did I listen?
Furthermore, I’ve noticed the slowly growing distance in Kristian’s eyes every time I see him. I hurt him every time I do something I shouldn’t. I must have done something really bad this time. “I think I’ve killed you.”
He sits up straighter. “You what?”
I shake my head and stand up, stepping away from him. “I don’t remember. The blackouts have gotten worse. I should have told you.”
“What blackouts? Jess, what’s going on?”
“I didn’t want to worry you. I’ve stayed too long on this side.”
“You’re not making any sense,” he says, trying to stand on shaky legs.
November Sky (Hardest Mistakes Book 2) Page 14