Evergreen Academy - The Complete Series

by Ruby Vincent

  “Of who?”

  “Thabisa.”

  Of course. The ex-girlfriend.

  “She didn’t take shit from anyone either. You even have the same laugh.” He sighed. “But it’s not the same. You’re not her and now I’ve accepted that we’re meant to be friends.”

  “I’m sorry, Kai.” I closed my fingers over his hand.

  “It’s okay. Besides, I know you’re still with the Knights and”—a grin broke out on his face—“I couldn’t be a part of your harem. I’m not the kind of guy who can share.”

  “It’s— It’s not a harem!”

  “Yeah? Then what would you call it?”

  “It’s— We— I mean, we’re dating—”

  He was laughing at me now.

  Huffing, I flipped back into bed and pulled over the covers. “I’m tired. Go away.”

  Kai chuckled all the way out the door. The guy was too much sometimes but I was glad to have him back.

  THE REST OF THE WINTER trip wasn’t as fun after my forced visit to the infirmary. My friends stuck to me like glue when I was out of my room, and the Knights strolled the halls snapping at everyone for the smallest things. It was a relief when we finally rolled up at Evergreen Academy and I saw Mom’s car waiting for me in front of the gates.

  Olivia hugged me hard enough to squeeze out my stuffing.

  “Hi, kid. It’s so good to have you back. Did you have fun?”

  “Yes, but I can’t wait to be home.”

  “Me too. We see you so much more now, but I still miss you like crazy. Turns out I like you.”

  “After seventeen years it was bound to happen.”

  We laughed and piled into the car. I got into the back and leaned over Adam’s seat to give him a kiss.

  “Hello, baby.”

  His green eyes lit up and filled me with warmth. “Tina!”

  “I missed you so much. It’s just going to be the three of us this Christmas. No Sofia.”

  “Fia,” he repeated. He looked at me curiously.

  “But we’re going to have fun.”

  Olivia pulled away from the curb and put Evergreen in her rearview.

  “Mommy is going to make sure it’s the best holiday ever.”

  I kept my promise. Mom lent me her car and I took Adam out every day. We went to the park, the zoo, the beach, museums, on picnics, the pet store—everything I could think of. Adam was well and truly on his way to being spoiled.

  By Christmas Eve, all worries about Ace had fled. My only thoughts were about enjoying myself with my family.

  It seemed everyone was enjoying themselves too. I got six texts from Maverick, Ezra, Jaxson, Sofia, Zane, and Kai wishing me a happy Christmas and giving me updates. There wasn’t a word from Ryder.

  I sighed as I looked across the tub. Adam shrieked as he played in my bubble bath.

  “Why are boys so complicated? You won’t be complicated, will you, Adam?”

  His response was to grab his toy boat and fling it into the toilet.

  “I’m taking that as a yes.”

  Knock. Knock.

  “Hey, kid. You almost done in there? Someone is here to see you.”

  “Who is it?”

  “Ryder Shea.”

  “Haha. Very funny. Seriously. Who is it?”

  “Just finish up.”

  I did as she ordered and drained the tub. Adam was put in his baby robe while I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel. We stepped out into the hall toward the living room.

  “Mom? Who is here? I—”

  Ryder put down the drink Mom gave him and stood. “Hey, Moon.” Ryder was dressed casually in a pair of jeans, shirt, and a light jacket. Simple, but somehow, he made it look like the latest fashion trend.

  “What are you doing here?” I probably could have come up with a better opening than that but it was the first thing to come to mind.

  “If you’re not busy, I wanted to take you out.” He glanced at Adam. “Both of you.”

  “Take us out? Why?”

  “I still have a lot of apologizing to do.”

  “But it’s Christmas Eve. Don’t you want to spend it with your mom.”

  “Mom is resting today.” He peered over his shoulder at Olivia. “Do you mind if we go?”

  “Nope. Take her. Take them both. We were going to go to Santa’s Village today, but you three can do that.”

  “Alright.”

  It seemed it was decided.

  Ryder turned back and looked me up and down. “I’ll wait for you to get dressed.”

  I didn’t argue. I went into my room and got us both ready. Ryder was waiting outside for me when I came out with my son and diaper bag.

  “Your mom put the baby seat in my car so we can leave when you’re ready.”

  “We can go.” I took in the shiny red ride sitting in my driveway. “No driver today?”

  “No. Just us.”

  Three simple words and they burrowed straight through me. Why shouldn’t they? They were ones I had never heard him say. Just us.

  I tried to ignore the bubbles bursting in my stomach as I buckled Adam in. I took my place in the front seat and we set off.

  The ride to the village was quiet except for me giving him directions, and by the time we got there I was fighting my nerves.

  What are we doing? Ryder and I have never done anything like this before. We’ve never had a moment alone that didn’t end in disaster. What do we even talk about?

  I fretted all the way through parking and joining the ticket line. How do I do this?

  “I can help you.”

  I pulled out of my whirling thoughts. “What?”

  Ryder accepted the tickets then stepped out of line. “I’ll help. Do you want me to hold Adam or the diaper bag?”

  “No, I’m fine. I don’t need help.”

  “You’re ridiculous sometimes, Moon.”

  There was just no smoothing out that prickly personality, but to his credit, I did hear a trace of fondness.

  Ryder put out his hands. “Come on.”

  I sighed. “Alright. Thanks. You can take the diaper bag.”

  He moved in and Adam seized his chance. The baby twisted out of my hold and fell into his arms.

  “Adam, no—”

  Ryder scooped him up and turned to go without a word. Over his shoulder, Adam peered back at me looking pretty pleased with himself. “Tina.”

  I sighed. “I’m coming, baby.”

  Together we passed through the gates into the winter wonderland. I loved this place. This far south granted us all the biting chill without the snow, but they had managed to make it festive. Hot foods, horse-drawn wagon rides, fake snow raining down, pictures with Santa, and Christmas lights. It was perfect.

  “What do you want to do first?” I asked.

  Ryder smiled down at me. “Whatever you want to do.”

  My breath caught. I wonder if that smile will ever stop having this effect on me.

  A cry from Adam tore my eyes away. The baby pointed to the large animal pulling the wagon.

  “Or maybe whatever Adam wants to do.”

  I chuckled. “We can do the wagon ride. Then we’ll get a picture with Santa.”

  We kept going. This time in search of the line for the attraction. Once again, we lapsed into silence and it pressed on me.

  What do we talk about? I thought as we joined the line. I don’t know how to have a normal conversation with Ryder Shea.

  Just think of something, another voice countered. Anything!

  “So what have you done during the break?” I blurted. “Did you go anywhere? See anyone?”

  “Mom wanted to stay home,” he replied easily. “Except for swinging by Maverick’s to get her present, I haven’t left the house until today.”

  “What did you get her?”

  “A kitten.”

  I perked up. “Really? Maverick’s kittens? Was it Penelope or Preston?”

  “Penelope. But I changed her name.”

  �
�You didn’t like it? I gave them their names.”

  “And you went with Penelope and Preston?”

  “Hey, it fits. They were both born at a snobby prep school. They should have snobby rich kid names.”

  A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. “You mean like Ryder? How does that fit into your stereotype?”

  “I mean like Charles,” I shot back. “Your actual middle name.”

  He winced. “Okay, point taken, but I’d say yours is included, Blythe.”

  “Never say that name again.”

  Ryder threw his head back laughing. After a second I giggled along too. This is amazing. We’re actually vibing.

  The line moved so we inched up. “What did you name her?”

  “Valentina.”

  I gaped at him. “Really?”

  Ryder took one look at me and lost it. “No, not really,” he said between laughing.

  “Not cool.” I whacked him upside the arm.

  Ryder ducked. “Hey, you can’t hit me. I’ve got a baby.”

  “Then hand him over.”

  “Not a chance.”

  We were still laughing as the attendant waved us up to the wagon. I climbed up first and scooched over for the boys.

  “Ready, Adam?” Ryder asked. He got the toddler in both hands and began swinging him. “One. Two. Three!” Adam squealed with laughter as Ryder swung him back and forth then popped him up on the seat.

  The sight of them together loosened something within me. “You’re good with kids,” I said as Ryder took his place next to us.

  “You sound surprised.”

  “Of course, I’m surprised. Before everything went down you were as warm as a glacier. Babies don’t go for that stuff.”

  “I always did like how you told it as it is.” His tone was light despite my remark. “My mom has a friend who comes by to visit her on her good days. She brings her kids and they hang off of me like tree ornaments. Sylvia and her kids make Mom laugh. I wouldn’t be cold to them.”

  “You really love her.” The words fell from my lips before I could stop them. Even I could hear the tone of surprise.

  Frowning, Ryder visibly stiffened. “She is my mother, Valentina. How dead inside do you think I am?”

  “No, I— That didn’t come out right. I meant it’s sweet how much you both care about each other. I hope Adam and I are that close when he’s a teenager.”

  It was slow, but as the wagon rumbled down the path, he relaxed. “You will be,” he finally said. “The kid is in love with his Tina. Anyone can see that.”

  “You think so?” I whispered. I reached out to smooth Adam’s curls. “I hate how much time I spend away from him. Mom calls me at least once a week to talk to him because he’s crying for me.”

  “You’re doing this for him.” Something in his voice made me meet his eyes. “He’ll understand that.”

  Usually there was nothing to see in those silver orbs, but at that moment, I saw everything I needed to know. “Thank you.”

  The horse cantered around the village, showing us the beautiful sight of Christmas trees and happy people. At some point during the ride, Ryder draped his arm over the seat behind me. He didn’t touch me, but still I felt his warmth against my back. I felt it stronger as I drifted nearer to him. Even with Adam between us, I never felt closer to him.

  How did he know that this is what I really wanted for his labor?

  The wagon dropped us off at our original stop. I picked up Adam before he could reach for Ryder. “Nope. Mommy’s got you now.” The baby giggled like making me jealous was a part of his plan. “Next stop: Pictures with Santa.”

  “Sounds good,” Ryder replied. He offered me a hand to help me down.

  “I should warn you. Adam and Santa have a shaky relationship.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means,” I said as I led the way. “That he has screamed the place down both years that he’s been on that man’s lap. We’re hoping number three goes better.”

  “But Adam seems cool with strangers.”

  “Not when they’re dressed in red and sporting oversized beards.”

  We got lucky that the line for pictures was short. Every year they outdid themselves with the decorations for Santa’s workshop. This year was no different. Behind Santa’s throne stood a massive gingerbread house with gumdrops so lifelike I could eat them. The big man himself perched on the platform smiling at the families that came before us.

  That smile disappeared into his beard when he saw us. “Ah... you’re back.”

  I pinked as Ryder stifled a laugh behind me. “He’s older now. He’ll be okay.” I carefully handed over the toddler then backed away. “Alright, Adam. Just look at Tina. Smile for Tina.”

  Adam’s tiny forehead wrinkled as he looked at my waving hands and beaming smile. He gazed at me, then up at the man staring down at him. When he looked back, his face crumpled.

  “No, don’t cry,” I said desperately. “Come on, Adam. Smile.”

  “Look over here!” To my shock, Ryder had joined in. He jumped up and down next to me, making funny faces at the baby. “Smile, Adam.”

  We straight up looked ridiculous—bouncing around and pulling faces like lunatics. The people in line laughed at us. I laughed at us.

  Adam did not laugh. He burst into ear-piercing screams that echoed through the village. Santa tried to save the photo.

  “Come on, Adam.” He twisted the baby on his knee to face him and began bouncing him up and down. “Tell Santa what you want for—”

  Whack!

  My jaw dropped. Adam had reeled back and smacked the jolly man across the face.

  “Adam!”

  Ryder doubled over—howling so loud he competed with Adam. I sprung forward and snatched my kid off the dumbfounded man’s lap. I never moved so fast in my life.

  “Let’s go,” I cried as the people in line laughed. I snagged Ryder’s jacket. “We need to get out of here as fast as possible.”

  We booked it out of the workshop, racing through the crowd until my lungs cried out for me to stop. I pulled Ryder into a quiet corner between the candy apple and cider stands. There was barely any room. He leaned over me, only inches away, as we caught our breaths.

  “I don’t think they’re chasing us.” Traces of humor laced his tone.

  “I wouldn’t blame them if they were. We’re probably banned for life after that.”

  “That was some slap.”

  Adam had quieted down. Gone were the tears, but a pout still hung on his lips. He wasn’t impressed.

  “You know.” My gaze drifted back to Ryder. There was no smirk on his face. No chill in his eyes. The mask was gone and what lay beneath...

  How could a mere mortal be this gorgeous? I felt like if I tried to touch him my hand would go right through. Ryder Shea cannot be real.

  “This is the best Christmas Eve I’ve ever had. Thank you for coming out with me.” Ryder lifted his hand and cupped my face. My pulse quickened as he gently brushed his thumb along my cheekbone. “And I’m sorry, Val. I’ll never forgive myself for the things I did to you.”

  “I know.” My voice was barely a whisper. It was hard to concentrate. Ryder’s face was coming closer. Our lips were closing the distance and I couldn’t hear my thoughts for the pounding in my ears. “But what matters is... you’re a different person now and... I like that person.”

  “You do?” His breath ghosted over my lips.

  “Yes, I do.”

  The words were barely out of my mouth before the distance between us was gone. Ryder’s lips pressed against mine and—

  “Ahh!”

  “Ow!”

  Ryder ripped away and stumbled back into the stall. He gazed at Adam and his raised fist with round eyes.

  “Adam!” I cried. “We do not hit. No hitting. Say sorry to Ryder.”

  “It’s okay.” Ryder smiled as he rubbed his cheek. “I deserved that one. I’d hit the guy trying to put the moves on my mom right in
front of me too.”

  A flush came over me. Put the moves on?

  “Let’s go,” he said. “See as much as we can before they find us and ban us.”

  Shaking my head, I followed him out. We quickly salvaged the day. Adam went back to being his happy self as we stuffed our faces and enjoyed the rides.

  The sun had set on the village by the time we decided to head home. Adam snoozed on Ryder’s shoulder and every time I looked at them, I smiled. This was the best Christmas Eve I ever had too.

  “Hey, wait!”

  I turned as a woman in an elf costume ran up to us. We had just passed by Santa’s workshop.

  “I’ve got your picture,” she said. She grinned as she handed it over. “I got the exact moment the old man’s glasses went flying. Priceless.” She laughed herself sick as she strolled off.

  “That settles it,” I grumbled. “We’re never coming back here again.”

  We didn’t talk on the ride back to my house but I felt no need to break the silence.

  Mom opened the door the moment we put our feet on the porch. She took Adam off my hands and whisked him away with a wink that made me blush.

  “So...” I slowly turned toward him. “Today was fun.”

  He nodded. “It was.”

  I stepped closer. “It meant a lot to me. You being so great with Adam.”

  “I like him.” Ryder took a step closer himself. “The kid has a solid right hook.”

  I let out a soft laugh as we moved in, bumping into each other’s chests. I rose up at the same time he bent down.

  “Wait.”

  I froze with our lips a hair apart. “Wait? Why?”

  “We shouldn’t do this.” Those silver eyes swept over me. I saw the tortuous battle raging inside him. “I got caught up at the village, but I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you. I want to make it up to you, Valentina, but we don’t have the same history that you do with the other guys. I have no right to kiss you. I have no right to be with you.”

  I placed my hand on his neck when he tried to pull away. “Can I decide that for myself?”

  Ryder reached up and closed his hand over mine. He placed one soft kiss on my forehead before placing my hand at my side.

  I stood there on the porch long after he was gone.

  Chapter Eleven