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"Wake up!"
"No."
"Evie."
"Go away," I groaned and rolled over. "Who let you in here anyway?"
"Mom told me to wake you up. It's Christmas for Christ sake."
What a thing to say today of all days..
I lifted my head to yank my pillow out and threw it at Aaron. "Get out."
"Ay! None of that you obnoxious eighteen year old." I opened my eye to watch him waddle in without his crutch. "Come on Evie, just because I'm sixteen, doesn't mean I don't enjoy the holiday. Come downstairs..."
I sighed. "What's mom made for breakfast?"
He sat beside me. "The whole shebang, big sister. Eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, waffles, syrup or honey and pancakes. It's like a buffet down there."
I stretched my arms and legs and yawned. "It's only because Aunt Caitlyn is here."
"Either way the food down there is awesome. Come on, Dylan wants to see you."
"Is he here? Is Olivia here too?" I started to sit up.
"She's been stopped twice from sneaking up those stairs to see you. Hurry up and get dressed. Isn't your boyfriend supposed to be coming?"
"Yeah, at like two o'clock and then I'm leaving with him after dinner."
"Well, it's almost ten so get your lazy ass up before I push you out of bed." He pressed one of his hands onto my leg to help him stand. I watched him walk out before sighing and standing up.
I'd been up late last night playing little games with Michael. I heard him leave at early hours of this morning after a peck to my cheek. I'd gone back to the mall on Thursday with Laura realising I needed something to give to Michael before tonight. I'd gone to the photo developing shop after sneaking Michael's camera from his house and made a scrap book.
Yes, I actually made it. Well, I had to buy the plain empty album and then I worked from there. It was either make that or buy him a tie.
When I went through the camera the day I developed the photos, I was smiling from ear to ear. The photos we took that day while ago when we went to the supermarket were so priceless. I'd put a little note at the end of the section as well.
After dinner, we'd go back to the house and Katherine will call saying they needed him to come over urgently, no excuses because I'm sure he'd give a few and then I'd start his second present.
I showered quickly and put on a pair of crisp blue jeans and a white knit sweater. I let my red hair settle on my shoulders and put on a light dab of make-up. It was Christmas after all, I had to look nice. I looked down at the table and sighed as I slipped on my splint. I was way better than I was a few days ago. I no longer needed the splint but my parents didn't know that.
I could hear the voices as I stepped downstairs. I couldn't place one of the voices but I soon figured out who it was as soon as I walked in the kitchen. Aunt Caitlyn, my mother's older sister, and Uncle Reece are the ones that live inSeattle. I haven't seen them since I was fourteen, Aaron was twelve, their son Dylan was also fourteen and their daughter Olivia was eight. And now here they were. Dylan looked like a full grown man and Olivia was growing up beautifully.
"Evie!" A chorus of voices said.
Dylan stood up from his seat at the breakfast table first and my eyes widened. Dear God, he was a truck! Last time I saw him he was a skinny fourteen year old with braces and long fluffy brown hair. Now, he looked like a quarter back with straight teeth and short brown curls.
"Oh! Merry Christmas, Evangeline! My goodness you're beautiful!" My aunt said as she engulfed me in a large hug. "You look just like your mother, sweetie."
The compliment surprised my mother and me because damn did they not get along all the time. They loved each other to pieces but they competed like NASCAR. The loops were endless and they were still racing the 200 or 300 laps depending on what kind of track they were on... But oh, that doesn't matter.
She pulled back to look me from my head to my toes. "You've definitely grown. Four years ago, you were up to my neck and so... Different. Now look at you! A beautiful adult."
"Thank you aunt Lyn. Merry Christmas to you too." She pecked my cheek and passed me onto my uncle. "Hey uncle Reece."
"Hello sweetie. Your aunt is right you have grown up beautifully."
"Thank y-"
"Evie," Olivia pushed her father out the way and wrapped her skinny arms around my waist. Well, she's a picture perfect image of her mother. Long straight brown hair, big brown eyes and a wide smile. This twelve year old was going to be cuter than a puppy when she reaches her teens.
"Hey, Liv. How're you?"
"Fine," She leaned back. "I haven't seen you in a long time."
"Four years." I confirmed.
"Yeah." She ran a hand through her hair as she stepped back. "I'm twelve now. Almost thirteen."
"Our birthdays are only three days apart, Liv." I yanked her into my side. "I know."
"We used to celebrate together didn't we? Wow," She sighed sounding older than she was. How can this be the twelve year old that used to jump on my shoulders when we were younger?
"Enough out of you now, Liv. It's my turn," Dylan's voice was so much deeper too. "Come here, Evie-Eve."
Dylan pulled me into a bear hug and squeezed. "Aw, doll face I've missed you. I know we've called and texted and all that crap but four years is a lot of time without his favourite cousin."
"Not favourite overall though, right?" Aaron said from behind me.
"Shut up, squirt." He snapped playfully as he pulled back. "My, my. You definitely are gorgeous now aren't, ya? I hope no man has-"
"Alright, Dyl," I stopped him mid sentence laughing awkwardly. He was like a protective older brother especially when he came over for summer 2008. I couldn't wear bikinis or anything that showed too much skin. And yet he eyeballed Chelsea and Amy like they were meat, the asshole. Those were the years they'd bloomed. I bloomed a year later at fifteen. I was a tad late.
His brown eyes narrowed. "You're not telling me-"
"Even if she has, Dylan," Lyn pulled her son away by the arm. "It's none of yours or our business."
I kept my mouth closed as I sat down beside Liv at the breakfast table. It'd be better he found out when Michael came over. Although I could see the curiosity in my aunts eye as she glanced from my mother and mine's exchanged look.
"So," I cleared my throat. "Breakfast?"
Liv talked animatedly about her dance classes and the four years I'd missed as I ate the French toast, pancakes, sausage and eggs all of which covered in syrup. I was glad no one mentioned the fact I was wearing a splint but I did notice both Liv's and Dylan's sad looks toward it. Of course, my mother would have mentioned what happened to me and of course she would have said what happened to Aaron. I could imagine Caitlyn's thoughts on her sisters parenting.
"How's school amongst all of this?" I laughed after my last mouthful.
"School is blergh," She gagged. "I hate it."
"Of course you do."
"Seriously, I hate it. I can't wait to get to yours and Dylan's age. It'll be so much easier."
Dylan choked on his coffee. "Sorry."
Liv frowned just like my mother and her mother would. Is that what I looked like? "It does, right?"
"It gets harder, honey." Aunt Caitlyn said from the sink.
"But!" She slumped into her seat. "I thought that maybe it would-"
"Work for it, kid." Aaron placed his crutch on the side and settled into his seat. "If you're smart it shouldn't be hard."
"I think I'm pretty smart." She sat up straighter.
"That you are," My dad agreed as he walked in. His eyes directed to me and he gestured me out of the room. I followed him into the front room where presents that weren't there yesterday now resided under the tree. I smiled at them and looked up into my fathers face. "Ready for presents?"
"Of course I am."
"Let's bring the family in then."
My dad gathered everyone inside the front room. Liv settled into my side like the four years we spent apart meant absolutely nothing. We were like sisters despite the six year age difference but it didn't get in the way. I wrapped my arms around her and smiled.
I did love Christmas. It always brought us together as corny as that sounded. My mother opened her presents from me and Aaron and grinned at my gift card to her favourite clothes shop and a pair of earnings I knew she had her eyes on when I passed her whilst she was on the computer before going shopping the other day. My dad also got a gift card but from his favourite suit store and, Kate's suggestion, a nice new watch because the one he had now was ancient. I got Aaron a few lip studs and rings for his piercing and a hooded jumper from Hollister. Christmas always made me freaking broke. After New Years, I'd get a job.
We all laughed and ate and smiled as we went through all of the presents. I'd completely lost track of time, happy that the four years hadn't created any sort of awkwardness, when the doorbell rang.
My father, mother and me all looked at each other whilst Caitlyn said, "Who on earth could be here?"
"I'll get it." I mumbled as I stood up.
"I'll come," Liv stood up and made her way to the hall before I could stop her. I sent mom a look but she only sighed.
I grabbed my cousin by the shoulders and said, "Tell me, Liv. You're not boy crazy yet are you?"
"I've had a boyfriend." She shrugged nonchalantly.
"Really?" I squeaked. What the hell does a twelve year old do with a boyfriend? Thirteen years old? Sure, boys start to go through puberty and so do girls but come on. "What-?"
"Evie. I'm almost thirteen. I'm not eight anymore." She waved the subject away and I blinked at her. She seemed too old for her age.
"Right..." I slung my arm over her shoulders and opened the door. I wasn't prepared. I should have taken a deep breath, why didn't I? I thought I was used to Michael's beauty by now.
Even though Olivia was twelve she knew beauty when she saw it. A tiny exhale escaped her lips and I couldn't help but mimic her. Michael wasn't over dressed at all, no, but he still looked handsome. He was also in a new pair of jeans but a dark grey shirt covered his strong chest. An extra button was left open revealing both corners of his collar bones. His silky brown hair was jell free as always but it was always neatly combed back especially when he was at work or dressing up like now for example.
A sexy smile curved his lips as his green eyes drunk in my appearance. "Merry Christmas."
I smiled back. "And to you."
He looked down at the girl by my side and turned his smile from sexy to friendly. "And who are you?"
Liv wiped her mouth and I couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, Liv. You'll get used to the drooling."
She elbowed my hip. "I'm Olivia."
"Well, hello, I'm Michael a friend of Evie's." He held out his hand like a gentleman and I watched Liv place her small hand into his large on.
"Come on in, everyone's in the front room opening presents." I pulled her backwards with me and Michael stepped inside. I looked down at my cousin still staring at the man in front of us and said, "Why don't you go in the living room. I need to speak to Michael for a minute."
She nodded unconsciously and walked away.
"She's my cousin." I smiled up at him as I stepped forward.
He handed me a bottle of red wine before slipping his hands around my waist. He smelt wonderful. His scent even stronger than usual. I loved it. "I can see the resemblance. She has a dimple." He winked. "Who else is here?"
"My other cousin, Dylan, my Uncle Reece and Aunt Caitlyn. I'll fill you in quickly: Lyn is my mother's older sister and is as nosy as hell, Reece would be happy to see me happy so you don't have to worry about him, Dylan is my over protective cousin and he's more like a brother. My mother and Lyn are competitive so be ready to swallow a lot of food tonight. And Liv? She's great." I pecked his lips. "No touching, dad will cut your hands off." His palm slid to the small of my back and I sighed. "Okay, you can touch but there are boundaries."
"I'm a gentleman from the 1900's, Evie. I think I know etiquette."
"Ah! No mention that you're over fifty that'd freak them out."
He started laughing and I heard my mother call me in.
"Ready?" I reluctantly pulled out of his embrace and gave him my spare hand. "Because this evening is going to be interesting."
"More than ready."
"We'll be sure to leave after dinner." I confirmed.
"I'll leave whenever you're ready." He nodded and I pulled him into the living room.
Lyn was laughing with Reece about something when she turned up toward mine and Michael's entrance. The smile wiped completely off her face and her lips parted.
"Guys this is Michael. Michael, family. Family, Michael."
Mom was grinning from ear to ear and stood to hug Michael in greeting. I handed the wine to mom and she thanked him with a loving smile. My father shook hands with him as gentleman do and Uncle Reece was next. Caitlyn stood after a moment and did the same except her greeting was mumbled. She followed my mother into the kitchen after one more glance.
And now, Dylan.
"Dylan Riley. Nice to meet you," Dylan took Michael's hand in his and shook briskly and a little too forcefully but Michael barely noticed.
"Nice to meet you too." Michael grinned at him like the handshake was nothing.
"And you're what to my cousin?"
"Dyl." I warned.
"I'm her boyfriend or partner or lover as some would call it." Michael raised a brow and smiled. Aw, hell.
Dylan's eyes narrowed and he went to comment but Aaron, the amazing brother he was, interrupted. "Dylan why don't you come up with me? I need some help getting up the stairs."
Which was only partly true. He was fully capable of walking up and down the stairs now; maybe sometimes he'd need help.
Dylan obliged thankfully. Liv was smiling on the couch still watching everything play out. She took a bite of a mince pie as she stood up and patted my shoulder before walking out, the little devil.
I chuckled and turned to the man that had caused havoc in the household. "So, you've managed to provoke my cousin, stun my aunt and cause my other cousin to dribble, well." I sat down. "To be honest I'm not surprised."
He collapsed beside me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders to yank me into his side. "I didn't mean to."
"And yet you still did," I swung my legs onto the couch and rested my arm on his thigh. "You'd think I'd get used to everyone's reactions when they see you, but somehow they just keep getting better. But you do look especially handsome today
"Thank you."
"No, thank you." I emphasised. "You've made the evening interesting. Just wait until Caitlyn pulls out the eggnog."
"Oo, there's eggnog?" Michael said excitedly. "Can I have some?"
"Really?"
"Yeah! I did love the drink and I haven't had any in a long time."
"Sure. Not now, we don't want mom thinking you're trying to get drunk."
"Sneak me a glass." He moved a lock of my hair from my neck and started brushing sweet kisses to the nape. "You're mischievous enough."
"Ha, ha." I muttered sarcastically.
"Evie! Your grandparents are on the phone!" My mother called from the kitchen.
I stood from the chair. "Please stay out of trouble."
"What could I possibly do while you're gone?" He smirked evilly.
I rolled my eyes at him before leaving the room. The phone call with my mother's mother and father lasted about twenty minutes, ten for each grandparent. They'd asked the routine how are you'd, how's school, what'd I get for Christmas, and the new one - how wasCanada. I passed the phone to Aaron after asking him if Michael was still in the living room.
"He's with Liv in the dining room."
I raised a brow. "Right."
I walked into the dining room where Olivia and Michael were sitting opposite each other... Playing slaps.
She giggled when he tried to get her but failed because she'd yanked her hands away. I watched with a small smile from the side as they swapped roles.
"Olivia Grayson Riley. You're not torturing the poor man, are you?"
She looked up at me and grinned at me. "No!"
"Good! Where's your mother?"
"Here," She rushed in with several crystal glasses in hand and was on the verge of dropping one; that was, until Michael popped up and grabbed a few. "Oh, thank you."
"You're welcome." Michael flashed her his award winning smile and she blinked.
"Uh- girls do you mind helping me set the table? Michael you can join the men in the other room if you want?"
"No, it's fine I don't mind helping."
Caitlyn sent me an impressed look before saying, "Okay."
Dinner was ready by five which left two hours for my previously estranged family to interrogate Michael, but surprisingly they didn't. Michael, Liv and I stayed in the living room. Liv was seeing stars in her eyes every time she looked at him. I couldn't blame the girl. Michael found it adorable and answered every question she threw at him.
But I did get suspicious at a few and asked her what she was doing after I asked Michael to call the boys down for dinner.
"I can't say," Olivia had shrugged. "But I can hint that a certain someone told me to spy on him."
"Your mother can't keep her nose out of anything," I'd mumbled.
And now, we were all sat at the dinner table eating, talking and having a good old' Christmas dinner. Luckily, there wasn't any eggnog this year so Lyn couldn't consume any. However Michael was upset he couldn't have any, bless him. I was so thankful that dinner went by without a hitch. Dylan couldn't help but ask and ask questions about how we met, how long we'd been together and the big giant question everyone grew silent for, "How old are you?"
Michael had grinned, took my hand and said, "I'm twenty-three."
Oh, the twitching smiles of my aunt and uncle were priceless. And the surprised look on Dylan's face actually had me laughing.
Dessert ended around six-thirty and Michael and I got ready to leave. Of course, the thought of me spending the night at a "boys" house had my father's vein pulsing at the side of his head but he didn't comment or make a scene. I had a very large over night bag, the contents of which contained both of his presents and a bucket load of candles. The family would be staying in a hotel and driving back toSeattletomorrow afternoon so I had a chance to say goodbye.
"When do we get to exchange presents?" Michael asked as we walked out of the house.
"When we get to the house, of course."
"Good. Because I can't wait to give it to you. Want me to take your bag?"
I held it away from him when we stopped at his car. "Nope! I don't want you to get any ideas as to what is in this bag. Lucky being a vampire doesn't mean having x-ray vision."
"If only." He sighed longingly and I laughed.
We made it to the house within twenty minutes. I smiled at the small tree sitting in the living room corner and a string of Christmas lights sitting on the fireplace illuminating the room. "When did you do this?"
"The other day. I don't really celebrate Christmas and if I did, I'd go to Katherine's or Anastasia's." He gripped my hand as he led me upstairs. "John would be there of course. He's probably there now."
"Wouldn't surprise me."
I placed the bag beside the bed and smiled when Michael spun me around. "Can we exchange gifts now?" His warm hands slid over my hips and tugged me forward. "Please?"
His mouth pressed to my jaw and I hummed. I couldn't do it yet! Not until-
The vibration in his pocket made me jump slightly. He exhaled sharply with a growl and pulled his phone out. "What?" I heard a shrill voice on the other end of the phone. "Why, what's wrong? Katherine-" He was obviously interrupted because he sighed. "If it's an emergency why can't John help you? Well- fine. Okay, I'll be there in fifteen." He hung up after a quiet curse and looked to me with slightly angry eyes. "Katherine said it was an emergency."
"Okay, if she needs you then that's fine."
"Really? You don't mind? We said we didn't want any of this vampire stuff until after Christmas."
"Michael, go. I know you'll be out within an hour so..."
He frowned cutely at me.
"Go. I'm going to shower anyway and we can swap presents when you get back."
"Fine." He grumbled. "I'll be back."
I watched him leave out the living room window and practically ran upstairs to get started. First of all, a shower. I showered quickly, washing my hair and shaving the prickliness off my legs.
I walked into the bedroom after blow drying my hair and went into my bag to pull out the lingerie. I groaned. Why did I get this? I didn't have the balls to where it. It's for tonight only, Evie. Put it on. It looked more like a nightgown anyway... Except for the lace showing half of my stomach and the fact it stopped just below my hips. I slipped on the matching underwear and started pulling out the candles after slipping on his dark blue dress robe.
I had to be quick, he'd been gone just over half hour and I asked Kate to tell me when he'd left. And I'd just received that text ten minutes ago.
I ran downstairs to switch the lights off and ran back up to search through my bag for his present.
And then the front door opened downstairs. "Evie?"
In lightening speed I lit the last few candles I forgot to do and switched the bedroom light off.
Footsteps up the stairs, down the hall, in front of the door.
I stood up straight and turned around, keeping the book behind me. Michael stepped in, his eyes sparkling as he glanced around the candle lit bedroom. "What..."
"I had Kate call you over for a while," I smiled. "So I could get this done."
The heat in his eyes was unmistakeable as he took a determined step toward me.
"Nope! We exchange presents first! So..." I presented the wrapped up album. "Merry Christmas. Don't expect it to be crystals wrapped up in gold."
He took it from my hands carefully before ripping the paper off. The photo album was dark beige. The front of it had the word "Memories and More" on it in calligraphy. He started flicking through the pages, a few pictures from that night at the supermarket, one of me and him before I poured water on him, a note I ripped off from one of my papers from him telling me he loved me but I needed to study harder. That, he smiled at. There were loads of pages left and the last one I filled in said, "we still have a lifetime to fill these in."
He looked up from the book with a tender smile. "You took my camera didn't you?"
"Is that the thanks I get?" I narrowed my gaze.
"Of course not. Thank you, Evie." His lips pressed to my neck. "My turn."
He walked toward his drawers, placing the book on top of it and went into his bottom one. I couldn't see what he pulled out because he hid it behind his back. "Ready?"
I nodded and watched him pull out a white long velvet box. He opened it for me to see and I stepped forward.
"There is an explanation as to why it is just a chain and nothing more. Turn around."
I did as he said and felt his hands move my hair away from my neck.
"I know it's your birthday next month. And this is only half of the present." He stepped behind me and held the chain in front of my face for me to see. "It's a white gold necklace with diamonds imbedded into the chain,"
I was about to scold him but he interrupted. "No, don't complain. It was money well spent because if you don't like your birthday present then at least you'll get to keep the necklace." He clipped it on and spun me around. "You're probably going to ask me, 'oh, Michael, what could you possibly get me after this?' but believe me-"
"Michael, be quiet." My arms wrapped around his neck and I pressed my body against his. "I love it. Actually, I love it so much I question whether my love for it is equivalent to you."
He grinned and my heart immediately warmed at the sight.
"Thank you, Michael."
"You're welcome." I tiptoed to press my lips to his and welcomed the unmistakable buzz that settled within my body. His large hands gripped my waist and clenched the gown into his fists.
Which reminded me. His open mouth touched my jaw and then the sides on my throat as I started to say, "I have another present for you."
He made a light humming sound as he sucked the flesh into his mouth and slipped his hands into the robe. His hands paused at the material and I couldn't help but smile. He untied the rope and moved back to open it.
He slowly raised a brow as his full attention was diverted to the blue lingerie. "Is this new?"
"Merry Christmas." I smiled not feeling as embarrassed as earlier and when I bought it. Because the fiery look he was giving me now was damn well worth it.
"Huh." He said thoughtfully without tearing his eyes away from my body.
"Like it?"
"Give me a moment." He tore off the robe and let it pool to the floor. "Like is an understatement." And then he had me pressed tight against his body and his mouth feeding off mine.
Our tongues locked and grazed against one another in a frenzy as I started to unbutton his shirt but gave up and let the buttons pop off when I ripped it open. Putting the damn thing on was a nightmare, and getting it off without tearing it was hilarious but after a few tugs and a few giggles it finally dropped to the floor without a rip in sight. Michael gripped my thighs and lifted me to wrap my legs around his waist.
My back came into contact with the sheets and I sighed in pleasure when his scent enveloped around me. The heat within my body turned into an outright inferno as his mouth moved down my chest and gave his undivided attention to one of my breasts.
I gasped and thrust my fingers into his hair. But the quickly rising sensations were becoming too much. Because I needed him, not this... Foreplay. I was ready for him.
"Mike..." I dragged his head up to look me in the eye.
He only chuckled. "Let me take my time."
"But-"
"Do you trust me?"
I searched his barely green eyes and started to nod.
"Then enjoy this. As another gift to you."
"You spoil me."
"That, I do." He kissed me passionately before giving me a night I knew I wouldn't forget. Before gathering my spent body his and whispering sweet nothing's into my ear. Before making me laugh by tickling my sides and once again making love to me.
And that gift was priceless.
**
I lingered a kiss to Michael's forehead before swinging my stiff limbs off the bed and grabbing the robe from the floor. After walking out of the bathroom, I went downstairs to boil the kettle.
I yawned with a groan as I poured the hot water into the mug. It was about six-thirty in the morning. I couldn't sleep, my body was still a live wire but I did feel a bit tired. Maybe I was over tired... Is that how it works?
"Shit," I blinked down at the pool of coffee on the table and grabbed a few napkins. Damn, I really am tired.
I put the spoon in my mouth as I took the mug and moved into the study. The sun was just coming up but the trees were still dark. My free arm stretched into the air as I yawned once again, curling my spine and making sure not to spill my drink. Maybe I shouldn't be drinking coffee.
I stepped toward the door and opened it. I inhaled the cold air and welcomed the sharp chill into my lungs. The fresh air was wonderful right now. I had a chance to calm down a bit, clear my mind. After a glance around and a sip of my drink, I went to step inside but something white on the bottom step caught my attention. I frowned at it curiously before putting my cup on the table next to the door and walking down the steps.
I picked up the piece of paper and flipped it open:
"Merry Christmas, Evangeline."
I looked around before looking back down at the slanted and old style scrawl on the page. I smiled at it before placing it into the robe's pocket and walking back up the steps. I could only imagine what would happen if Michael found it instead of me. How Tate knew I would be out here was beyond me.
Unless...
I stopped and looked around again. And then I noticed the figure very deep within the trees. The blonde waved before disappearing. He was cutting it damn fine, that was for sure. If he stayed out any longer, he'd have burned to a crisp.
But I was grateful nonetheless.
I picked up my coffee with a smile and moved into the living room. I'd have to thank him and scold him next time I see him.
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Much love folks. Apologies for very late update.