by Brooke Page
“I’m sorry,” he mumbled as I wrapped my hand around his bicep.
“Tyler, its fine. The only thing that matters to me is being able to spend New Year’s with you and being able to kiss you at midnight.”
Tyler bit his lip, his eyes going from annoyance to that dangerously smoldering look. “I hope to get more than just a kiss at midnight.”
Chapter 21
“Shall we start with Waterfall?” Jamie said, walking out of her bedroom holding a deck of cards.
“What the hell is that?” Nathan asked, pulling out all of the liquor from one of the cabinets.
Jamie smirked then shot her eyes my way. “I think we need to show these boys how to play.”
“Sounds good to me,” I said, walking over to where Tyler was sitting. The secret to playing drinking games with Jamie was to take very small sips and water down your drinks, otherwise you’d be passed out within the hour.
“Okay, each card represents something. The ace means waterfall, aka, the bastard card. Whenever you draw an ace you have to drink around in a circle and not stop until the person next to you stops,” Jamie said, sitting down at the dining table and spreading out the cards.
“How do you win?” Nathan asked.
Jamie blinked. “I don’t know.”
“Well that is a stupid game then. Let’s just play Euchre,” Nathan said taking a seat across from Jamie.
Jamie raised a brow at him. “What? Think you can’t handle it?” she coaxed.
Nathan laughed. “Fine, we will play your little game.”
Tyler and I looked at each other, enjoying Nathan and Jamie’s bickering. Jamie announced the rest of the rules and we began to take turns.
Small sips, I kept reminding myself. I really wanted a do-over of Christmas night, but this time with no distractions from old skanky nannies.
We finished the game, and everyone had hazy eyes. We laughed and joked, enjoying each other’s company. We put on the TV, watching the New Year’s Eve specials periodically and continued mingling and playing games with each other. We were going to start Euchre next. Jamie thought we were all crazy and didn’t understand our northerner game.
“Becca taught me this crazy game at FSU. It took me at least a year to completely understand how to play,” Jamie said while refilling her drink.
“No one can beat Tyler and me at Euchre. It’s impossible,” Nathan said with a cocky grin. Tyler returned his smirk. He was very relaxed, his eyes half closed. He was feeling pretty good after Waterfall and took some big gulps of his Jack and coke.
“Nathan’s right,” Tyler said. “We are the masters.”
“I think these boys need to learn a lesson, Becs,” Jamie said, her competitive ego making its appearance.
I giggled and said, “Bring it on Conklin boys.”
“I think you need me to help you make another drink before we get started,” Tyler said, slowly standing and holding his hand out to me. I graciously took it, matching the spark that was in his eyes. He drug me to the kitchen, and as soon as we turned the corner, he pulled me into his arms and started kissing me.
I giggled against his lips, enjoying the tingling sensation and the lazy kisses Tyler planted on my mouth, his tongue darting out to lick my lips. He was pushing me backward, and I hit the kitchen wall closest to our bedroom.
Thud.
I froze. My mind wasn’t foggy enough to forget that awful noise. It was like a burn hit my back as I immediately stopped kissing Tyler. His lips kept moving but then he slowly leaned back, his eyes focusing on my expression.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing,” I said quickly, unwrapping my arms from him and ducking out of his embrace to go refill my drink. Tyler followed me, placing his hands back on my hips, kissing my shoulders and neck. It felt nice, but it felt a hell of a lot nicer when I didn’t have Margo lurking in the back of my head.
“Ty” I said, trying to nudge him off.
He groaned under his breath as I turned to face him. His head was cocked to the side, eyebrows relaxed with a small smile playing on his mouth.
“I have to get back in there and beat you and your brother at Euchre,” I said, not wanting to be alone with him while I couldn’t get the thought of him pinning Margo to the kitchen table and fucking her senseless out of my mind.
His mischievous grin spread across his face as he leaned into me, his breath hot in my ear. “Oh baby doll, you have no idea what you are getting into,” he said, his voice raspy and sexy. Shivers went down my spine and throughout my body, and all thoughts of that bitch Margo went out the window.
I looked up at him and brought my lips to his. “I think I’m going to be saying that to you once the ball drops.”
He took a sharp breath and kissed me, moving his hands all along my body.
“Quit sucking face and get out here,” I heard Jamie shout from the dining area. Tyler kept kissing me and I giggled more, prying his body from mine.
He gave me a huge smile as I poured my drink, still letting his hands wander all over my body but from behind.
I quickly grabbed my drink and headed into the dining room, Tyler hot on my tail. He smacked my ass just as I was going to sit down, Jamie and Nathan got the full glimpse as I yelped.
“Tyler!” I whined, rubbing my ass then taking a seat.
He just grinned as he sat down, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Holy shit, how drunk are you?” Nathan asked Tyler.
Tyler shook his head at Nathan as though he was crazy then picked up his cards.
“I thought you said he was a gentle lover?” Jamie snickered then covered her mouth the second she realized what she had said. My face went red with embarrassment as Nathan let out a howl.
“Tyler, you’ve really gone soft,” Nathan mocked.
Tyler licked his lips and looked at me questioningly. “I thought you liked it gentle?” His mouth twitched as though he were hiding a smile when he asked.
Nathan laughed harder as I hid my face.
“Both of you shut up and forget I said anything,” Jamie said apologetically. “Now prepare to get your asses kicked!”
Unfortunately, they beat our asses three games in a row. Jamie was irritated as hell, and Nathan kept her in his palm, taunting her and pulling her along as though she were on his string, completely getting under her skin.
“You are a cheating asshole. Every time you deal, a bower shows up!” she fumed at Nathan.
Nathan shrugged his shoulders, letting out a small laugh. “I always ask you to cut, not my fault you never do it,” he teased back.
Jamie furrowed her brows and huffed, standing from her seat and stomping off into the kitchen to refill her drink.
Tyler and I laughed at her then stood up to go into the living room. We had a half hour before the ball would drop.
Tyler took a seat on the floor, leaning his back against the couch. He was still feeling really good but wasn’t too sloppy… yet.
“This is so much fun. I’m kind of glad Nathan screwed up the driving reservations. We never would have had this much fun at the club, no matter how nice it probably is,” Jamie said, filling her glass with wine. I couldn’t tell you how many bottles she had gone through. I was mixing mine with water now, and she gave me shit. I had a nice buzz going, and I didn’t want to be horribly hung over tomorrow.
“Yeah I’m glad we stayed in too,” I said, my eyes on Tyler’s relaxed body.
“You better nail him good soon, or else you are going to be flying solo,” she chided, pointing her finger at Tyler. I smiled at her. He was relaxed and having a good time, and even though I wanted to jump him practically every second I was near him, I would be okay if we just laid next to each other tonight. We were having an awesome time with friends, and everything felt right.
Tyler was intently looking at his phone as we walked back into the living room. He shook his head and threw it off to the side, slowly raising his head to me. A sly grin spread acros
s his face as he took his fresh drink from my hand. I went to sit on the couch behind him, but let out a shriek when he pulled me down on his lap. Very aware of the short dress I was wearing, I tugged on the hem with one hand and tried to hold my drink steady with the other.
“Tyler!” I scolded, smacking him on the knee with my free hand once my dress was appropriately covering my body, at least to the best it could.
Tyler practically snorted causing me to laugh. “I think we should do it like this,” he murmured into my ear, although it wasn’t quiet and his words had a hint of a slur. I’m sure Jamie and Nathan heard him.
My face went red as I felt him underneath me then even redder when he moved his hips upward.
“Tyler, stop!” I said between my teeth, hitting his knee again. He snorted drunkenly again then began to kiss my neck.
“God, Tyler. What the hell has happened to you? There is a fucking room 20 feet away,” Nathan said. He was sitting down on the opposite side of the couch, and Jamie sprawled herself along the rest of the cushions, placing her head on his lap. Nathan didn’t move or flinch when she did, but simply kept his arm around the back of the couch and his other arm on the rest holding his drink.
Tyler pulled his head back and gazed at me. “I fell in love,” he said slowly, his eyes almost closing. I smiled at him and set my drink down, wrapping my arms around his neck while still sitting in his lap.
“I can tell,” Nathan chuckled. “But please save the pelvic thrusting for the bedroom, or pools, hot tubs, showers, walls… as long as I’m not in the same room.”
Walls. Why did he have to say walls? I loosened my arms around Tyler’s neck, and he didn’t seem to think anything of it.
“Uh… I don’t know if I can make it until the ball drops,” Jamie said with a yawn.
“I thought you could keep up?” Nathan teased Jamie, gently tapping her shoulder.
She giggled with her eyes closed. “I guess this is what happens when I hang out with old men,” she playfully fought back.
“What-ever…” Nathan exaggerated, shaking his head back and forth.
I noticed he started to play with her hair absent-mindedly as he took another sip of his drink. It was odd. It was affectionate, but didn’t seem sexual. I would have to ask Jamie about their relationship. She sighed, tilting her head to the side to look over at Tyler and me.
“Want to play I Have Never?” Jamie asked.
It was my turn to snort. “Jamie, you always lose at that game.”
She shrugged her shoulders, moving her hand to gently touch Nathan’s knee while she still laid on her back with her head rested in his lap. Now I knew why she wanted to play. It was my turn to help Jamie out.
“Okay. Do you know how to play?” I turned to ask Tyler. Maybe I could get some roundabout answers out of him during this game as well.
He nodded his head, his eyes almost closed as he kept his head rested on the couch. I went to sit on the floor next to him, but his grip around my waist tightened.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said even slower than the last sentence.
I shook my head at him then kissed his nose. A slight smile crept on his face, and I could feel him under my lap again. I couldn’t help but grin. He must have been thinking about something naughty.
“Is this another stupid game?” Nathan sighed.
Jamie hit his knee again. “Yes, but it’s fun. Shut up and play.”
Nathan gave her hair a gentle tug and Jamie half growled, half moaned.
Oh boy…
“Becs you start,” she sighed, resituated and completely placing her hand on Nathan, but instead of on his knee it was high up his thigh.
I smiled and raised my hands so I was holding up all my fingers. I nudged Tyler, causing him to jolt, but then open his eyes and raise his hands as well along with everyone else.
“I have never kissed someone for the first time on New Year’s Eve,” I said simply.
“And if I have?” Nathan asked.
“Then you have to put a finger down,” Jamie said.
Jamie and Nathan both put a finger down.
“Okay, me next. I have never had sex on New Year’s Eve,” Jamie confessed.
I jerked my head her way. “You haven’t?” I said in shock.
“What? I’m not a complete whore. Thanks Becca,” she snorted.
Tyler, Nathan, and I all put a finger down.
“Okay, my turn,” Nathan groaned. “I have never gotten a speeding ticket.”
“That is,” Jamie started, “the lamest I have never question ever.”
“You’re just pissed you have to put your finger down,” Nathan mocked.
Tyler and I laughed while Jamie huffed and put down another finger.
Now it was Tyler’s turn. What was he going to ask?
“I have never been to Aruba,” Tyler said.
“Seriously?” Jamie groaned, sitting up. “You two are so boring. It’s my turn. I have never slept with more than one person in 24 hours.”
Both Tyler and Nathan put a finger down.
I internally gasped. What the hell? My fears about Margo were returning. Did he fuck her on Christmas after he had made love to me the same morning?
“Your turn Bec,” Jamie said smirking. “Sorry I skipped you.”
I gulped, trying to refocus. “Um… I have never… had a threesome.”
“Isn’t that the same as the last question?” Nathan asked, looking puzzled.
Jamie laughed. “Nope.”
Nathan huffed and put a finger down. I kept my eyes on Tyler’s hand and was thankful no fingers were put down.
“Oh come on, you really haven’t?” Nathan said looking at Jamie.
“No, thanks for thinking so highly of me,” she pouted. She was sitting upright now, very close to Nathan.
“I have one,” Tyler chimed in. “I have never had sex on the beach.”
“Fuck this game. This is stupid,” Nathan grumbled, jumping off the couch and going back to the kitchen to get another drink.
Tyler laughed. “He just doesn’t like this game because he is losing.” Tyler gently moved me off his lap to get up and go to the kitchen, probably to refill his drink as well.
When he stood up, he stumbled into the couch bumping it back into the wall, making that God damn thud noise again.
I closed my eyes, the alcohol swarming my brain, flickering images of Tyler and Margo in every position possible. I didn’t want to know, but the liquor burned my throat and was tugging on my tongue, begging me to get to the bottom of what that thud noise was on Christmas.
The guys came back with their usual drinks, but also had glasses of champagne in their hands. I was amazed they didn’t spill either, especially Tyler. He was almost to the swaying point.
He held his hand out to me after setting down his drink and our champagne on the end table. I took it, and we both stumbled. My heart was heavy as he pulled me into his embrace. He was too out of it to realize something was wrong, and I hadn’t decided if that was good or bad.
“I’m so happy I have you,” he mumbled into my hair as we swayed. The TV started counting down, and the rest of us quickly followed, grabbing our champagne and holding our glasses in the air.
Once we reached one, Tyler kissed me, trying to plunge his tongue in my mouth, but I quickly pulled away to take a drink of the champagne. It was bubbly and burned my throat. My eyes were as dry as my throat, and tears were going to be created soon.
When I turned my head, I saw Jamie kiss Nathan’s cheek as he was howling happy new year. Nathan was swaying worse than Tyler, and I was sure Jamie was going to have her way with him in a matter of moments.
Tyler downed his champagne then the rest of his other drink. He set both glasses on the end table and squeezed me, his mouth finding my neck. I could hardly stand it. All I could picture was him doing the same with Margo.
With a heavy lump forming in my throat, I managed to croak out, “I’m tired. I’m going to go to bed.”<
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I broke from Tyler’s grip and continued on to our bedroom. I could sense him right behind me then felt his hands on my hips. I blinked slowly, knowing I wouldn’t be able to keep the word vomit from coming up my throat.
The second we entered our room, Tyler, to my surprise, flipped me around and lifted me with ease. He hungrily kissed me with everything he had, his fingers digging into my hips where his hands had hiked up my dress. He moaned into my mouth as he ran us into the back wall.
Thud.
I lost it.
I let out a large gasp into his mouth, tears flowing from my eyes and down my cheeks, hitting his mouth on their way to the floor.
Tyler forced his head back, his body still pinned against mine as loud uncontrollable sobs escaped my mouth. My body was trembling from fear of the unknown.
“Baby what’s wrong? Shit, did I hurt you?” he asked overly concerned, his hands still holding the backs of my thighs while his eyes were trying to focus.
“What… did…” I was hiccuping and taking short breaths. “What did you do with… her.”
I was crying uncontrollably now.
“What?” he gasped in confusion. “Do with who? What are you talking about Becs?”
My body convulsed as I tried to spit out the words. “On Christmas… I heard...I heard thuds. Like you hit her against a wall.”
He dropped me down to my feet, but I collapsed to the ground, hugging my knees. Tyler fell as fast as I did, his hands finding my face, forcing me to look at him. He was trying so hard to focus.
“No… NO!” He almost shouted, rapidly shaking his head back and forth.
I cried even harder, my vision blurry from my tears and the alcohol.
“Do you really think I would fuck her when the woman I loved was waiting for me just down the hall?”
“Then what was that sound?” I bawled.
Tyler leaned his forehead against mine, breathing heavier than I had ever heard him.
“She pushed me,” he said quietly, holding my head firmly in place. “She tried to goad me to come after her like she always did.”
Thud number one replayed in my mind. I cried harder. Here it comes. He was going to tell me how he fucked her.
