“You are so schmexy,” I said to Simeon as I flicked his nose with my finger. I sat down on his lap and wrapped my arms around his neck. For some reason, I was feeling a lot drunker than I should have been.
“And I think you are very drunk, Miss Johnson.”
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes. The problem with that was I felt dizzy so had to open them back up. “I’m not...not...not drunk,” I finally stuttered.
“Merry Christmas!” someone shouted. Everyone erupted with cheers as I gazed into Simeon’s eyes. They were Stephen’s eyes.
“Merry Christmas, Stephen,” I slurred before I crushed my lips to his. At first, his body was rigid and I wondered why on earth he would not want to reciprocate. But, pretty soon, he relaxed as he rolled his tongue into my mouth and cupped the back of my head.
“Hey...hey!” a voice I recognised tried to pull me out of my bliss. I slapped my hand behind me to get the person to stop, then I felt a tug on my arm.
“Cassie, that’s enough now. Stop swallowing Simeon up,” someone growled into my ear.
With my thoughts clearing, I let go of Stephen’s mouth and looked behind me. “What are you talking about, Uncle Billy? This is Stephen.”
Shaking his head, he bent down to whisper in my ear, “It’s not Stephen, sweetie. It’s Simeon.” I looked at him, confused. What was he talking about?
Snapping his head away from me, he looked over at Stephen. “I think she’s had enough to drink. Maybe I should take her home.”
“It’s fine. I’ll take her home. I promise I’ll take good care of her,” Stephen said back.
Unsure, Billy frowned. Stephen grabbed his hand. “You enjoy your evening. I swear I’ll look after her.”
Billy nodded, pulling me off Stephen’s lap. “Merry Christmas, Uncle Billy.”
I snuggled into his chest and breathed in his sweet smell. After a moment, he pulled me away and cupped my face. “Are you going to be okay?”
I frowned. “Of course I’m going to be okay. I have Stephen with me now, don’t I?”
Billy smiled and kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow at one. Make sure you’ve sobered up by then.”
Waving my hand, I shook my head. “I’m fine. I’m not drunk.” I staggered a little and fell back into Stephen’s arms, giggling. What was wrong with me?
“I’m going to take her home. I’ve already called a taxi.”
Billy nodded. “Thank you. I think that is best.”
Picking me up in his arms, Stephen carried me towards the door. “Good night, Billy. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas!” both Billy and Clayton shouted as the door closed behind us.
The sudden surge of cold hit me more than I thought it would. “Don’t worry. I got you,” the familiar voice said.
I embraced the words, smiling. “You’ve always got me, silly. You were always there for me, even when we were little.”
Snuggling my head in his chest, I breathed in his scent. “What are you talking about, Cassie? We’ve only known each other a few weeks.”
Pulling my head back, I frowned at him. Was he joking? What was wrong with him? “Stop being silly, Alexander.” His head reared back in shock. I smiled and cupped his face, searching his eyes. “You found me, Alexander. I thought you would never come. You promised and you found me.” Sighing, I closed my eyes and snuggled into his arms again. Sleep seemed to come over me like a tidal wave. “You hurt me though, Alexander. You hurt me,” I whispered, my head feeling lighter and lighter.
In the distance, I heard the sound of a car pulling over. “She’s not going to be sick, is she?” a voice said in frustration.
“Of course not!” Stephen snapped. “We’re only going five minutes down the road.” I heard the car door shut.
“If she hurls, I’ll charge you double,” the voice muttered under his breath.
I felt Stephen sigh beneath me, but he didn’t say anything. I could hear the muffled sounds of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday playing on the radio as I snuggled into his chest. The euphoria I felt was overwhelming me. I was in his arms and it felt wonderful.
After a couple minutes, the taxi came to a stop as Stephen slid over to open the door. “See, I told you she wouldn’t be sick.” He handed money over the man and muttered, “And Merry Christmas to you, too.”
Giggling, I pulled my hand up to his face and rubbed his stubbly cheek. “You’re funny, Stephen.”
He shook his head. “Where’s your key?” he asked.
“Why? Do you want to get me into bed?” Throwing my head back, I giggled.