Page 31 of Sexploitation

I groan, pulling the covers over my head. “I didn’t give you a key so you could show up unannounced and uninvited.”

“Oh... don’t be such a Grinch. It’s Christmas.”

“No... it’s winter break. And I’d like to be left alone so I can hibernate in peace.”

“Come on,” she whines, pulling the covers away as she sits on the bed. “You shouldn’t be alone on Christmas.”

My eyes roam across the room to the white Christmas tree Elias bought me as I sit up, the colorful lights shining brightly. Josie must’ve plugged it back up when she came in. I’ve never had my own Christmas tree before. Never really saw the point. But I love that stupid fucking thing. Even the silly peach ornaments Elias picked out for me.

Peaches for my Peach.

“Bah humbug.” I huff, shifting my gaze back to her when my chest starts to ache. “Why does everyone seem to care so much about how I spend Christmas? It’s just another day.”

Fucking Christmas. That’s what started this whole goddamn thing, Elias wanting me to spend Christmas with him and his family.

She sighs, pity filling her eyes. “I’m getting concerned. You’ve been in bed for days now. Why don’t you come with me and August to Milo’s tonight? May and June are coming too. We can play some games and eat all the things. It will be fun.”

“Well, Dr. Seuss... as much as I would like to be a part of that, I think I’m going to pass. My head is killing me, and my whole body is tired. One of my students must’ve gifted me with some kind of cold.”

Josie purses her lips and places a cold hand on my forehead, her head shaking as she removes it. “You’re not sick. I think you’re depressed.”

“Depressed?” I huff out a laugh. “No. My body is just feeling a little rundown. I’ll be good as new in a few days.”

“You can talk to me, you know.” She grabs one of my hands, squeezing. “I’m your best friend. You helped me when my heart was broken. I just want to do the same for you.”

“Well... you don’t need to worry about me.” I get out of bed and stretch my limbs, trying to ease the growing tension in them. “Because my heart isn’t broken.”

“Parker, come on, you have feelings for Elias. Anyone can see that. I mean, look...” She gestures toward me with a wave of her hand. “You’re wearing his shirt right now. You wouldn’t be doing that if you didn’t miss him.”

My stomach knots as I look down at myself. I forgot I’d thrown on Elias’s flannel last night after hours of tossing and turning.

“I told you before, it’s comfortable. That’s all.”

Her features bunch, her lips smacking. “It’s not too late. You could still fix this thing with Elias. He’s a good guy, Parker. And he’s crazy about you.”

I’m fucking crazy about you, Peach. And I’ve tried to be understanding, tried to be the man you needed me to be. But I won’t keep chasing you. I can’t. If you walk out that door right now, I’m done.

She’s definitely wrong about that one. It is too late. Even if I wanted to try tofix thingswith Elias, he made it clear that he was done.

“It’s not happening. Will you please just drop it?”

“Fine.” She lets out a long, dramatic sigh. “But I’m not leaving until you get your smelly ass in the shower. And you’re coming to Milo’s tonight. I’m not going to take no for an answer.”

Elias

A box goes flyingas I trip over it, nearly causing me to drop the case of bottles I’m carrying. “God fucking damnit. Who the hell left a box in the middle of the goddamn floor?”

“Shit! Sorry, Boss.” Darren scurries to pick up the box before quickly making himself scarce.

“Is grumpy bear back permanently?” Krista asks, her brow lifting when I hit her with a hard glare. “Cause I got to say, I’m really missing the happy-go-lucky Elias. He was great.”

“Fuck off,” I grit, setting the box on the bar. “I’m stressed. There’s still a lot to do to make sure we’re ready for this goddamn New Year’s Eve party tonight. And apparently, Darren is trying to kill me.”

“Probably because you’re running around screaming and cursing at everyone all the time.”

“Bite me.” A smile tugs at my lips. “I haven’t been that bad.”

“Dude, you’ve been on the warpath lately. Why don’t you just tell me what’s eating at you so I can help you pull that stick out of your ass?”