The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

Chapter 18 - Theo

With heat rushing to my cheeks, so humiliated by the whole situation, I was needing to get out of the room. I was rushing for the door, when Autumn took me by surprise and all but pinned me to the door. Her shove was notably lighter this time, perhaps fearful she may knock me to the floor again. Who knows? But, I was taken by her beautiful big brown eyes looking up at me, and despite her acting with confidence, I could see fear… panic hiding within them. But before I could say or do anything, her lips were upon mine. The briefest of touches. And my whole body sagged in surrender. This girl was perfect...

I was just about to pull her closer to me, to continue the kiss, when she stepped away, an awfully seductive smile upon her face as she whispered. “Just so you know, you did nothing wrong, and that you weren’t the only one wanting it…”

My head was in a serious spin. And it was safe to say I was more than a little confused right now. She was saying she wanted it too? That hard shove to my chest says otherwise… but the need to continue that kiss now was overwhelming. Autumn had said she wanted it… hell, she had just kissed me… pinned me to the door in order to show me she wanted it! Who was I to fight that?

I grabbed her hand, and pulled her to me, my hands snaking around her slim waist, “Are you sure?” I mumbled, lowering my face to hers. Hoping she wouldn't suddenly see sense and tell me she wasn't sure.

She looked up at me with the biggest of smiles, her face so incredibly beautiful when it lit up with her smile. “I hoped that might have shown you.”

“It seemed somewhat out of character.” I explained, so desperate to continue the kisses, but loving the feel of her close to me, and her body within my embrace.

“That is because it is out of character.” She whispered into my ear, the warmth of her breath sending a shiver across my skin. “But maybe you make me act out of character? And, I wanted to show you. Plus, I was a little curious…”

I tilted my head to look at her, she had piqued my curiosity now. “Curious about?”

“What it felt like kissing you.” she admitted, chewing her lower lip, looking a little embarrassed to be admitting that, all the while looking incredibly adorable.

I chuckled. “Regretted sending me tumbling off the bed then?” I teased, before I could wait no longer and allowed my lips to find hers, softly grazing them with mine. “I guess I should show you how it feels to kiss me then. And I mean really kiss me…” My lips found hers again, this time with an urgency that had been building since earlier…

Autumn’s hand ran up to my hair, tugging at the length of it, as she surrendered to my kisses, our tongues finding one another, in a kiss so good I swear my legs were going weak… this girl was something else…

Our kisses deepened, as I found myself pushed up against the door again, Autumn, kissing me with a hunger that took me by surprise… but I was not about to complain. I had wanted this girl since the moment I had set eyes upon her, and she had shown enthusiasm over my job… there was just something about her…. She gently nibbled upon my lower lip, as I ran my hand through her mane of dark curls… my mind over-run with the things I wanted to do to her…

My phone buzzed once again within my pocket, and Autumn pulled away, the two of us breathless. “Will that be your Mum?” she whispered, looking a little uncomfortable. “Maybe she is wondering where you are?”

More than likely… I shrugged. I knew where I would rather be… but the phone continued.

“Maybe you should reply.” Autumn urged. I felt my shoulders sag in disappointment. Nothing like ruining a moment was there? A part of me feared as soon as this moment was broken that Autumn would realize I was not the sort of guy that was suitable for a girl like her. Not the sort of guy a daughter of the Andersons would be with… and that she would be back to being awkwardly polite, or full on avoiding me. But, I did as she suggested and pulled the phone from my pocket.

Mum was calling now. “Hello?”

“Where are you? We have been looking all over for you, Theo. Even your room, but you just aren’t there.” Damn, there went my excuse then…

“I went for a walk. Also, I ran into Autumn, and wanted to check she was okay, as her Mum seemed to upset her.” I lied a little, and Autumn’s eyes met mine, filled with concern. I knew she would be thinking of the consequences or potential for gossip. Though more than likely she would be thinking of the likelihood of issues from her family…

“Oh, dear, they do seem to clash quite often. Always have done, but Autumn is so different to Annabel. Anyway, are you heading back? We are waiting for you? And food is being served soon. If you see Autumn again, her father was looking for her.” Mum’s voice was clear enough for Autumn to hear her despite my phone not even being on the loudspeaker, and I saw her face fall. This was not what she needed to hear. If she did want to spend time with her family, I truly did not understand why she had ever agreed to come home. If I was her, I would not have done it.

It wasn’t what I wanted to hear either, because I knew it meant heading back down to spend time with them all. Act like there was nothing between Autumn and me, and have to tolerate them treating her so terribly.

I looked towards Autumn with a sad smile. “Right, I will head down Mum. I won’t be long, and if I see Autumn I will let her know, okay?” I hung up, tossing my phone to the bed, only to find Autumn giving me a defeated look.

“Well, back to the fun, then?” she said with a shrug, adjusting her hair.

“I will be there.” I reminded her. “So you won't be alone.” already planning to be by her side when we returned to the party. I enjoyed Autumn's company and saw nothing wrong with spending time with her whilst here.

“I have been told not to over-socialize with you, Theo. So, not quite true. Maybe this was a bad idea…”

And as she spoke those words my insides twisted with an ache that took me by surprise. Seemed my worst imaginable outcome was happening, whether I wanted it to or not…