A Christmas Whirlwind

Chapter 4

CLARISSA'S POV

The wind whips against my face as I cling to Landon's waist. My fingers grip him tighter than I probably need to. I've never been on a bike before, not even with the town's bikers. The sound of the engine beneath me feels both exhilarating and terrifying. My heart pounds at every sharp turn, but there's something oddly comforting about Landon's control. He handles the bike like it's a part of him, and as the ride continues, my nervousness begins to fade.

The scenery passes by—endless stretches of fields, the rundown barn, and the kind of open road that seems to stretch into forever. I almost relax, almost let myself enjoy the ride, until we slow down, pulling into the long driveway of the Smiths' house.

The house is huge with a front porch that wraps around the side and flower beds that look very well cared for. It's the kind of place that screams wealth and warmth at the same time.

Landon parks the bike and cuts the engine. The sudden silence is deafening compared to the roar of the ride. He swings his leg off effortlessly, turning back to me.

"You can let go now," he says in a teasing tone. "Unless you plan on staying attached."

I realize I'm still clutching his jacket and quickly release him, ignoring the heat rising to my face. "I wasn't scared," I mutter, climbing off awkwardly.

"Sure, you weren't," he says with a smirk that makes me want to smack him.

The front door opens before we even reach it, and Landon's parents burst out like they've been waiting all day. His mom practically flies down the steps and throws her arms around him.

"Landon!" she cries, kissing his cheeks. "My baby boy! You're finally here!"

"Mom, I'm not five," he says, rolling his eyes but not pulling away. His dad joins in, clapping Landon on the back with a grin.

"Good to see you, son," Mr. Smith says warmly. "Glad you made it in one piece."

Landon steps back, brushing off the affection like it's a nuisance, but I catch the soft smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. Miss me already?"

"Every day," his mom says, then notices me standing awkwardly to the side. Her face lights up. "Oh, Clarissa! Thank you so much for picking Landon up."

"It was no problem, Mrs. Smith," I say politely.

"Clarissa's a local," Mrs. Smith continues, turning to Landon. "She's been so helpful since we moved here. Isn't that right, dear?"

I nod, unsure how to respond. Landon raises an eyebrow at me, clearly amused.

"Well, now that Landon's here, you should show him around!" Mrs. Smith claps her hands together as if it's the best idea ever.

Simultaneously, Landon and I blurt out, "No."

We glance at each other in surprise, and for a moment, there's a charged silence. His jaw tightens, and I cross my arms defensively.

Mrs. Smith looks between us. "Please, Clarissa? He doesn't know the area yet, and it would mean so much to us."

I want to say no again, but the way she looks at me—like I'd be breaking her heart makes it impossible. I sigh. "Fine. I'll show him around."

"Great!" she says, beaming. "You two will have so much fun."

Landon smirks at me, and I shoot him a glare.

"This isn't for you," I mutter under my breath as we step inside.

The house smells like fresh bread and cinnamon, and it's so cozy . Landon's parents hover, offering us drinks and snacks, while Landon lounges on the couch like he owns the place.

"So, Clarissa," Landon says casually, "what's first on this grand tour of yours? The thrilling sights of the grocery store? Maybe the town's one traffic light?"

I roll my eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm not exactly thrilled to spend the day with you either."

"Good," he says, leaning back with a cocky grin. "At least we're on the same page."

Mrs. Smith walks in, again "Oh, this is going to be so much fun for you two! Landon, you're going to love this town once Clarissa shows you around."

I bite back a sarcastic comment and force a smile. "We'll see."

As much as I dread spending more time with Landon, I can't deny that there's something about him—something irritating and frustrating, but also undeniably intriguing.

Whatever this day brings, it's not going to be boring.

-

I stand there, arms crossed, glaring at Landon as he leans against his bike. He looks like the most self-centered, overbearing piece of s**t I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. It's not just the way he carries himself, with that stupid cocky grin plastered on his face, or how his sunglasses rest carelessly on the bridge of his nose, making him look even more gorgeous or the way strands of his tousled curly dark hair fall on his forehead—it's the fact that he acts like the entire world exists for his amusement.

"Are we doing this tour, or are you just going to stand there sulking all day?" he says.

I take a deep breath, clenching my fists at my sides. Keep calm, Clarissa, I tell myself, but then I remember his attitude since the airport, and something inside me snaps.

"You know what?" I say, stepping closer. "I don't care how popular you are, how many tours you've gone on, or how attractive you think you are. I. Don't. Like. You. At all. You're arrogant, entitled, and impossible to be around."

The words tumble out before I can stop them, and the second they're in the air, I want to slap my hand over my mouth.

Did I really just call him attractive? Heat floods my cheeks as Landon's smirk grows into a full-blown grin.

"Wait, wait, wait," he says, holding up a hand as if to stop me from continuing. "Go back a second. You think I'm attractive?"

"That's not the point," I snap, but my voice wavers, betraying my embarrassment.

"No, no, it's totally the point," he says as his grin gets wider. "Because for someone who claims they don't like me, you sure seem to notice a lot about me."

I curse myself silently, feeling my face burn hotter.

"You're crazy" I mutter, spinning on my heel to walk to his bike.

"And yet, here you are," he says, getting on it. "About to give me a tour of this exciting little town. What's next, the soda fountain? The hardware store?"

"Just get on the bike," I snap, trying to avoid looking at him.

If I meet his eyes, I'm sure I'll say something even more embarrassing.

-

The ride into town is tense. Landon doesn't say much, but I can feel his presence behind me aas we walk by in some places. Every so often, I glance back and catch him staring at the scenery, looking more at ease than I expected. For someone who clearly hates being here, he seems oddly fascinated by the rolling fields and quiet streets.

We stop first at Baker's General Store. I introduce him to Mr. Baker, a kind older man who greets Landon with a handshake.

"So, you're the celebrity in town now," Mr. Baker says with a laugh. "Don't get many of those around here."

Landon offers one of his charming smiles, the kind that's probably melted the hearts of a million fans. "Just trying to blend in,"

Next, we pass Sheriff Anderson, who tips his hat at us as we ride by. Landon nods in acknowledgment, but I catch his curious glance toward the sheriff's patrol car.

The whole time, people keep looking at me like I'm fragile, like I might break if they so much as breathe the wrong way. I know what they're thinking—everyone's heard about my breakup with Wally. It's like I'm wearing a sign that says dumped and humiliated, and I hate it. I hate the way their pitying looks make me feel small, like I should be ashamed.

I map out our route carefuly in my head, avoiding the streets and places where I might run into Janine or, God forbid, Wally himself. But as we near the park, I realize too late that we're heading straight for it.

"Stop," I say abruptly, tapping Landon's shoulder.

"What?" he calls over the roar of the engine.

"Take a different route. Now."

But he's stubborn, of course. Instead of listening, he slows the bike to a stop right at the park's entrance.

"What's the big deal?" he asks, taking off his helmet.

"We can't be here," I hiss.

I start to get nervous. My heart is pounding so loud that I'm sure he can hear it.

"Why not?"

Before I can answer, I see them—Wally, Janine, and half of the hockey squad, lounging on the park benches like they own the place. My stomach drops.

"Well, well, well," Janine's voice rings out"If it isn't Clarissa. Surprised to see you here. Thought you'd be hiding under a rock after everything."

The laughter from her entourage is loud. It hurts me but I keep my head low. I try to walk past without engaging. Landon, however, doesn't move.

"Not even going to say hi?" Janine taunts.

Wally walks closer to her and Janine hugs him, smiling evily. The sight of them together sends a fresh ache to my heart. I have to look down to stop the tears from falling.

Is it that easy for Wally to replace me? After everything?

Janine smile widens and she continues "Guess I've been right all along. You were never good enough for him. How could you be? You're a prude and an uptight b***h. You'll always be second best in everything"

The words hit like a slap, and I feel my world tilting. Her words hurt deeper than any knife ever could.

My vision blurs, and I want to sink into the ground. I want to disappear, to be anywhere but here.

Then, out of nowhere, a strong hand grabs mine. I'm pulled back, spinning into Landon's chest. Before I can process what's happening, his lips crash against mine.