Rewriting History

“I don’t know, man. It’s all great until I think about how people are going to see us.” I lace my hands behind my head and sigh.

Danny shrugs. “Who cares what people think? Is it people you’re worried about, or your dad?”

“Both. This whole thing is all kinds of fucked up, but I’m in too deep to do anything about it.” I pause. “I don’t want to do anything about it. But at the same time, I feel like a first-class creep.”

“But you like this girl, right? And she obviously sees something in you.”

“She’s beautiful, Danny, and so fucking sexy. And I can actually talk to her. I mean, she loves history, for God’s sake. What female loves fucking history?” I laugh.

“Wow. Jesus, dude. I never thought I’d see the day you settle on a chick. She certainly sounds like a keeper,” he says.

I smile, because he sounds genuinely happy for me. “I just can’t help feeling I’m no better than Dad,” I groan. “His infidelity with a student ruined my mom’s life. I still hate him for that, but here I am, following in his footsteps by sleeping with a student.”

“The big difference is you’re not in a committed relationship with anyone else,” Danny points out. “Your dad was.”

“True. I don’t know.” I shake my head and stare at the ceiling. “It’s not just that . . . Now that he’s sick, I feel guilty for not being a better son.”

“So forgive him.” He shrugs again. “Move on, but do it for you. Let yourself break free from whatever it is you feel.”

Chapter Thirteen

Jill

It’s after twelve when he picks me up around the corner from my house for our midweek getaway. Mom isn’t home, but the last thing I need is Jamie sticking his nose in. I slide in the passenger seat and lean over to kiss him. He reciprocates, but I can’t help feel as if he’s distracted.

The flight from Denver to LA is a little less than two hours. Walking through the airport, I’m excited, because this is my first trip away with a boyfriend. Holding Eli’s hand, I can’t help but feel older than I am. Next to him, I don’t feel eighteen. Our age difference doesn’t seem to matter when we are together. I smile at the thought that perhaps we will make it, regardless of the years between us.

By the time we arrive at the accommodation, I’m feeling a little deflated. We didn’t speak much on the plane and he seemed far away, deep in thought. My mind isn’t on the grand reception where we collected the keys or the small lodge where we will be spending the next two days, and I’m pretty sure his isn’t either.

“Would you like glass of wine?” he asks as he’s setting the bags on the bed.

“I’d love one.” I grin. “Are you going to have one too?”

He nods and sets off to get the drinks while I look around the lodge. It’s an open-plan timber room with a huge king-size bed, complete with a big, fluffy duvet and a mountain of pillows piled high in the center. A large shower with dual showerheads waits for us in the far corner, and I know the wooly rug in front the cozy fireplace is where I’ll be spending the evening. Hopefully naked and on top of Eli.

Walking out the door onto the balcony to take in the beautiful view of the lake, I light up when I see a hot tub in the corner along with a daybed. Now the real fun begins. I smile as I imagine us lying in the hot tub, staring up at the stars.

Eli walks up behind me. I

turn around just as he places a cheese platter, along with our wine, on the table.

“Complements of the house.” He smiles, handing me my glass.

“This is absolutely breathtaking.” I say, reaching for a cracker and some cheese. I feel so spoiled. “Thank you so much for bringing me here.”

“You’re welcome. I wanted to give you an amazing birthday,” he replies. “Plus I figured this would be something we could both enjoy.” He laughs as I nudge him with my elbow. “I didn’t mean it like that. Not that I’d say no to that, but I love spending time with you.”

We spend a few moments sipping on the wine in silence and looking at the stunning lake. I can make out the tiny shadows of people walking along the rocky bank. Huge trees billow into the sky, creating a beautiful, romantic feel.

“I wish we could stay forever. There are no limitations here.” My voice is soft as I turn my head to look at him.

“You have no idea how much I would love that,” he responds, sighing. “But you need to finish school first, and then we can talk about where we want to go.” At least he is contemplating a future with me.

Eli takes my wine from my hand and puts both glasses on the table. He stands behind me and brushes the hair away from my neck. I shiver as his breath hits my bare skin, goose bumps prickling the surface. I close my eyes as he kisses along the length of my neck, the softness of his tongue making my skin tingle.

“Your skin’s so soft,” he whispers as his hands work their way under my shirt at the front.

Leaning back, I loop my hands around behind his head as he tilts my head to the side, pressing his mouth against mine. God, he’s so fucking kissable.