Clipped by Love (Bellevue Bullies 2)

Markus: No really, I thought he was gonna cut my balls off.

Me: Probably cuz you were laughing like a hyena.

Me: Don’t worry. I have it under control.

Markus: All right.

Markus: Also, I don’t laugh like a hyena.

When he looks at me, I give him a look that says otherwise and he just rolls his eyes. Turning our attention back to the movie, I cuddle into the couch and remind myself that I got this.

It’s all under control.

After three more Christmas movies and even more eggnog, I decide to take a nap when Markus sits up and looks over at me.

“Hey, Jace invited me over for dinner. You guys aren’t cooking, right?”

Scoffing, I shake my head and swallow my jealousy. “No, I don’t cook and neither does Sir Drink-A-Lot over there.”

“Hey! It’s the holidays,” Dad protests, and I nod my head.

“Sure, Dad, perfect reason,” I tease, and he glares over at me before looking to Markus. “Go if ya want, buddy, we’re gonna be lying around.”

“Do you guys want to go? He invited all of us.”

I look over at Dad, hoping to sweet baby Jesus he says yes, but he shakes his head. “I’m gonna drink another beer and then crash.”

Letting my shoulders fall, I look back at the TV because that’s probably what I’m gonna do, minus the beer.

“Oh, okay. Baylor?” Markus asks me then.

I look up to decline because I’m not leaving my dad, but before I can answer, Dad says, “Yeah, Bay, go. Have fun if ya like.”

Looking back at him, I say, “Are you sure?”

He waves me off. “Sure, I’m gonna be out soon. A home-cooked meal will be good for you.”

“Sure,” I say with a shrug. “But I don’t want to leave you.”

“Eh, I’ll be good. Go,” he says, waving me off, and I stare at him for a long moment, waiting for him to change his mind, but he doesn’t.

“Okay, I’m gonna go,” I say slowly and he nods.

“Good,” is his decision as I watch for any signs that he isn’t okay with it.

When I see none, I get up and throw the blanket on the back of the couch

“Give me a few. I gotta get ready.”

“Get ready? Just throw a jacket on. I doubt they’ll care,” Dad says as I pass by, but I shake my head.

“Their mom is there, Dad. I gotta look nice.”

But I’m sure Markus knows the real reason.

I have to look good for Jayden.

As I rush to my room, I type Markus quickly.