Last Christmas (Private 0.60)

"What did you tell him?" "Relax." Thomas laughed. "Told him you didn't finish your paper in time, and you

couldn't get out of town tonight." He sat in front of the altar just a few steps below her and rubbed his hands

quickly over his thighs. "So tonight, you're all mine, naughty girl." Thomas sat down on a long wooden pew

and pulled her down next to him, all in one swift motion. His blue eyes flashed in the candlelight, and warmth

spread through Ariana's body like hot wax. I love you, she thought. Then almost laughed at herself. How

ridiculous-in love with Thomas Pearson. But she couldn't stop her heart from pounding. Couldn't stop her

hands from grasping his jacket and pulling him to her. Didn't want to be anywhere but right here with him in

this dark, cold place, even while the perfect boy waited for her at an exclusive resort with his wonderful

family and some elaborate gift undoubtedly hidden away in his luggage.

What was that, if not love?

Thomas cupped her face in both hands and kissed her, this time with less urgency. It was sweet, soft,

searching. As if he wanted to slowly take in every inch of her. Daniel had never kissed her like this. Never

made her feel beautiful like this. He was more mechanical, stiff. This kiss was warm. It was right. It was ...

perfect. Ariana relaxed into the moment, taking everything in. The hiss of the flickering candles, the snow

falling on the dilapidated roof... The sound of the chapel door, creaking open. Slamming shut. They were not

alone.

NEW

***Panic hard

ened in Ariana's veins. She'd given in to herself for once in her life, done what felt right just

one time, and she was about to get caught. What would her mother do when she found out Ariana had been

expelled? She wasn't strong enough for this, for the humiliation that would come. Ariana was sure of that.

Sure she'd be responsible for the aftermath. She jumped up and reached for her coat, which had somehow

made its way off her shoulders once again. "Don't stop on my account," a familiar voice called out.

Tentative relief spread through Ariana's body. Not a teacher. Not security. Thank God. She almost wanted to

cry.

"Tate!" Thomas barked, jumping up. 'You scared the shit out of us!"

Eli Tate, Thomas's former roommate, ambled down the aisle in dark jeans and a hoodie, a crooked grin

plastered on his face. Even though Eli lived just a couple towns over in Connecticut, he hadn't been back to

campus since his expulsion. "Pearson!" Eli clasped hands with Thomas. "What's up, loser?" He laughed.

"Miss me?" He nodded in Ariana's direction. "Hey."