Last Christmas (Private 0.60)

"I told them we'd make it work long-distance, and that you'd probably spend most weekends up in

Cambridge." He paused, searching her face. "I told them I loved you."

Weekends in Cambridge? They'd never discussed how they would handle next year. She already had a plan

for next year, and it didn't involve Daniel.

"I love you, too." The words sounded cold, mechanical, coming from her mouth. But Daniel didn't seem to

notice.

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"Then it's settled," he said smugly. Vomit. Barf. Heave.

Ariana imagined Thomas laughing at her inner dialogue and tried not to smile.

"Oh. And I also told my parents that you were unbelievable in bed," he said, deadpan. "In fact, maybe we

should head back to my bed right now. It so needs to be christened."

Already taken care of, Ariana thought wryly. Thomas would have loved it if she said that out loud.

"What do you think?" Daniel asked.

"Daniel!" she hissed, feigning offense.

"Sorry. Couldn't resist," he said with a wolfish smile.

Ariana clucked her tongue and shook her head, which was exactly what the old her would have done. What

she really wanted to do was tell him she knew all about his conquest list and smack him across the face. But

she couldn't. Not yet. Instead, she watched him over the top of her menu as he looked around for a waitress.

Daniel was such an idiot. He believed that she loved him, and that she'd still been a virgin when she'd slept

with him over break. Having sex with him had put her in control, and he didn't even know it. He was the

naive one. Not her.

"Does anybody work here?" he said to Ariana. He sighed in frustration. "Doesn't matter. I'll be right back and

then we can order."

He slid out of the booth and ambled over to the restroom. Ariana watched him go with a smirk. She loved

being in control.

She felt someone lingering next to the booth, and she glanced up to see a tall, pretty brunette staring down at

her.

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"Hi. I'll have a small salad and a tea, but I'm not sure what he wants," Ariana said, glancing toward the

bathroom.