Believing lies

chapter 20

Waking up the next morning I expected to be wrapped in River's arms but instead, I woke up to the smell of bacon and coffee, the best two combinations in my opinion. I slowly slipped out of bed ignoring the fact that I was still a bit sore.

Thankfully I was stepped out into the hallway River took my request of hiking up the heat because I was only wearing one of his flannels and panties.

Stepping into the main area of the apartment, River's back was to me and I lick my lips. Seeing him standing at the stove with only boxers on I could appreciate his muscles that I knew he had but finally have seen properly. He had some Christmas music playing at a low hum.

I walk up behind him quietly and wrapping my arms around him, he chuckles before moving me back and I slip around him.

"Good morning beauty," he murmurs before lifting up my chin and kissing me. I pull away at the thought of morning breath and he chuckles. "How are you feeling?" He asks gently squeezing my hip.

"Okay, a bit sore but," I shrug and glance down at the finished breakfast, I turn the burners off.

"Again, I'm gonna say that you look hot in my clothes," he winks at me pulling away and hand me a mug filled with coffee. I smile in thanks.

"I've never said this but I don't mind this," I say using my pointer finger to gesture to his naked chest and bare feet.

"Ah, so this works for you?" He questions. I sip on my coffee and nod.

"Damn straight," I wink and he chuckles.

"Duly noted," he nods, "sit down at the couch," he nudges me, I raise a hand and move away. I pull a throw blanket over me as I turn on the tv to the news. River settles down beside me, handing me my plate after I set my mug down.

Us sitting here watching the news felt such like a normal thing between us and I honestly didn't mind if it did become normal between us, I liked it.

As we sat in silence I wanted to question what he and Mr. Nash fought about at the gala but I held my tongue because I didn't want to ruin the mood, "so are you officially on break?" I question and he nods.

"Yea just for two weeks," he tells me. Christmas was in a few days and I still hadn't finished my shopping yet.

"Good because we need to go Christmas shopping," I sigh. River throws an arm around me and pulls me into him. Our plates disregarded on the coffee table now.

"Agreed but not today," he says and I couldn't help but blush and nod agreeing with him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
River and I walk into Frankies 457 Spuntino on Christmas Eve Eve. Beth invited us and the twins to dinner because she and Mr.Nash were leaving the city tomorrow morning on business, the Nash siblings didn't seem shocked by that news and honestly couldn't care less so Mom and Dad invited them to our house on Christmas Day.

"Mother," River gives her a tight-lipped smile as he kisses her cheek after I said my hello's. Monroe leans on the table from across me and smirks.

"Good weekend sex?" She asks me and I kick her gently. She leans back laughing. I roll my eyes at her as River sits down beside me and immediately places his hand on my thigh, I move closer to him.

Our physical touch has skyrocketed since the night after the gala, neither of us minded but we can't keep our hands off each other anymore.

I didn't ask Elizabeth where Mr.Nash was and neither did anyone else, the dinner went swimmingly and smoothly and soon we were headed out of the restaurant.

"Are you sure you have to go back to yours?" River sighs as we walk towards his car which was down the street. I chuckle.

"I do, Celeste and I have traditions for Christmas Eve Eve and we aren't about to break it because your horny," I tease him and he laughs. He twirls me around and I fall into his chest.