Falling For Asher

22

~*~

I trudge down the stairs on Christmas Eve to greet my family. The only ones that could make it are my dads' sisters and their husbands, including their kids. Meredith will also be stopping by before she has to fly to visit her parents.

"Good morning," I announce.

My cousin giggles adorably at the sight of me. She didn't join us for Thanksgiving, but I see her frequently due to how close her family lives from us.

"Hi Zoey, I loth my tooth yetherday." She grins to show me the missing spot.

I ruffle her hair, laughing at how cute she is. Candice walks out of the kitchen, her hand on her hip.

"Are you going out?" She questions, eyeing my outfit.

I nod, smiling sheepishly. I wanted to give my friends their gifts before we all get busy with our families.

My dad is still asleep, but Candice points to her keys. "Can you do me a favor and pick up some cinnamon?"

I agreed after eating the French Toast and bacon that my uncle cooked. My dad wakes up shortly and I let him know that I should be home in a few hours. Asher was planning on coming to me, but I would already be out.

I drive to James house first, leaving the envelope with two concert tickets in his mailbox. He and his dad were with his grandparents who live an hour away.

James gave me my present early, a subscription to an online reading app. I have always been reluctant to use Audiobooks but it would help when I'm driving or working. That way I'm not distracted by reading and can multitask.

I stop at Paige's house next, her mom let me in eagerly. "I haven't seen you in so long." She gushes.

She leads me to the kitchen, having me try one of her cookies. I spend some time with them and leave stuffed with desserts. Paige demanded me to open my gifts on Christmas Day. And I make my last stop to my favorite person's house.

Asher was already outside when I arrive. I barely turn the car off before I'm being hugged tightly.

"I missed you baby." He mumbles into my neck, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.

I kiss his cheek with a smile. "Is Emily here?"

He scoffs, pulling back to look at me. "Is that why you're here?" He teases, leaning down to press our lips together.

"Of course-" I laugh at his glare. "Not.."

We go inside and away from the cold weather. Emily greets me immediately, telling me about how much she misses me.

"Leave the door open!"

"You don't want grandchildren?" Emily asks, my cheeks heating up.

Asher chuckles beside me, leading me to his bedroom. The scent of pine fills the air. I inhale deeply, loving this time of year. I watch as he rummages through the closet until he pulls out a small box.

"Merry Christmas."

I pull out his gift from my coat pocket with a similar expression. "Merry Christmas," I repeat.