He lowered his head towards me, a cocky grin spreading across his lips as he raked his eyes across my body before landing them back on mine.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance before averting my eyes, ignoring the blush that threatened to run across...
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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THERE CAME A CERTAIN SORT OF SWEETNESS WITH BEING INVITED TO A PARTY LIKE THIS.
Lily's party. Her ninth. A celebration of a girl with crazy blonde curls and wild blue eyes; a day of happiness and excitement.
And I had been invited.
December 25th had been a day of complete chaos. It started with me being woken up by my sister's high pitched squeals as she ran from room to room, tacky wool socks sliding against the floorboard as she barreled her way into my room. Her hair had been a hot mess, mouth covered in drool and eyes crusty with sleep. Still, she had somehow garnered enough energy to jump onto my bed until I dragged myself out of it, eyes bleary and arms cold.
It had been an intimate affair. Matching pajamas and Christmas socks, the smell of food as my mother served breakfast. My father and his loud warm laughter, face melting into a full smile as he shouldered Ari and helped place the star on top of the tree. Each of their Christmas presents had been thoroughly thought out, all four a statement to their character.
I took joy in watching Aaron's face crumple with shock, in Ari's hug as she tried to crush me in her arms and the feeling of both of my parents as they pressed loving kisses to my head.
I found the same joy in Eli as his entire face lit up at the sight of me, skinny arms wrapping around my legs as he threw himself into my body. He was dressed in a fluffy Santa's elf pajama set, a matching green hat with a gold bell that jingled the more he moved.
I grinned, stooping low to drop their gifts and envelop him in my arms. "Don't you look so very handsome dressed all fancy?"
He blushed at my teasing tone but smiled, lower lip jutted out as he nodded his head. I pinched his cheek, overwhelmed by his adorable face as he stuffed it into my neck and wrapped his short arms around my shoulders. With a loud exaggerated groan, I stood up with him at my waist, his legs crossed over my back.
Eliot Camden was the most precious being to ever grace this earth. This eight year old child with too big eyes, all trusting and innocent, was the single light that brought life to this dark family. He was shy and sweet, his face turned a bright red whenever another person initiated physical contact and it was the most endearing thing to see.
He reminded me of my sister before she began her fight against teenage hormones and whatnot.
"Where's your brother?" I asked, toeing off my shoes as I walked into the foyer, one arm holding onto Eli and the other holding two glittery gift bags. I heard him hum, voice vibrating against my throat as he raised his head.
"Somewhere here . . . I think he's in the kitchen. With Alice. Yep." He nodded his head from side to side in thought. "He said to take you to him."
