Tiger Teeth - Terms & Conditions // Book Two

Chapter 15

Now that I'd come to the realization that Chroi wouldn't allow me to say "I love you" to her, I couldn't let it go.  I couldn't relax.  All the progress I thought we'd made disappeared.  I thought I was over her not telling me she was a virgin, but now I couldn't stop myself from wondering about all the other things she hadn't told me.  I felt like I didn't know her at all.

All through breakfast I was so tense I just about snapped into two pieces.  Josh eyed me a couple times but chose to keep his mouth shut, thank god.  Dallas and Chroi wanted to go Christmas shopping before we headed to Chroi's grandparents place for dinner.  Her parents were itching to get us all under one roof after we parted ways at the airport.   To be honest, I needed to pick up a few things myself and shopping was just the kind of mindless activity I needed.

I found Chroi between a few aisles of knick knacks.  She picked up a small ceramic Santa Clause and then put it down.  This was absolutely not the time or place for this discussion but stopping myself wasn't happening.

I walked up to her,

"Cute."

She glanced back at me, an easy smile on her face,

"My mom likes Christmas...but she has so many of these little things."

I shrugged,

"So one more can't hurt right?"

She turned to look at me,

"I kinda like to be original in my gift giving."

She took a step past me, reaching out for another ceramic figurine.  I felt like I was going to pass out I was so nervous, but I needed to get this out,

"So..."  I stopped, warning myself not to do this here, "You..."  I stopped again.  I lost my nerve.  We were in a Christmas shop, buying Christmas gifts hearing Christmas music and I just didn't want to ruin that.  I took a breath, "Ya know I'm here for you...right?"
She set down the ceramic figurine, nodding her head slowly,

"Yeah."

I shook my head,

"I mean...really here for you."  I turned to slide my hands on her hips, "If ya fall...I'm here t'catch ya."

She smiled appreciatively, her hand lifting to my cheek,

"You're awfully sweet today."

I leaned forward to press my lips to hers.  She cuddled into me.  That was a good sign right?  She wanted to be close to me.  It meant...something.

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Connor and Aileen were at the door before we ever got out of the car.  Aileen was excitedly waving us in while Connor handed Josh and I a beer and clapped us on our shoulders.  I had to admit, the man knew his Irish proclivities even if he'd been away for decades.  Dallas and Chroi were whisked away by Aileen and Alice so I followed Shawn and Connor into the other room. 

I felt bad for feeling relieved that I didn't have to be around Chroi for the moment.  But I just felt like the longer we were together the more dangerous it was.  I was getting to the point where I was going to explode. 

Connor and Josh immediately started discussing the soccer match on the TV in front of us and I quickly became engulfed myself.  Again, more mindless entertainment to calm me down.

Josh leaned over halfway through the game,

"You're awful quiet."

"Whatcha mean?  I'm watchin' the game."

He nodded,

"Any other time I've watched any sporting event with you you've screamed at the TV six times and thrown a coaster by now."