'Tis the Season

Chapter 10: Naughty

Chapter Ten: Naughty

It should have felt weird. I probably, in any normal situation, would have chosen to stay at Mountain Ridge instead. But it didn't feel weird or awkward. Oddly, this felt like it was all exactly as it was meant to be.

Maybe in a few days once I have my emotions back in check I'll feel differently and regret my decision but tonight I do not.

The party had pretty much ended while Carson and Emilia were comforting me, so they were able to set me up in their guest room pretty quickly.

Everleigh and Connor had kept to themselves in the kitchen for the most part, scarfing down the remaining Christmas cookies like it was their first time tasting one, and Emilia had taken Ryan with her to go look for some spare towels and soaps and such to stock up the guest bathroom for me, despite my telling her I didn't mind paying for my own toiletries while here.

That left Carson and I sitting on the bed. He held my hand in his, soothingly tracing circles along the back of my palm while we sat in a comfortable silence as I tried to wrap my mind around everything going on.

"You're sure you're okay if I'm staying here?" I ask him again and he kisses the back of my hand softly with a smile.

"It was my idea, Naomi. To be honest, I'm kind of thrilled. Even if for some reason we don't end up dating I feel like you're meant to be in my life. I like having you around, and just because you're staying here doesn't mean that we have to spend a whole bunch of time together if you aren't comfortable with that. You're independent, you're free to leave for the day or stay and do your own thing separate from me."

I lean my head down on his shoulder. "I really don't know how I'll ever thank any of you."

"No thanks necessary. I'm glad you're safe here." Emilia knocks softly on the door and enters with a small basket full of necessities.

"Alright you two, I'm going to be a super cool mom and decide that since you're both in your twenties you're free to make decisions for yourselves, so therefore if you feel like getting put on the naughty list this year, I won't hold you back! Doors are okay to stay closed!"

I jump to my left, putting distance between Carson and I, unsure of what the protocol is when the guy your dating's mom gives you the green light for sex.

"Mom! Please... just, just go. Now, before you scare Naomi off!" Emilia rolls her eyes at her son and throws me a wink that makes my face flush before closing the door behind her.

"I, uh," Carson rubs his neck, his face probably as red as my own, at just as much of a loss with what to say as I am.

"Maybe we can just not acknowledge any of that?" I offer and he nods, relieved as he scoots over so he's next to me again.

"So this is your first night here, do you want some space to just settle in or...?" Carson trails off, biting his lip. I smile and scoot back slightly to close the inch of space left between us.

"Do you mind staying with me? Maybe we can watch a movie or something?" I don't need to be alone. I want him to stay, part of me actually wants to ask if I can just share his room. If his hugs are anything to go by, this boy is probably an incredible cuddler and I could really use some affection after this whirlwind of a day.

"I would love to. Actually, give me ten minutes and I'll be right back," he tells me, getting up and leaving the room.

I let myself flop back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. My head is spinning, but in a good way. I've never been one to believe in Christmas miracles, but if they are maybe Carson and his family are mine.

True to his word, Carson is back ten minutes later with his laptop and an array of DVDs to choose from, along with a small tray of completely decked out hot chocolate.

"Carson, you didn't have to do all that, it looks so fancy," I tell him, helping him place everything down so he doesn't drop anything.

"Yeah, but now that we have a bit of a more put together set up, this can count as our second date. If you want it to, that is?" He gives me a cheeky grin and I give him an equally wide smile back.

"Movie nights and cuddling does sound like the perfect second date for us, even if our first date technically ended less than 24 hours ago," I admit. Carson raises an eyebrow, a smirk slipping across his face. "Who said anything about cuddling? Was that your masterplan with your cute little move request?"

"What? No!" Yes.

"I just thought," I stutter trying to get my words out, my face flushing yet again. Carson comes over and pinches my cheeks gently.

"You're really cute. I can't wait to cuddle with you, but I need to go grab one more thing," he lets go of my face and leaves the room once again, giving me a second to compose myself.

When he returns, he's changed into pajamas and is holding out a dark red sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants for me.

"I figured you'd want to change into something more comfortable," he explains. "I can take you shopping tomorrow if you need to get some clothes while you stay here, or if you don't want to wear mine tonight I can go see if my mom or Eve have anything?"

"Nope, these are perfect. Turn around for a second so I can change," I take the clothes from him and he obliges.

Carson's clothes are so soft, I just want to drown in them. A smile slips on my face the second I pull the hoodie over my head and I instinctively breathe in his scent.

We choose to watch the Claymation Rudolph, since it's lighthearted and a classic, and hop on the bed. I settle comfortably into Carson's shoulder as we drink our hot chocolate and laugh along with the film.

"This is how I felt that first time I saw you," Carson nudges me playfully at the part where Rudolph starts flying about after Clarice tells him he's cute.

I laugh and nudge him back, "I don't remember saying I thought you were cute the first time we met."

He gives me a small pout. "You don't think I'm cute?"

I lean my face in further and kiss his cheek softly. "I never said I didn't think it; I just haven't admitted so out loud."

Carson has a huge smile on his face and we both put the rest of our hot chocolates off to the side on the small bedside table so we can slip under the covers.

Carson wraps his arms around me without hesitation and I rest my head on his chest. My prediction of him being a good cuddler was completely spot on, and before long I feel myself starting to drift off to sleep.

As I give in and let my eyes close I'm not entirely sure what part of the movie we're at or if Carson's even still awake since his breathing has evened out in the past few minutes, but I am sure of this: Christmas miracles are real, and Carson is definitely mine.

A/N: Hey guys, I'm sorry if this chapter is shorter than the ones I've been getting out- it was hard to find a good bit of time to write yesterday, but I'm still really happy with it and I hope you guys are too! As always, please help me out by voting if you're enjoying! See you with Chapter 11 tomorrow! :)