HOLIDAY HEARTS: A Love Game Gone Wrong

n't ready to answer. What was I doing? Why did it feel like everything I had built this fake relationship w

I had barely slept, and now I had to face the reality of being around both Ken and John for the entire da

nig, ht I headed downstairs. Ken was already in the kitchen, helping my mom with breakfast, his usual easygoing smile plastered on his face.

s I sat down at the kitchen table. Ken flashed m

ng to sound casual. "N

in front of me and leaned down to kiss the top of my head, a gesture that use

thing else. I had no idea how I was supposed to face John today, how I was supposed to handle wh

ut my attention kept drifting. I found myself scanning the room, and when my gaze landed on John, sitting on the co

ed. There was something in the way he looked at me, something intense and

dn't b

ed his hands together and stood up. "Alright, s

, shaking my head. "I thin

both of them right now, not with the thoughts swirling in my m

didn't argue. "Alright, suit yourself. I

chance to see me show off my shopping skills?" He winked, clearly trying to lighten the mood,

kle. "You go ah

he thought of what was to come. The quiet house felt suffocating, and I knew I wouldn't be able

f thoughts. But my mind kept drifting back to the conversation with John on the porch. The way he had looked at me, the

d be. My parents were out for a while, and the guys had gone to the mall. I stood up and walked t

it, I was met

as J

stepped out of a dream. He wore a simple black jacket and jeans, his hands sh

voice soft but carrying the

a moment, unsure of what

again. "I know we didn't exactly get off on the right foot yesterday. And, uh, I wa

rised by his sudden since

ated. I know you've got a lot going on. But I just want you to know that I'm not trying t

let him in. "Come in," I said, my voice

he room; his presence was undeniable. I could feel my heart beating faster,

to drink?" I asked, try

Whatever yo

ed drinks. But my mind was still on John, on the fact that he was here, sit

e wasn't over. It