Chapter 15

Scribbling down the remainder of the conclusion, I flipped over the pages I'd already written. Twirling my pen nervously through my fingers, I glanced up at the wall. The hands of the clock were ticking slowly, telling me that I still had another ten minutes before I'd have to hand in my paper.

The stress that had built up over the past couple of hours, and over the past few weeks of studying, slowly started to dissipate as I re-read what I'd manage to write. I made sure to re-write the run-on sentences, fix the spelling mistakes I'd made in a rush to get my ideas onto the paper, and double-checked that my thesis and introduction were clear, as well as supported throughout my paper.

Erasing one last mistake I leaned back in my chair, sighing in relief as the timer at the front of the classroom went off. Looking around, I saw some of my classmates struggling to write down one more sentence while others just looked relived to be done.

At the front of the room, our professor stood up. "Your time for the exam is now over," she said, eyeing the one or two students that were still writing. "Please drop your booklets in the basket on the desk on your way out. Hopefully you all make the most of your holidays, and I'll see you next semester."

Tossing my pen into my bag, I pulled on my jacket and hoisted my bag up over my shoulder. Making my way to the front, I dropped my booklet into the bin, wishing my professor a merry Christmas before following the hoard of students out of the classroom.

A lot of my classmates seemed to be talking with one another, asking each other how they thought they did and how they wrote their paper, but as I stepped out into the quad, I found myself perfectly content. After weeks of studying and non-stop stress, I was finally able to take a breath, take my head out of my books, and relax.

Wrapping my jacket around me tighter as I strode through campus, I turned my head slightly; trying to avoid the brunt of the winds that seemed all too keen on sweeping my hair up to block my line of sight. Although it wasn't necessarily cold, the temperature had taken a significant dive into the single digits, bringing a troop of fierce winds along as backup.

Knowing it was just after three when my exam ended, I changed my direction, weaving through the rest of the students so desperate to get off campus now that the holidays had arrived and set a course towards one of the campus cafes. I'd decided that after all the work I'd put into school over the past couple of weeks, a delicious hot chocolate was a reward too appealing to pass up.

Ten minutes later I made my way off campus, en route to Abbie's day care with a warm cup cradled between my hands. The walk wasn't far, but it did give me enough time to finish my drink and toss the cup in the garbage outside the day care, knowing Abbie inevitably would've asked why I didn't grab one for her as well.

Walking inside, I hovered around the entryway as Diane dismissed the kids from the circle they sat in on the carpet, telling them to go and play. I smiled as I saw Abbie talking with two girls about her age, the three of them headed straight for the boxes of dolls that were stacked towards the back.

"Hey," Diane greeted, appearing next to me. "Are you here to pick up Abbie?"

I smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Sorry, I know I'm a little early..."

"Oh nonsense," she waved me off, turning towards the play area, "Abbie!"

At the sound of her name, my daughter's head popped up curiously, her blonde hair falling messily around her face. Noticing me standing there, her eyes gleamed with excitement and happiness. "Mommy!" Abbie exclaimed loudly as she skipped to my side, throwing her arms around my legs tightly. "You're here early."

I nodded with smile, leaning down to kiss the top of her head before smoothing down her hair. "I am," I affirmed, "But I don't mind waiting if you want to finish playing with your friends."

She peeked back at the girls she'd been playing with, seeing them still happily playing with the dolls, before turning back to me and shaking her head. "I can pway with dolls at home," she said.

I chuckled lightly. "Okay sweetie, why don't you go get your lunch bag and then we'll leave. Maybe you'll even be able to catch Emily before she has to leave for the night."

Tonight, on top of being the start of my holidays, also happened to be a big night for my little sister. The gallery that she worked at was holding a gala viewing tonight in celebration of the end of the year, and even though she was given the day off, she had to be there before five to set up. A lot of big names would be there tonight with hopes of buying local pieces, and I was nervous just to be on the guest list - I couldn't fathom how she would be able to keep calm all night as one of the hosts.

Bouncing with excitement, Abbie nodded, heading towards her cubby where her lunch and jacket were stored.

"She really is such a sweet young girl Zoe," Diane said.

A smile on my face as I watched her struggle into her jacket, I nodded. "She is."

"We'll definitely miss her around here over the break," she admitted, "But I'm sure she'd much rather be at home with you."

"You never know," I quipped, "She does seem to like it here." Abbie came waddling over then, her princess lunch bag in one hand as she struggled to zip up the front of her jacket. "You ready to go sweet pea?" I asked, crouching down to help her with her zipper before bopping her on the nose quickly.

"Yup," she replied. "Bye Mrs. Diane. Merry Chris'mas!"

"Merry Christmas to you too Abbie," Diane said softly before turning back to me. "I should get back to the kids. I hope you guys have a good holiday."

"You too Diane," I responded happily as she headed towards a group of boys that seemed happy to be building a tower with blocks, even if they were a couple of additions away from a toppling castle.

After a long enough walk, the two of us arrived home and hurried through the door only to see a rather nervous looking Emily pacing the living room. She'd already gotten ready for the night, having curled her hair, put on a bit of make-up, and changed into a black cocktail dress.

"Hey Em," I said tentatively, "Is everything alright?"

She stopped pacing as she noticed the two of us standing there. "Yeah," she admitted slowly, taking a deep breath as she ran a hand through her perfectly curled hair. "I'm just a little worked up about tonight. It's like the only time my nerves act up is when I know I'm helping to host a gala."

"I'm sure you'll do great tonight," I said encouragingly, "Plus, Ryan, Dustin, and I will be there. I'm sure if you ever need a break, one of us will be around to help calm you nerves."

"Thanks," she replied, the corners of her mouth lifting up into a thankful grin.

"Yeah Aunty Emily, you'll do gweat!" Abbie pitched in enthusiastically.

"Awe thanks sweetie." Emily crouched down in front of Abbie, wrapping her arms around her in a loose hug. "It's too bad you're not coming tonight because then I'd be able to have you as a sidekick all night."

Abbie pulled back from her aunt slightly, tilting her head curiously. "Why can't I come again?" Abbie asked glumly.

"Oh Abbie," she sighed, "You're not old enough to come tonight. But don't worry, just because you're not going out, doesn't mean you're not going to have fun here."

Her words seemed to lift Abbie's spirits a bit. When I'd first told her that she'd have to stay home while the rest of us went out tonight she didn't take it well. However, after a lot of reassurance and a couple of extra desserts, she seemed to have understood.

Dustin had asked his little sister if she was busy for the night, as she supposedly babysat a lot of the kids in their neighbourhood over the years, and after having her over a few days ago to meet Abbie, I felt good enough to leave my daughter in her care for a few hours tonight.

"Well," Emily stood up; glancing back at the clock "I'd better head out soon if I'm going to get there on time. Sara said that she'd be here before seven, so you should have time to make dinner and get ready before then, and the address to the gallery is on a sticky note taped to the fridge."

I nodded, wishing her good luck one last time before she headed out the door. Hearing the slam that signified she was gone, I sighed, looking down at Abbie with a curious smile on my face.

"Now, what would you like for dinner?"

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Hours later I was in my room, finishing up my hair as one of the last loose curls fell from the curling iron, delicately framing my face along with the others. I'd long since left Abbie to her toys in her room, hoping that the distraction would give me enough time to properly get ready.

Just as I unplugged the curling iron, the doorbell went, making me jump slightly. I looked down at what I was currently wearing – a fluffy purple bathrobe with nothing but my knickers underneath – and shook my head, scurrying from my room in hopes that my boyfriend wasn't on the other side of the door.

Luckily, after looking through the peephole, I saw Sara, Dustin's little sister, standing on the other side of the door. Opening the door, I held it open just enough for her to get through, making sure I was fairly hidden.

"Hey, sorry," I said sheepishly, closing the door before pulling my robe tighter around myself, "I'm still in the middle of getting ready."

She shed her coat and shoes, looking over her shoulder at me as she replied. "Don't worry about it," she waved off, "I'm a little bit early anyways."

"Abbie's just up in her room playing," I explained, leading her up the stairs. "Abbie," I called, standing in the entryway of her room as she turned, switching her attention from the various dolls she'd laid out across the floor to me, "Sara's here."

"Hi Sara!" she chirped, holding up the doll that'd been laying in her lap, "Do you wanna play with me?"

"Sure sweetie," Sara smiled.

"Are you sure you're okay with watching her tonight?" I asked quietly as she went to move towards Abbie. Although I knew from Dustin that she was trustworthy, there was always that sliver of doubt I had before leaving her with someone new. "I mean, if you had plans that you had to cancel or..."

"It's okay Zoe, the two of us will be fine," she replied reassuringly. "Just go finish getting ready and make sure to have a good time tonight."

Returning to my room, I eyed the outfit that I'd laid out on my bed with caution, suddenly having seconds thoughts about my dress choice. I'd never been to a black tie event before and I didn't exactly know what the appropriate attire was. I didn't have an extravagant amount of money to spend on an evening gown that I'd probably never wear again after tonight, so when I'd gone shopping with Emily, I'd picked up one of the first dresses I'd found that managed to stay within my price range while still holding an ounce of formal elegance. It was a long sleeve black dress that fell to about the middle of my thigh with a high neckline and a drooping back. Silver beading covered the majority of the back, as well as the shoulders and the ends of the sleeves.

Mulling it over for a fair few seconds, I decided that it wasn't going to get any better and slipped it on, slipping on a pair of silver heels Emily had let me borrow. I left my makeup simple – a grey smoky eye with the addition of a bit of blush and a nude lipstick that tied the look together.

As I finished cleaning up a bit, I quickly ordered a taxi to the house before throwing a few essentials into a small clutch, the doorbell sounding loudly as I did so.

"I've got it Zoe," Sara said loudly, allowing me to finish up as I heard her and Abbie bustle down the stairs, letting Ryan in.

Casting a brief glance at myself in the mirror, a smile slipped onto my face. It was amazing what a few hours could do for ones appearance.

Heading down the stairs, my movements faltered slightly when I caught sight of Ryan talking to Sara and Abbie in the foyer. I'd seen him a few times in dress clothes when he dropped by after work, and even slightly more dressed up at his cousin's wedding, but this was different. He was wearing a newly pressed suit that fit him perfectly, and although I hadn't told him what my dress looked like, I had a Emily had let it slip, as the silver tie hanging perfectly on top of his white dress shirt matched the beading on my dress.

As his eyes shifted up towards me, I forced my legs into motion, shakily moving the rest of the way down the stairs. I took notice as his eyes followed every movement I made, not stopping until I stood a few feet in front of him, a light flush of pink dusting the apples of my cheeks. His eyes trailed up and down my body slowly, taking in my outfit as I took the time to admire his own. A warm smile graced his lips as our eyes met and the butterflies inside me fluttered around mercilessly.

"You look beautiful Zoe," he said softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss against my cheek. "But don't think that dress isn't sexy as hell," he spoke roughly as an after thought, his voice quiet enough for only me to hear before he pulled back, leaving my reply lodged in the back of my throat.

"You don't look too bad yourself," I stammered out quietly, a throaty chuckle emanating from him in reply.

"Why thank you," he winked.

"What do you think Abbie? Does you mom look pretty?" Sara cut in, breaking the spell that I seemed to be under as the two of us turned towards where her and Abbie were still standing, a noticeable smirk playing on Sara's lips.

"Yeah, you look pwetty momma!" she agreed eagerly, a toothy smile growing on her face.

"Thanks sweetie," I laughed, crouching down to bring my arms around her, "Have a good time with Sara tonight, and be a good girl alright."

"Don't worry Zoe," Sara spoke up, "Abbie and I are going to have a great night, aren't we little one?"

"Yeah!"

I sent a grateful look to Sara. "Thanks again for babysitting," I said appreciatively as I heard a car horn beep a few times. "And that'll be the cab. I left my cell number on the fridge with a few simple reminders so call if anything goes wrong, and hopefully we'll be back before midnight."

"Got it," she nodded, keeping her hand on Abbie's shoulder, "Now go have fun."

Ryan took this opportunity to offer me his arm, making me smile as I looped my hand through the crook of his elbow. I forewent my coat, knowing that it would just be an inconvenience later in the evening. As we headed down the driveway to the cab, I let go of Ryan's arm, rushing the rest of the way to the cab to avoid the chilly evening winds.

Bringing my foot up to climb into the cab, I heard a soft whistle from behind me. Glancing back curiously, I saw Ryan staring intently at the back of my dress. "Damn," he shook his head, grinning wolfishly as he caught up to me. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to mine passionately, not giving me time to respond before he pulled away. "You're too damn beautiful for your own good," he commented, his voice laced with lust as his hand trailed down the exposed skin of my back where goose bumps were quickly starting to form.

And they weren't from the cold.

When his hand trailed lower, sweeping over the material of my dress, I felt a light pain on my ass before he started nudging me into the cab. Looking up to see a smirk on his face, I bit my lip, foregoing a reply as I ducked my head, settling into the back seat of the cab where Ryan quickly joined me.

Throughout the ride the two of us somehow managed to keep a fairly civil conversation, despite the slightly steamer thoughts that were circling the back of my mind. I told him how my exams had gone and about my vague plans for the remainder of my holidays, but he took up most of the conversation, telling me about a few of the interviews he'd had earlier in the day and the new script he'd been given to look over.

When the driver pulled up at the venue almost half an hour later, I pulled out a couple of twenties from my clutch and thrust them his way before Ryan could say anything.

"You know I could've paid for the cab, right?" Ryan asked as we headed inside, his arm securely around my shoulders in an attempt to guard me from the cold, "Or better yet, I could've driven us here."

"Shh..." I said, turning to face him once we were safely inside the gallery, "I invited you tonight so I'll pay for the cab. Plus, I'm sure they have something to drink around here, so I didn't want to take the chance of either of us driving."

No sooner had I finished my sentence than a waiter with a tray of champagne filled flutes walked up to us, offering us each a drink. Nodding in appreciation, we each took our glasses, me raising mine in the air. "To being done exams and to an awesome night," I toasted.

"And to us," Ryan added.

"And to us," I repeated softly, knocking the side of my glass with his in a cheers before taking a sip, letting the bubbly liquid slide quickly down my throat.

It seemed as though we weren't the only ones taking advantage of the free drinks, as most people we passed as we walked around the gallery were holding their own drinks, keeping in time with their own conversations.

It was strange being out so publicly with Ryan by my side, especially since not many of the surrounding guests bared him a second glance, but I assumed that with the wealthy statuses that most of the people held, they weren't unfamiliar with being in the presence of someone famous. The women who did spare him a second glance however, didn't seem to be interested in him for his fame, but were merely staring at him with pure, unaltered lust in their eyes. My insides sang with pride and joy though, when I felt his hand squeeze my hip, because he chose to be here with me and not one of them.

When we settled into a corner near a rather abstract painting, I finally got a chance to take in the room. The gallery was an open-concept building, and besides the main desk at the front, no other furniture was present, just the numerous paintings and sketches that filled the walls with life. The room was also decorated sophisticatedly for the night; white and black streamers stretched from the chandelier on the ceiling to every corner of the room, those colours seemingly the theme for the night.

"Did you want to get something to eat?" Ryan ducked his head, speaking into my ear as to be heard over the soft melodic music that was playing in the background.

"You think they have chocolate?" I asked cheekily, causing him to crack a smile.

"We'll just have to find out, won't we?"

It turns out that on top of all the fancy finger foods, the gala was serving chocolate – and quite a lot of it. The two of us had shared a plate, each of us taking a handful of sweets for ourselves before retreating from the food table giddily, as though hording all of the sweets would get us kicked out.

"So, what do you think of this one?" Ryan asked a while later. We'd since finished of our sweets, though we'd grabbed another drink before beginning to peruse the art like the rest of the partygoers.

"Well, I think that the way artist used his brush so delicately and aggressively at the same time really says something about the piece," I said, talking in an exaggerated posh accent as I waved my hands over several different lines that the artist had clearly tried to highlight. "The whole thing just tells a magnificent story."

Noticing that I was simply taking the mick out of the painting, Ryan raised an eyebrow, playing along. "And what story would that be?" he asked in amusement as he took a sip from his glass.

"You know..." I trailed, failing to keep up my charade as I laughed, shaking my head. "I don't know," I admitted, looking back at the piece. It was really simple compared to some of the other works displayed around it, but when I looked at it, all I saw were a couple of black lines – all different sizes – taking up space on an otherwise blank canvas. "I mean on some level I'm sure he's an artistic genius and someone here will probably pay a lot of money for this painting, but to me it just looks like he gave his brush to a seven year old and told the kid to practice painting."

Ryan snorted at my description, forcing a sheepish smile onto my face. "At least we're on the same page," he replied, making me laugh along with him as he leaned closer to me, placing his lips against my temple for a few seconds before pulling back. "But maybe we should move on, because the people beside you looks like they want to have us thrown out of here for laughing."

Whipping my head to the side, I saw that there was indeed a group of older woman looking at the two of us in distaste, obviously having overheard what I'd just said.

I ducked my head embarrassedly into Ryan's chest, feeling him vibrate with silent laughter as he led us through the crowd, stopping in front of one of the more modern pieces in the gallery. And although it wasn't drawing many people in, in my opinion, it was one of the nicer ones displayed tonight.

"Now this is a nice painting," I pointed out. The painting in question was a modern painting of a street corner in the city. The silhouettes of people were painted dully in black while the buildings around them were vibrantly painted in colour, suggesting that the real life of the city was the city itself, not the people that walked the streets. Before I could voice any more of my opinions, Emily popped up beside the pair of us.

"Hey guys," she greeted overexcitedly, almost as though she was nervous. "Are you guys having fun?"

Ryan nodded with a smirk. "Oh yeah, only a few people here wish we were statues."

"Wait, what?" she asked, a frown of confusion causing her forehead to crinkle.

I shook my head. "Don't worry about it, some people just heard us talking about one of the paintings," I explained, changing the subject before she could question us further. "What about you? How's your night going, and where's Dustin?"

"He's over talking to my boss about something," she started, "And I think everything's going well. I've made a few sales so far to some regulars I see at the gallery, but other than that nothing special. Have you guys liked anything so far?"

"Umm, not really," I admitted sheepishly. "I mean, you know me, I don't really understand most of these fancy abstract paintings. But this one, actually, I quite liked..." I trailed off, turning to show her the painting, but she cut me off before I could.

"Oh, well I'm sure there are other paintings like this one in the gallery. Come on, I'll help you find a few," Emily suggested hurriedly, attempting to guide us away from the painting that I'd found so intriguing.

"Wait, I want to see if I know the person that painted this," I pulled back, trying to locate the artists name on the plaque underneath the piece despite Emily's protests. She quieted down when she saw I'd found it, but what I found, I definitely wasn't expecting. Swiveling my head back around, my eyes were wide in surprise as Emily face held a guilty expression. "Emily... why is your name on that painting?"

"Surprise?" she offered as a reply, shrugging her shoulder slowly with a small smile.

A wide smile spread across my face as I leaped forward and wrapped my arms around my sister tightly. "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked excitedly.

"I mean it's not that big of a deal..."

"Emily," I started, placing my hands on her shoulders, "It's a huge deal! Your work is hanging in a gallery and it's up for sale! Why aren't you more excited about this?"

Finally, I saw the first glimpse of a smile grace my little sister's lips. "I am excited," she admitted quietly, "But look around, it's not like everybody here is lining up to buy my work."

"It's still a big step Em, and I'm so proud of you," I said, hugging her again in congratulations. "And if somebody doesn't buy it tonight, that just means that more people will get to see your painting."

"Thanks," she smiled.

Another waiter came by then, followed closely by Dustin, as he exchanged Ryan and I's empty glasses with full ones, handing two more to Emily and Dustin.

"To Emily," I toasted, swishing the bubbling liquid lightly around the bottom of the flute before holding it up in the center of our small circle, "Who's on her way to living her dreams as an artist."

Emily ducked her head, leaning into Dustin's shoulder as she shyly lifted her glass. Ryan and Dustin lifted their glasses as well.

"To Emily."

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Time passed and the gala started to wind down. Sold stickers were slowly posted on the side of paintings that were lucky enough to have been bought, and when I'd walked past Emily's painting the last time, I'd been ecstatic to see a small green sold sticker next to it.

Before Ryan and I headed out I'd stopped Emily, congratulating her once more on the sale of her painting as she finished closing yet another sale with an older couple. They seemed even more impressed by her as they learned she was not only working at the gallery, but also interested in art as a career, asking to see some of her other pieces at another time.

The night had truly been all about my sister, and I couldn't have been more proud.

"So, please tell me again why you thought walking home was a good idea?" Ryan asked, seemingly amused as the two of us turned off the street the gallery was on.

I shrugged, feeling the sizable amount of weight Ryan's jacket held as it rested around my shoulders. "I don't know," I admitted, swinging our intertwined hands gently between us, "I just thought it'd be nice to see some of the Christmas light displays."

I also may have been a little bit intoxicated when I'd suggested it. Oops.

"Yeah, but don't you think it'd be better to do this when it's not approaching midnight and when it's not about to rain?"

"It's not going to rain," I dismissed, shaking my head.

"Are you sure?" he asked, holding up his free hand with a smirk, "Because I'm pretty sure I just felt a few raindrops."

"I'm sure."

It seemed as though the champagne was clouding my common sense and judgment, as just a few blocks up, Ryan and I found ourselves jogging under the front awnings of random stores and cafes in an attempt to stay out of the rain.

"Okay," I breathed out, pulling him to a stop beneath one of the larger awnings that I could see on the street. Pushing my, now wet, hair out of my face, I shook my head. "Maybe you were onto something when you said it was going to rain."

"Oh you think?" he quipped smartly, although the smile on his face told me that he wasn't mad, but instead found the situation rather hilarious. Pulling his phone out from his pants pockets, he looked at me. "Now, can I please call a cab before we ruin our clothes even more?"

Nodding, I leaned back against the side of the building, pulling Ryan's damp jacket tighter around my waist in hopes of gaining some warmth.

When the cab pulled up in front of the building a few minutes later, the driver looked highly entertained to see the two of us dripping wet and shivering as we climbed into the back of his car. The traffic had long since let up so the ride home was quick, and I paid no mind as Ryan gave the driver a generous tip while I scampered my way up the driveway, unlocking the door as fast as I possibly could to escape the downpour that had started.

Still dripping wet, I slipped off Ryan's jacket and my heels before heading towards the living room. Sara was sitting comfortably on the couch, flipping through miscellaneous channels, but as she heard my footsteps, she glanced over, only to widen her eyes and unhinge her jaw in surprise.

"What happen to you guys?" she asked at last, her eyes flicking between myself and Ryan, who now stood behind me. I figured the two of us must have looked a sight, that is, if the amusement sparkling in her eyes was anything to go by.

"Before it started raining, someone decided that walking home would be a good idea," Ryan commented sarcastically, causing me to huff, mumbling an incoherent reply under my breath. "Let's just say that it wasn't the best idea."

I sighed, pushing my damp hair back out of my face. "Sorry we're late Sara," I apologized, rummaging through my clutch to find a few bills that didn't look as though they'd accidentally been run through a washing machine. Handing them to her, I continued. "I know you're probably tired from watching Abbie all night."

"That's okay," she shook her head, "Abbie and I actually watched a movie after you guys left, and it didn't take her long to fall asleep after that. Besides, it seems as though you guys are the ones who should be tired after the night you've had."

Yawning in response, I finally allowed the exhaustion to wash over me. Any effects of the alcohol I'd consumed had worn off in the rain, leaving nothing but dreariness behind. Sara took notice of this, doing her best to quickly gather her things before heading out with no more than a goodnight.

"Well, I'm beat," I pronounced lazily, another yawn escaping my mouth as I did so.

The corner of his lips twitched. "I never would've guessed."

Hitting the side of his stomach playfully, a smile grew on my face that mirrored his own. "Oh shush." I nodded up the stairs. "Did you want to come upstairs? I'm sure I have something that might fit you so you can change out of your suit."

"You sure this isn't just a way to get me out of my pants and take advantage of me?" he commented triumphantly, following me up the stairs with a grin.

Ignoring him, I simply sprinted ahead up the stairs, hoping that he didn't see the flush of pink that I felt crawling up my neck as I grabbed a pair of flannel pajamas and headed into the bathroom.

Risking a glance in the mirror, I cringed at the reflection staring back at me. My once curled hair had gone limp and frizzy in aid of the rain, and if that wasn't enough, the majority of the makeup around my eyes was now dry, having already trailed down my cheeks, staining my skin. Grabbing my face wash, I did my best to remove any evidence of makeup, feeling a bit fresher as I twisted my hair out of my face and into a braid.

"So... where is this clothes you're supposed to be lending me?" Ryan asked, his voice travelling through the crack in the door, as I hadn't shut the bathroom door fully.

"Just a second," I called back, my teeth chattering slightly as I slipped out of my wet dress, pulling on the warm and comfortable pajamas as a replacement.

Walking out of the bathroom, I saw Ryan looking at one of the pictures on my bedside table. It was a picture that Greta had taken of Abbie and I last year on Christmas morning.

"This is cute," he said softly, holding up the frame in his hands.

"Thanks," I returned, turning towards my closet to scrounge up something for him to wear.

"So, you know that Christmas is next week..." he trailed as I looked over my shoulder, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Ryan, I have a three year old; I'm well aware that Christmas is next week."

"Well..." he started, "If you're not doing anything after lunch that day, I was thinking, well actually my mom suggested it, but anyways," he rambled on, causing my forehead to crease with confusion as he took a deep breath. "Would you and Abbie want to have Christmas dinner with me and my family?"

"You want to have Christmas together?" I bit my lip, my heart feeling as though it was fluttering in my chest.

"If you want to."

"I'd loved to." His shoulders relaxed and his lips tilted upwards, wearing a grin that matched my own.

Catching the large sweatpants and extra large t-shirt I threw his way, it took me a bit by surprise when he undid his damp dress shirt, slipping it off in the middle of my bedroom. My eyes widened at his actions, and as hard as I'd been trying not to stare when the white fabric was sticking to the muscles of his stomach, it was almost impossible for me to pull my eyes away when he was completely shirtless.

I knew that my ogling wasn't going unnoticed, the vague outline of a smirk appearing on Ryan's lips as he pulled my large t-shirt over his head, obstructing the view that had caused my heart to lodge itself in my throat.

Crack.

I froze suddenly, knowing exactly what had made the sound.

I just didn't think I'd have to deal with it tonight.

Thunderstorms weren't exactly uncommon, but it didn't help that, since I'd been young, I'd never really been comfortable with the sounds that came along with them.

"Zoe."

Ryan's voice seemed to fall on deaf ears as I tried to get my breathing under control. The thunder sounded again, louder this time, making the task at hand ten times as hard as my body started to shake with fear.

"Zoe."

From what I could make out with closed eyes, his voice was more frantic this time, sensing that something was deeply wrong. I didn't take notice of him slipping on his sweatpants before he hurried towards me, wrapping his arms around me tightly in a comforting hug. Pressing my face into his chest, the familiarity of his embrace seemed to calm my racing heart. It took a few minutes of him murmuring in my ear for my breathing to even out, the lingering scent of his cologne helping just a smidge.

When I stopped shaking and I felt an ounce of control seep back into my body, I pulled back slightly, a frown on my face as I looked up at Ryan, ashamed.

"Sorry," I muttered, "Thunderstorms and me just don't mix."

My confession didn't seem to defer him in the slightest, one of his hands leaving my waist as it trailed up my arm, landing softly on my cheek. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern swimming in his eyes with a voice just above a whisper.

"Yeah," I breathed out, nodding slowly. Biting my lip as another crack of thunder hit my ears, I continued. "But do you think you could umm, stay for a while, until I fall asleep?"

"Always."

As Ryan made a move to flip the lights off, I crawled underneath the covers, finding a comfortable position before Ryan crawled on top of the blankets beside me. Although it was dark and the storm continued to roar outside my window, him laying here beside me did wonders in calming my jitters.

His arm managed to worm it's way around me, pulling me closer to him, giving me the safety blanket that I so desperately needed.

"Distract me," I yawned, snuggling further into his hold, desperately trying to ignore the sounds of the storm.

"Once upon a time in a land far, far away," he started gently, making me laugh as I felt myself beginning to relax, "There was a princess that took everyone's breath away with a mere glimpse. She was the picture of beauty and she didn't even realize it."

It wasn't long before I found myself drifting off, the smooth sound of Ryan's voice lulling me to sleep.

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Finally, I didn't leave you guys with that much of a wait! Hope you guys enjoy this super long chapter (yes I realize that it's well over 6,000 words), and if you do, cast a vote and tell me what you think about all the Ryan and Zoe moments in the comments below. Also... I have the events of the next two chapters planned out, and I almost feel bad not having them written to post for you all :P

In other news, if you guys follow me on twitter (link on my profile), you'll know that in the new year I'll be posting a short story that I'm really excited about. Updates for that story will join BtS, and don't worry, I'll have tons of time for both!

Also, thank you for the 150K reads so far on this story! Here's to many more xx