Free The Hazards of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

but I stepped away. He seemed to get the hint because he started walking. I followed, taking slow deep breaths along the way. When I saw a break in the crowd, I stopped.
    “So what did you want to talk about?”
    “You know what I want to talk about.” He shifted his weight in what seemed like a nervous action. I wasn’t used to seeing Glen look nervous.
    “I’m guessing about what happened, but I don’t want to talk about it. You made your feelings heard loud and clear. It’s over. I left you alone. Let’s move on.”
    “See, that’s the problem. I don’t think I made my real feelings clear.”
    A group of teenagers walked toward us, and I moved to the side to avoid them, nearly falling into Glen. I stepped back. “Sorry.”
    “Please, don’t apologize. Should we sit?” He gestured to a nearby vacant table. Most people were already heading into the theater.
    “Sure.” Maybe I’d be less nervous if I sat down. I needed to get this over with. Then I could forget about everything while watching the movie. Distractions were good.
    He pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down. Instead of sitting across from me he sat down right next to me. I let it slide. I’d been closer to Glen than that before. Just thinking about it made my whole body warm—in both good and bad ways. The humiliation was there right along with the attraction. “Why do you think I did what I did?”
    “No way. There is no way you’re doing this to me.” I pushed back my chair.
    “Wait.” He touched my arm. “Hear me out. I promise there’s a point.”
    “I’m not answering that. You can’t make me talk about how you rejected me. It’s not fair.” I tried to blink back the tears. What was wrong with me? I was stronger than that.
    “I wasn’t rejecting you.”
    My hurt turned to anger. “No you don’t. Don’t start playing that game. You rejected me. I was there. I remember.”
    “I was there too, and unlike you, I actually know what I was thinking.” He pulled off his coat and put it on the chair next to him. “I didn’t do it because I didn’t want you.” He paused for a second as though deep in thought. “I wanted you so bad it was scary.”
    “Then why did you do it? Why’d you run away the second you saw me?” There went the tears again.
    “Because I didn’t deserve to have you.” His penetrating stare was unwavering. “I still don’t, but I’m going to hate myself if I don’t try.”
    “Savannah?” Dalton appeared at my elbow. “Not to be annoying, but if we want to eat during the movie we’ve got to go and order. Do you want to come, or should I just order for you?” There was concern in his voice and expression. He was such a hard guy to understand. He went back and forth between hot and cold so often I couldn’t keep up.
    “I’m ready.” I glanced at Glen. “See you around.”
    “We’re not done talking.”
    “Yes, we are. You heard Dalton, we’ve got to go.”
    “Where are you guys sitting?” Glen pulled out a ticket. “Maybe we can switch with people and all sit together.”
    “I’m sure we can manage that.” Spiky hair guy walked over.
    I put a hand on my hip. “Excuse me, but who are you?”
    He grinned. “I’m so glad you asked. I’m Winston. I’m roommates with your boy over there.”
    “You go to CU?”
    “No… I live here.” Winston looked at Glen. “I’m guessing you guys didn’t get too far into your talk.”
    “We only had five minutes.”
    Dalton pushed up the sleeves of his shirt. “Eleven actually.”
    “Is he always this annoying?” Glen asked.
    “From what I can tell.”
    “Oh, so you are still in there.” Glen laughed. “But I thought you were good friends.”
    “His mom is dating my dad.” I don’t know why I told him except that it came naturally for me to tell Glen everything. I always did. He was the only person I told about losing my virginity. I blinked trying to push off thoughts of that unfortunate experience and Glen.
    “Oh.”