Chapter 25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

S weet Dreams

Ruby

The girls are being so loud I can’t sleep. I scroll through my phone for a bit then I toss and turn, when I see Riley walking over to my bed.

“Would you mind if I slept out here with you? They’re playing truth or dare and I’m exhausted.” She yawns.

“I doubt you’ll get any sleep out here either. They are being freaking loud,” I reply.

“I know, but now they invited Hayden and Luc to join them. I’m not up for that kind of thing right now. Jocelyn brought a bottle of tequila, and they aren’t going to stop until they are naked,” she says.

I wince, remembering Luc’s insinuation to my brother about threesomes. It makes me think of Macklin and I wonder if he preferred that kind of thing too.

“So your abuela said you’re an engineering major,” she starts.

“Yeah,” I reply.

“I am too,” she says.

“Cool. What is your main focus?” I ask her.

“Biomedical,” she answers. “What about you?”

“Software,” I say.

“That’s cool too,” she replies.

The conversation dies.

“This is going to be a long Christmas. Thankfully, we leave for the Bahamas the day after tomorrow.”

“Oh, are all of you going?” I ask, trying to hide my excitement.

“Yeah, geez, don’t hide the fact you’re excited we’re leaving.” She laughs.

I laugh too. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to come across that way. Just so many people in the house feels a little overwhelming.”

“I’m not a fan either, but my parents felt like it was important to be with our abuelo,” she explains.

“I’m sure he is very happy. I’m happy my brother made it home tonight. We have a ritual to wake up early and cook with Abuela in the morning for Christmas dinner,” I share.

“She’s sweet, your grandma. Everyone is happy Abuelo has her,” she says. “Anyway, we don’t need to continue talking. If you want, you can go to him.”

“What?” I ask, feeling confused.

“Macklin is in that room all by his lonesome.” She raises her brows.

“My brother is in the next room,” I answer with astonishment.

“Yeah, he’s getting drunk and about to have an orgy.”

I wince. “Gross.”

“Sorry.” She frowns. “But you get my point. Don’t worry, your little secret is safe with me. I can tell he really cares for you.”

I watch her in the dark room to see if there is any ill intent on her part. Not that I would fully know because I don’t really know this girl, but she seems sincere.

I get off the air mattress and walk over to Macklin’s room. Things are getting rowdy in the next room. When I open the door, he jumps.

“Periwinkle, what are you doing?” he asks. He isn’t wearing a shirt. He’s wearing lounge pants and lying on the covers on the bed, staring at his phone.

“I wanted to see you. I just had a visit from Riley. She wasn’t interested in the orgy going on in the next room,” I explain.

“Tell me about it. I don’t know what Hayden is thinking,” Macklin voices, sounding frustrated.

“You know my brother, he doesn’t ever want to settle down,” I say to Macklin. I lean on to his shoulder to cuddle him.

“As much as I love holding you, I can’t have your brother walk in and find us like this,” Macklin warns.

I don’t listen to him. I still cuddle into his side. “Your skin feels warm,” I tell him.

He sighs and wraps a hand around me, holding me close. “I can never say no to you, Periwinkle. It’s a problem.”

“I don’t see it as a problem. Remember when Abuela had the heart attack?”

“How could I forget,” he huffs.

“You held my hand and stayed in my bed until I fell asleep,” I remind.

“I know exactly what happened,” he says quietly. “I can’t ever forget that night for so many reasons.”

“I was terrified too. I’d thought we would lose her, and Hayden and I would end up…”

“Like me,” he sighs. “You don’t have to look so regretful, Periwinkle. I feared the same thing. Even though I lived with Leila, Abuela always took care of me. I met her before I met Hayden. She asked me all kinds of questions then told me her door and fridge were always open.”

“I had the biggest crush on you back then,” I blurt in the darkness. Macklin shifts to look at my face.

“You’re yanking my chain,” he says.

“I think it was more than a crush, Mack. You were always my person.”

The room falls silent for too many beats. I need him to say something after that confession. The silence is deafening.

“I need you to say something, Mack. Anything, really.” My voice is pleading, and I am unable to hide my vulnerability.

“I didn’t know. Leila knew I liked you. She always told me I wasn’t good enough. I don’t know if it would’ve changed anything, but I. . .”

“What is it?” I ask, placing my palm on his abdomen.

“I didn’t have a good example growing up. I didn’t know what kind of life we could have together,” he says, and it breaks my heart.

“Mack, you’re the best guy I’ve ever known. You’ve always been there for me when I needed you most. The flowers you left me could put a smile on my face on the worst days. I trust in you and I trust in us, but I need you to believe you’re good enough because nothing I’ll say will convince you if you don’t believe it yourself,” I reply, and some tears sting my eyes and I sniffle.

“I want to believe it so badly,” he admits. “I’m terrified of Hayden because I know he will think the way I do. That you can do better.”

“Mack, I can’t hear you speaking this way. I basically stayed a virgin because no one measured up to you. I’ve only ever wanted you.” I move my hand from his abdomen to his heart. “I think our life will be great together. Besides, you aren’t getting rid of me so easily.”

“I don’t want to get rid of you, baby, I love you more than life itself. I always wanted you and I always will,” he declares.

I lean in and give him a kiss and then I pull away and walk out the door, but before I do, I turn to him and say, “Sweet dreams.”