Chapter 1

1

CHLOE

Several years ago…

"Chloe?"

Her dark eyes turned and met J.J.'s where they had secreted away to talk after being interrupted several times. They did not get a chance to come to these Christmas parties very often because of both parents working, but when they did, it was like a big reunion of friends… until this year. This was the first time she really noticed J.J. was looking at her differently – and she liked it.

"You had better go," he whispered, looking at her hand that he held in his while they talked. They were barely alone for five minutes, and it was like some magical radar was going off over her father's head. He wasn't a huge fan of the Post family, no matter how much her mother insisted that the proverbial ‘hatchet' was buried a long time ago.

J.J.'s father and her mother were once engaged – which was just weird on so many levels. When she first found out, it was shocking. She couldn't see it because her parents were so in love. Her dad was always snuggling, holding her mother close, or whispering to her when they thought Chloe wasn't looking.

And it was the same for J.J.'s parents.

"Please," he whispered in a panic. "I can't get caught with you, Chloe. My dad says that you're trouble…"

"What?" she hissed, shocked and offended. "How am I trouble?"

"He said you are like your mom and…"

"Sheesh. Can't you think for yourself and ask questions?" she snapped, hating that she was nearly crying. Hormones sucked, and so did boys. She hated that she was growing up and having to deal with both problems. "If you decide to be a man, growing a set of brass and brains, then text me."

"Hey! You sound just like your dad – mean! I have brass…" J.J. hissed, looking completely offended. "I have brains, too."

"Use them once or twice," she whispered, shoving a napkin in his hand and walking away, looking over her shoulder as she wiped her eyes angrily – only to bump right into her father.

"Chloe? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Daddy. I don't feel good, and these things are stupid. Can we just go home?"

"Did someone say something to you?"

"Why do we even come to these things when we're surrounded by a bunch of petty people that hold a grudge against mom and blame me for even living…" she lashed out wildly, not caring who was close by, as her father knelt before her, stopping her tirade directly in her tracks.

"I'm going to ask you again, sweetie – did someone say something to you that was unkind?"

"I just don't like coming here," she whispered tearfully, refusing to tattle on J.J. or toss any more fuel onto the fire. "Why do we come to these Christmas events when we're miserable when we get home? Mom brings up the past, and you get upset because they are still talking about things but behind both of your backs. We could just stay home, you know?"

"We come because the King family is strong. We don't let people keep us from doing what we want. People gossip because they don't know the truth – and bless your mother and Mr. Post because neither of them discuss it openly. You remember what happens if you talk about things that you didn't participate in or witness?"

"It gets twisted."

"Exactly," her father said tenderly, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Let them talk. Let them wonder. Hold your head high because we know the truth, and we don't sink to their level. It enrages your enemies when you refuse to let them anger you, and there is nothing better than realizing that you got under their skin."

They looked at each other and shared a smile.

"Your sweet mama says it's my ego and pride – but I prefer to think of it as bragging or gloating. You don't need anyone in this world to make you feel good about yourself, Chloe."

"What about my friends? "

"True friends are the ones that have your back without question, the ones that want you to be happy and succeed. They stand beside you, no matter what, which is why I always hang out with the Lawson or Mitchell. They've always had my back. I trust them with my life, your mother, or yours. Why don't you go talk to Mateo?"

"Because he's making stupid googly eyes at Aurora Wilkes – and it's nauseating," she frowned, sticking out her tongue and shivering – which made her father laugh easily as he hugged her.

"Do me a favor and don't grow up too fast, Chloe," he chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "I love my pretty little thirteen-year-old daughter, and that girl's smarter than half the kids here."

"You know it," she smiled up at him proudly, hooking her thumb to her chest. "I'm a King."

"You are our little queen, Pumpkin. Just have some holiday punch and come sit with us. We'll get out of here shortly because my tolerance level for this festive crap is about to come to an end too."

"Why is that, Daddy?"

"Because if Mitchell makes me wear the Santa suit instead of him, I'm done with these things – and he hasn't stopped hinting at it yet."

Three years later…

"Hey, Chloe."

She turned, looking over her shoulder from where she was speaking with Madison Petersen, and lifted an eyebrow arrogantly at J.J., who was standing there behind her.

"Would you like to get some eggnog?" he said simply, giving her a cool look.

"With you?"

"Yes – with me."

"Aren't you afraid your parents will see you talking to the Evil One?"

"I'm hoping the Evil One can forgive ‘past me' and give ‘current me' a few moments of her time," he said in a hushed voice, holding her gaze. "I missed you attending the last few years and couldn't read the numbers on the napkin."

Chloe felt Madison nudge her forward, causing Chloe to nearly bump into J.J. bodily. She looked up at him, her eyes widening, and saw his narrow, almost skeptically.

"Is this a ‘yes'?"

"Sure."

"Great. Hunter owes me ten bucks."

"Excuse me?" she snarled in awareness, shoving him on the shoulder. "You and Hunter Petersen laid a bet to see if I would join you for eggnog – and you are dumb enough to tell me that to my face?"

"No," he said bluntly, not backing down. "I told you that to see if you would believe the worst of me – or not."

"You were testing me."

"Don't you do the same to me? All the time, I might add too."

They stood there, glaring at each other, both on the edge of getting into an argument as tempers flared. Her fists were bunched up, and she saw his jaw was working as he gritted his teeth. There was a pinched line between his eyebrows, and she hesitated as she saw a glimpse of something in his eyes .

"Your stupid haircut looks nice."

"Well, your hair looks cute in a coronet on your head," he retorted, still not moving. "You want that eggnog or what?"

"Sure. Are you going to spit in it?"

"Maybe, if you don't drop the attitude."

"That's all you'll ever get from me."

"I think I can handle it, you snooty little thing."

"Next time you shave your face, how about you make sure and get that fuzz on your upper lip."

"So long as you get your ankles, Sasquatch."

"Are you done?"

"Are you?"

"Maybe," she said begrudgingly and saw him soften slightly.

"Then me too," J.J. replied. "I've got two seats held, and I thought maybe we could have some cake too – unless you think you can't stand being around me for more than ten minutes because of my last name."

"I can stand it," she said, lifting her nose. "Can you?"

"Easily," he bragged, puffing up his chest arrogantly.

"Fine," she bit out.

"Exactly. Fine."

"Good."

"Are we still doing this?"

"Can you carry two cups?"

"I've got two hands, don't I?"

"Same," he retorted, picking up two slices of cake as she grabbed two cups, sloshing it slightly and ignoring the curious looks that some of the adults were giving them.

"Cake and eggnog."

"That's it. "

"Perfect. Merry freakin' Christmas to me."

"Yup. Happy freakin' holidays…" he grumbled, leading her to the two folding chairs near the corner of the hangar. They both sat down awkwardly, exchanging items so that they each had a slice of cake and a cup of eggnog, eating silently and looking anywhere but at each other, and then she heard him.

"I missed you last year," he began in a hushed voice, causing her to look to her left where he was sitting – only to see him holding a small gift bag. "Merry Christmas, Chloe."

"What's that?"

"A Christmas present."

"For me?"

"No, for Mateo… yes, it's for you."

Blinking owlishly, stunned and speechless, she set her plate down gingerly on a table nearby and accepted the bag – only to realize J.J. was slightly ruddy on his cheeks. Was he blushing?

"You didn't have to get me anything…" she began and hesitated.

"It's just something small – well, a few somethings since you missed a few of these get-togethers. I just shoved them in one bag."

Startled, Chloe looked at J.J. with surprise and awareness. He was eighteen now, two years older than her, and maturing. Sweet and cute had matured into manly and handsome without her realizing it. For the last few years, she had not wanted to come visit because it was just easier not seeing him, avoiding the way she felt, or feeling intimidated being here – knowing that it always came with a feeling of shame after the party. The curious looks from everyone made her feel like a freak or a leper; so much that her hands were trembling as she pulled the first present from the bag.

"What's this?"

"Open it," he urged quietly, chuckling as she tore the wrapping paper to reveal a small, plastic Hello Kitty address book. "I got that for you a few years ago, and while it's probably childish – I thought I would give you my phone number, too."

"Oh," she whispered, smiling awkwardly at him in awareness. "I'll give you mine again."

"Thank you," he said softly. "Keep going."

"There's more?"

"Well, one more for last year's Christmas gift – and one for this year."

"J.J., you really didn't have to do this."

"I was feeling festive," he shrugged simply and drew in his breath as she pulled out another small gift. "I hope you don't think I'm weird by giving you this. I mean, it's just something silly and fun."

Unwrapping the small box, she hesitated, looking at him sharply.

"Is this mistletoe?"

"Oh, is it?" he strangled out, rubbing the back of his head. "Huh. Weird. I thought it was just a little plant for the holiday. Are you sure that's not holly or…"

"This is mistletoe , J.J.," she affirmed, looking at him in disbelief. "People exchange kisses under mistletoe."

"Yeah, we don't have to do that," he stammered as she stared at his profile, seeing him flushing even more. "Actually, awwww heck , don't open the other one – please. I'll take it back and…"

Chloe was already tearing into it like a crazy woman, removing a small box and lifting the lid before looking at him like he'd lost his bloomin' mind. Inside the box was a sterling silver chain that had a small charm of mistletoe hanging from it. His eyes slid toward her as he swallowed, looking guilty or like he'd been caught red-handed in the cookie jar.

"Oh, mannnn ," he hissed in a panic under his breath. "Please don't be upset. I meant well. I just think you're really pretty and…"

"Thank you," she whispered softly, meeting his eyes. "It's beautiful."

"You aren't mad?" he giggled in disbelief, staring at her.

"Why would I be mad?"

"Because it… because I, um, well, I'd like to… gosh, Chloe, I've really missed you the last few years," he admitted in a hushed voice. "I know that this is stupid to think that you could ever, um, well… you know what – never mind. This is hopeless."

And she reached out to touch his hand, hesitating. His hand was warm, so much larger than hers, and so different yet so familiar. His blunted nails had obviously been chewed on where hers had been filed and painted with clear nail polish. They were two different people from two different worlds, with two different paths.

"Maybe right now, it is," she said softly, meeting his eyes. "I need time because I plan on going to the Air Force Academy with some of my friends – and would like to consider you one of them."

"I am your friend," he replied. "I've always been – even if I irritate you."

"You do sometimes," she admitted, chuckling softly. "Yet, I came back because I wanted to see you too. Can you fasten the necklace on me?"

"Do you like it? "

"It's my favorite present – and it will remind me of you."

"Turn around," he instructed, and she did so, seeing a few people glancing at them knowingly – before smiling and turning their backs to give them a moment of privacy in the crowded room. Her father was on the other side talking with Mr. Mitchell, and she wasn't sure where Mr. and Mrs. Post were right now. As the charm descended before her face, she felt a moment later cool against her skin, realizing it would lay just below her collarbone nicely.

"There," J.J. said softly, and his hand touched her shoulder briefly before he removed it as she turned to look at him. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," she breathed, her words catching in her throat as she met his eyes. "Thank you so much. We should keep in touch more, shouldn't we?"

"I would really like that."

"So," she began and heard her voice warble precariously. "Is this weird between us? I know they are all watching us right now. Are you going to kiss me?"

"I…ah, would you like me to kiss you?"

"It would be my first kiss – and I think it would be really special. Almost like it's a Christmas present from me, given to you. I don't have anything to give you, but I could give you that."

"Chloe…"

She touched his hand once more and felt something turn over in her chest as he laced their fingers together – before leaning forward to kiss her softly on the cheek. Her eyes closed as she felt his warm breath on her skin, treasuring the sweetness of the moment before frowning.

He kissed her on the cheek?

Opening her eyes, she met his sad ones .

"I would love to be your first kiss," he whispered softly, his eyes searching hers. There was something so open, so fervent and honest in his gaze as he spoke in a hushed voice for her ears alone. "It would be a heckuva gift, but when we kiss – I don't want to be surrounded by a bunch of people distracting me. When that kiss finally happens, I want to lose myself in the feeling because I know everything will change between us."

"So you're not going to kiss me?"

"Someday when we're both ready."

"But how will I know if I'm ready – I mean, I thought I was now."

"Chloe, you are sixteen and have your whole life ahead of you," J.J. whispered, smiling sadly at her. "It's just not our time."

"And for that comment alone – I'm going to let you live, kid."

Chloe turned around to see her father standing there, his legs akimbo and his arms crossed over his chest. It was his expression that worried her, though as she pulled back her hand from J.J.'s and nearly put him behind her as she scooted in her chair. Her father's face was devoid of any emotion, like a statue, and in that moment – she knew exactly what he looked like on the field of battle.

It was terrifying.

"Daddy, we were just talking."

"Chloe, move away from Jamie Post's son."

"Why? What are you going to do?"

"Chloe – I'm going to say this one more time and…"

"Mr. King, I appreciate your grace and understanding," J.J. said from behind Chloe, moving away as he stood. "I apologize that it looked anything but innocent to you, but I would never cross a line with your daughter, sir. "

"Go find your mommy, boy …"

"Daddy!"

"Chloe, I suggest you do the same while I take a minute to remind myself this is Christmas."

"DADDY…"

"Chloe, do as your father said… please ," J.J. uttered in a hushed voice – and Chloe had tears stinging her eyes as her father let out an almost maniacal laugh of disbelief.

" Do you think you are going to be the one to tell my daughter what to do? Holy crow, this is rich. My goodness, I'm going to be up for sainthood after this! Woooooo , here I am, just keeping my calm and wits about me," her father was muttering.

Chloe darted off guiltily, clutching her precious gifts from J.J. and nearly running for her mother. She chanced a look over her shoulder, nearly bumping into India Tarrant, who was blowing bubbles annoyingly only to see that J.J. was speaking with her father, looking hurt and concerned.

No, this was not how she intended Christmas to be this year. She wanted to see J.J. – but not like this. She was panicking and immediately made an unexpected change in her path, directly for Mr. and Mrs. Post who were talking with the Griffins.

"Mr. Post, J.J. needs to see you immediately over by the right wing of the B-52 – and please don't hurt my dad. Nothing happened," she rushed out and saw their eyes widen in surprise as his father shoved his beer toward Mrs. Post.

"You did the right thing, Sweetie," Lucy Post began and looked at her curiously. "No matter how hard it is – and I will never forget that. Trust my Jamie. Nothing will happen, but you should probably be heading toward your mother instead of over here speaking with me. "

"Nothing did happen," Chloe stressed painfully.

"I know that, but sometimes things take time for them to work out correctly in the end. Slow and steady wins the race – remember that, Chloe. Don't be in a hurry to grow up."

Chloe pressed her lips together, feeling ashamed and even more like a child who was being talked down to. Turning away, she moved toward her mother and plopped down in a folding chair nearest to her.

"Chloe? What are you up to? What's going on?" her mother began, smiling softly at her and smoothing back a lock of her hair that had come loose from the braid wound around the crown of her head. "What do you have?"

"Are you going to take it away?"

"No. Why would I?"

"Because it's from J.J. Post – and Daddy hates him," Chloe ground out, hearing a few throats clear nearby, obviously overhearing her comments. Her mother let out a long sigh and put her hand under her chin, making her look up into her eyes.

"I want you to hear me clearly and pay attention, young lady," her mother began softly. "Your father has a big heart and is a kind man, but you are his only child. He's very protective when it comes to you, and nothing will ever stop that. He doesn't hate J.J. We are very concerned that he's not the right person for you – and you have your whole life ahead of you."

Chloe gave her a mutinous stare.

"Don't rush into things like I did," her mother whispered. "I pushed for things when I was young because I thought I knew everything – only to have life push back even harder. Don't do something foolish because you have no patience— just like me. You are so much like me, precious girl. Try to be like your father, too."

"Are you telling me to be all grumbly and angry?"

"Nooo," her mother laughed, releasing and hugging her at that moment. "I'm telling you to take things slow, live your life, and then when you are good and ready – you can plan your battle strategy and lay siege to whoever's heart you want to win."

"And if it's J.J.'s?"

"In ten or fifteen years, if you still want J.J. and he feels the same – you can tackle that fight then, okay?" she whispered against her hair, hugging her. "I love you, Chloe – and always will."

"I love you too, Mama."

Three days later, Chloe was back home in Maryland and secluded away in her bedroom, unpacking her things from the holiday spent with friends. Her room was a mess after Christmas, and then there was the flight to Texas, and now she was home to face the scattered remnants everywhere. Each of the girls gifted each other a bottle of nail polish as an easy, small present to travel with – and hers was a bright blue, swirling, iridescent polish from Ruby Griffin.

Chloe loved it.

It reminded her of the clouds and her dreams of attending the Academy in two years, realizing that if she were going to fly a fighter jet like the others – she would need to dedicate herself. Chloe didn't have a school where her parents could take her zipping around in a little plane to practice. No, she was taking a few lessons at a private school nearby, but they were awfully expensive. Her parents were being supportive as could be, and throwing it all away would be exactly the ‘rushing into things' that her mother had begged her not to do… and then she saw the address book.

Flipping to ‘P' – she saw J.J.'s scrawled phone number and noticed there was no name there, but only a smiley face. Chuckling, she sat down on the edge of her bed realizing how adorably corny he was sometimes and she liked it. Picking up her phone, she glanced at her door and then began to type in the number carefully.

Hey, it's Chloe

Oh, hey! You texted.

Are you in trouble?

No. Are you?

No. I got the ‘stern talking to' – but I'm not in trouble.

Thank you for my gifts.

Thank you for that kiss.

Ha! That was my cheek, buddy.

Then can I thank you for our friendship?

I would like us to continue to get to know each other. I'll be cheering you on from here - when you graduate, when you apply to the Academy, and when you finally get to soar in the sky. I think you're amazing and will be an incredible fighter pilot.

Chloe blinked tearfully at the screen, realizing that J.J. was the best person in the world – even if he could be irritating or annoying sometimes. No one else had ever said that to her, and she knew he meant every word.

You are – and will always be – my friend.

Always.

And Merry Christmas again, Chloe.

Merry Christmas, J.J.