Mood: swipe left and tap the media box above to listen to Slow Dancing In The Dark by Joji to get an idea of how Jake's feeling right now.

Lydia

Christmas vacation gave me the rest that I needed from work, studies, and university life. My boss, Sapphire Richland, said it was a break well deserved. She planned to take time off and spend it with her husband, a history professor, and their two boys.

I would be in Professor Richland's class next semester, and I'd heard he was a hard marker. Last semester, he failed nearly half his class, and the rest were lucky to get anything better than a pass.

He came across as arrogant and cold, but he was always caring and warm with Sapphire when he came to pick her up after her shifts. Sapphire was lovely; I had a great boss who had empathy. She and her husband were in their thirties, and I babysat their boys more frequently as I got to know them better.

Mom and Dad were disappointed when I said Marc wanted me to spend Christmas with him and his family. However, we planned to visit my parents after Christmas. Marc was going to spend New Year's Eve in my hometown.

Jake gave away an expression of genuine surprise when I admitted to him that I wasn't coming home until after Christmas. Traditionally, we would hang out on Christmas evening after dinner and go for a walk together around the neighborhood. I guess he was expecting me for Christmas.

He was single.

Elsie was no longer the rose of his life, although they remained friendly with each other. He admitted to having a threesome with her and Katie when he and Elsie were still together, but I didn't want to hear the details. I told him it was too much information. TMI. Just as he didn't want to hear about my sex life with Marc.

Jake was enjoying single college life and played the field. He admitted to having at least half a dozen one-night stands and made out with many women by the end of the semester. He was the campus Casanova-a pleasure-seeking playboy, from what I heard from others. I warned him to take caution and use protection. He told me I was preaching to the converted.

Still, he was my friend, and we trusted each other-he brought sunshine to my storms, and I was all ears when he needed to vent about the world's injustices. Jake was a compassionate friend who wasn't afraid to show his emotions. He picked me up from the library and took me home on many occasions when Marc had football practice. I knew I could lean on Jake.

Most girls didn't know Jake the way I knew him. To them, he was just a pretty face. To me, he was someone who meant the world. Whenever I was with Jake, girls I knew from class who didn't know I was with Marc asked me if Jake was my boyfriend. Once they found out we were just friends; they asked me to hook them up with him.

Jake and I managed the rebuild our friendship with a stronger foundation than ever before-one formed from trust, forgiveness, and above all else, unconditional love. Absolutely no benefits. I was genuinely grateful to have him as my sidekick again. The old Jake was back.

I did notice one thing, though. He never wanted to meet Marc. He did not stick around whenever I told him Marc was coming to meet me during lecture breaks or if Marc and I were going to be hanging out at a club or party.

Jake was not interested in coming to a football game. I told him that there was a chance a professional football team might scout Marc. He wasn't interested in listening and changed the topic.

Occasionally, when Carrie, Zach, Jake, and I were lazing on the university lawn, I would catch Jake looking at me. Not in a 'friends' kind of way, but more like he was checking me out. It was probably my imagination, but it felt like he harbored some feelings for me.

However, I was in love with Marc. One afternoon, when Marc and I were meeting up after studying, he kissed my hand. In front of the library, in front of everyone, he then said those three magical words. "I love you."

"Marc, did you just say what I think you said?" I pulled back, but he gently pulled me into him again.

"Yeah. You heard me right. I love you, Lyds." His eyes were bright-blue flames burning right into mine. I pulled the back of his neck into me and kissed him passionately and deeply. I placed his hands tighter around my waist. Someone yelled out, "Get a room!"

"I love you too, Marc," I said, breaking for some air from the long, passionate kiss.

Two Days Before Christmas

After exams were over, Marc and I headed to the airport with our luggage. I couldn't believe this! I was spending Christmas with a charismatic and gorgeous hunk, and I believed that I was in love with him. Yes, I could say that aloud now!

"I love you, Marc," I said as I slipped my hand into his.

"I love you too, Lyds." He searched my eyes and smoothed my hair. "You. You are an angel. So beautiful."

When we sat on the plane, I was about to switch off my phone before takeoff when a message popped up. It was from Carrie, wishing me a Merry Christmas. She sent a pic of the old crew from the last time we met up right after exams: Jake, Zach, Greg, Carrie, Reggie, Lindy, and me. We were dressed in Christmas colors and waving at the camera. Jake had a Santa beanie on. How cute. He was right next to me in the photo.

"Who's that?" Marc asked, looking over my shoulder.

"Oh, it's the usual crew," I replied.

"No, I mean, who's that guy?"

"Zach? You met him before."

"No, the other guy," Marc said. He pointed at Jake's Santa hat.

"Oh, him? That's Jake Somersby. He's part of the old crew. We're practically neighbors, you know," I said.

Marc looked at me inquisitively, then patted my hand to indicate I needed to put my phone away as the flight attendant walked up the aisle.

---

When we arrived at the airport's arrival hall, we saw a chirpy blonde woman wave at Marc. She looked pleased to see us. Marc's sister, who was in her junior year of high school, was also with her.

"Mom, Christy, this is my girlfriend, Lydia Coleman," Marc introduced us.

"Nice to meet you, Lydia. I'm Candace," Marc's mom said, shaking my hand and grinning from ear to ear. She had the same intense blue eyes as Marc. Her nose was perky, and her teeth were bleached white. She had a nice tan.

"Hi, Lydia," Christy chimed. She was about the same height as me, but she had a curvier build. She was also blonde and tanned-a carbon copy of her mother, with straight, white teeth and eyelash extensions. She offered to take my travel bag for me, but I said I could carry it.

Marc took my suitcase and wheeled it together with his. I watched his muscles flex as he moved to wheel the suitcases.

When we got to Marc's home, Candace showed us around the spacious modern abode, which boasted expansive glass windows and sleek architecture. Then she had to leave to take a call from Marc's dad, who was on his way home from the sports store. He was buying a new hockey stick for Marc's brother.

Christy continued the tour around the rest of the house before taking us to Marc's bedroom.

"I guess you'll be sleeping in my brother's room," Christy said. I blushed.

"I guess she will be," Marc answered. He wasted no time leaving all our luggage in his room before telling Christy we would be down later and then closing the door.

I looked around Marc's room and saw old photos from when he was a baby, all through to high school. There was a prom photo of him and a pretty girl with long, dark hair, dark eyes, a slim body, and a revealing prom dress. She had dark tanned skin, an amazing smile, and booty to go. Marc had high standards when it came to picking girlfriends.

I picked the photo up, and he stood right behind me, massaging my shoulders and breathing heavily into my neck. He began kissing my neck and collarbone tenderly while feeling my body.

"Ex-girlfriend?" I had to ask him. I was curious.

"Yeah. She's Brazilian. Real beautiful. She's a bikini model or something like that now." He then continued to rub me and kiss my neck more deeply, giving little bites and nips.

"You're beautiful," he growled.

I put the frame back and turned to him. He was hungry, bordering savage. He took his shirt off and placed me on the bed while he positioned himself on top of me. Within seconds, we were naked in a whirlwind of lust and sex.

---

Christmas dinner was pleasant with the Solomons. Marc and I showered together and helped each other get dressed in time for dinner. I was asked many questions, and Marc's mom had a bounty of stories to share. She showed me Marc's baby album and told me stories about his childhood.

Marc's brother was a stark contrast to him. He was in his last year of high school and had floppy brown hair, pale skin, and wore a skater shirt. He was a gamer, and his big dream was to make YouTube videos on gaming. He was nearly as tall as Marc, but he didn't have the same muscled, athletic build. His deep-blue eyes gave away that they were brothers.

Marc's dad was strong and tall, and he was sharp. He had silver hair and gray eyes. He looked at me and told Marc that I was a beautiful young woman.

"I bet she's smart too," Christy said. Then she muttered to me, "I bet people overlook you on that one." I nodded.

My phone buzzed-incoming call from Jake Somersby. I pressed the red button, then texted Jake that I couldn't talk because I was at the dinner table.

Jake texted back: I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, Missy.

I responded: I wish you a Merry Christmas too, Jake! I'll see you in a few days.

I hoped to see Jake when I visit my parents. Maybe even introduce him to Marc. However, I couldn't see those two meeting any time soon.

After dinner, Marc and I exchanged gifts. I gave Marc his present, which was a shaving and grooming kit. Marc bought me a pair of gold plated earrings. "I got my sister to help me out," he commented when I cooed over the jewelry.

"Merry Christmas," he whispered into my ear. I planted a kiss on his lips and thanked him for a wonderful Christmas.

The following evening, we went for a walk down a street dubbed Candy Cane Lane. The entire street was like a Christmas display, with lights and an assortment of decorations outside every house. It was truly magical!

I held Marc's hand as we walked back to his place. My heart sang with bliss, and I was smiling.

A/N: Please vote and/or comment if you like this chapter. Every bit helps to get this story noticed.⭐️