“It was like everyone was faking being happy.”

Nic put her things on the dresser, then went closer to Abby. “Were they? Like you and I were faking being girlfriends?”

Abby met her gaze. “Having you here has been the highlight of Christmas, Nic.” Then she smiled. “For a number of reasons. But like we said, Holly and Aaron don’t really look happy. My mother is still a little miffed at my dad. I’m obviously still angry with Holly and Aaron.”

“Are you?”

“Aren’t I? Shouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t want to tell you how you should or shouldn’t feel. I think you think you should still be angry. At some point, you have to get past it, though.”

“You’re right. It’s almost like I have to remind myself that I should be angry with them. If you weren’t here, I think I would be. I would still be focused on that. I don’t like Holly. I can see her for what she is, and I don’t like her. I wouldn’t even want to be friends with her. It’s just appalling that she—they—think it’s perfectly acceptable to ask me to be in their wedding. I mean, who does that?”

“So say no, you won’t do it and be done with it.”

“My mother will push me to do it. Less drama that way.” Abby came closer. “But you know what? I don’t want to be in their freakin’ wedding. So, I’m not going to.” Abby slid her hands up to Nic’s shoulders, then looped them around her neck. “Have I thanked you lately for being my girlfriend?”

Nic pulled her closer. “Not lately, no.”

Their slow, leisurely kiss turned heated, and Nic was surprised to find herself being pushed down onto the bed. She moaned into Abby’s mouth as Abby settled her weight on top of her. She forgot about Christmas brunch as her hands pushed Abby’s sweatshirt up, her fingers touching warm skin. She spread her thighs, feeling Abby press hard against her as she shoved her bra aside.

Through her lustful haze, she heard voices outside in the hallway, heard steps on the stairs. A few seconds later, Sandra called out.

“Come down, girls. Everything’s ready!”

Abby groaned as she pulled her mouth away, then rolled off her. “God, the last thing I want to do is have breakfast.” She rolled her head to look at her. “I’m kinda turned on, in case you can’t tell.”

“I kinda am too.”

Abby laughed. “Who would have thought I’d enjoy this compensation thing so much.”

She smiled at that. “I’m quite enjoying it too.”

“Girls!”

Abby sat up. “She’ll be beating on the door soon if we don’t get down.” She leaned over and kissed her. “We’ll finish this later.”

Chapter Thirty-three

“No, no, no.”

“Why not?”