One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

he lays his eyes on what’s mine.”

“Yours?”

He grins at me. “Yes. You’re mine.”

Fuck if that doesn’t make my heart soar.

Xavier

I’m getting real used to waking up with Cassi in my arms. Every morning she’s with me, I wake up and admire her beauty. She’s the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Most people want a gorgeous view outside their door, but me? I could live in a box and as long as Cassi is next to me, I would have the most beautiful view.

She’s not only beautiful, but she’s got an amazing personality as well. Her kindness knows no bounds. She is feisty as well, but not scared to show her more vulnerable side. At least not when she’s with me.

I see what Jack has been telling me this whole time.

She’s one of those girls that once you meet them, you know they’ve changed your life irrevocably. I will never be the same.

That’s why I have to keep her. I meant what I told her earlier.

She’s mine. I refuse to share her with anyone.

She moves, drawing my eyes back to her face. I smile as I see her eyes flutter open.

“Are you watching me sleep?” she asks.

I chuckle. “You caught me.”

“I’m really starting to think my original thought of you being a serial killer might have been right on the money.”

“Maybe, but keep rocking my world the way you do and you won’t have to worry. You’ll be safe from me.”

She closes her eyes, shaking her head. “You’re silly.”

Her alarm goes off next to me. I grab her phone, turning it off.

“I need to get up. I told my parents I would be there for breakfast.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

She leans up, kissing me.

“Don’t you have to catch a plane or something.”

I shrug. “No. I’m staying here.”

Her eyes look confused.

“It’s Thanksgiving week. You’re not going home to spend it with your family.”

I look away from her. “My family isn’t really like that.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“Stay here.”

“The dorms are shutting down.”

“I got a hotel room, don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

She leans up, looking down at me. “You’re being serious?”

I pull her to me, pressing my lips against hers. “I’ll be fine.”

She shakes her head. “Of course you will because you’re coming home with me. I can’t believe you were going to hide this from me.”

She slips from bed, pulling on a pair of pants under my T-shirt and her shoes.

“I wasn’t hiding it. It just never came up.”

“Yeah, because I assumed you were going home.”

“You know what they say about assuming.”

She huffs, “I didn’t think about it. I should have invited you sooner. Get a bag ready, you can stay in Ryan’s room.”

I get up and walk to her. “It’s okay. I’m fine being alone.”

“You might be, but I want you to come. Honestly. Please?”

“If you’re sure they won’t mind.”

“They won’t. Get packed and pick me up in an hour.”

“You’re awfully bossy.”

She leans up, kissing me. “You love it.”

As I watch her walk away, I realize. I think I do.

13

Cassi

“Mom. Dad,” I call out as soon as we walk through the front door.

Dad greets us at the door. He smiles brightly, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

This is why I avoided home. I feel guilty for the pain they’ve felt.

“Hey, Cass. I’m so happy you’re home. Is this the young man you said you were bringing with you?”

He wraps his arms around me, looking over my shoulder, I assume staring down Xavier.

I pull back. “Daddy, this is Xavier. He’s my boyfriend.”

“Xavier, this is my daddy, Jerry.”

“Mr. Davis, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You’ve raised one hell of a woman.”

My dad instantly smiles, taking Xavier’s hand. “Thank you, son. We like to think we did an okay job.”

Just then, Mom comes out from the kitchen. “Cassi, you’re here.”

She walks over to me, also hugging me before turning her attention on Xavier.

“This is the boyfriend.” She pretends to whisper to me, but he can hear every word. “He’s cute. Good job.”

“Hey, woman,” my dad warns.

“Oh, hush. It’s great to meet you. Why don’t you go into the living room with Jerry while Cassi helps me in the kitchen?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

I chuckle, knowing he learned that from Jack.

Once in the kitchen, my mom turns to me.

“So how have you been? We haven’t seen much of you since school started.”

I sit at the counter, watching as she preps for tomorrow’s feast.

At least with Xavier here, there will be four people again.

My chest pangs.

“Yeah. Sorry. I’ve been busy with classes. When I’m not in class, I’m either studying or with friends.”

She throws me a small smile. “Or with that boyfriend of yours?”

I nod my head. “Yes. I spend time with him too.”

She waves a knife in my direction. “You better be being safe. Not that I wouldn’t love to be a grandmother, but it’s still a bit early for that.”

I cover my face. “Oh my god, Mom. Seriously?”

She throws a towel at me. “Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain, young lady. I’d hate to have to whoop you in front of your hottie.”

“Please don’t call anyone a hottie again. That’s disturbing.”

She laughs. “I’m glad you kept that humor of yours. So tell me more about what’s been going on? How’d you meet Xavier?”

I cringe, not wanting to tell her the exact story, but settle for some semblance of the truth. “We met at a party.”

“Yeah? Sounds typical for college kids nowadays. You’re being safe at these parties, right?”

I can see the worry flit across her face. My heart feels sliced open.

I whisper, “I don’t drink anymore.”

Her eyes tear up. “I didn’t mean it like that, honey.”

“I know, but still.” I feel my own eyes prick. “I’m going to go give Xavier a tour of the farm. Call me if you need help?”

She nods silently, now lost in her thoughts.

I know the feeling. It’s been a while, but I used to get lost in my grief often.

I stop in the hallway, out of view, to