The Naughty Soldier’s List (Spice and Seduction)

6. Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Tessa

M y mom is fucking singing as she bastes the turkey one more time. It’s about the hundredth time I’ve heard Jingle Bells tonight, and I’m ready to scream. Anyone would think it was her who was… wait, no. Yuk.

I push the thought of my mother being as intimate as I have been with Colton aside, looking towards the towering Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. It’s sparkling, so bright and beautiful, like it knows that it’s Christmas Eve, and it’s the tree’s time to shine.

The beautiful ornaments and lights remind me of the first night I met Colton. It feels like so long ago, even though it’s just a few short days. Every moment with him has been like a dream. Like every time I’m in his arms, it’s like that’s right where I’m supposed to be.

“Can you butter the bread, dear?” Mom asks me, sliding the plate of butter to me.

I grab the knife and start smoothing a thick layer of golden butter over the sourdough. Rachel is on the opposite side of the counter, adding the final touches to the wedding cake. It’s a masterpiece of icing and cute little sugar flowers that Mom and her made, but her bottom lip is stiff as she works the piping bag over the edges.

“You must be excited,” I say, trying to fill the silence before Mom starts singing again. “Tomorrow’s the big day.”

Rachel doesn’t look up. “Yeah. Excited and nervous.”

“It’s going to be perfect,” I assure her. “You’ve done an amazing job with everything.”

The house is filled with holiday cheer, but with an added air of tension that’s becoming harder and harder to ignore. I’m trying not to read too much into it, but Rachel has been off ever since the rehearsal dinner.

Maybe I’m being paranoid.

I mean, it is Christmas Eve.

And her wedding is tomorrow. Of course she’s stressed.

I keep buttering the bread as mom bustles around the kitchen, humming softly to herself as she checks on the various dishes that are simmering away on the stovetop.

“So, is Colton coming to the wedding tomorrow?” Mom asks suddenly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “It is Christmas Day after all. You must spend it together, sweetheart.”

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. “Yeah, I think so. We’re exchanging gifts tonight, actually.”

“Oh?” Mom raises an eyebrow, clearly interested. “What did you get him?”

I laugh nervously. I have a good relationship with my mother, but I’m not sure she’s ready to hear what I bought for Colton just yet. If ever.

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” I say, shaking the inquisitive look she gives me off.

“I see. Well, I’m sure he’ll love it. Whatever it is.”

My heart flutters at the thought of giving Colton his gift tonight. I’ve been so busy helping Rachel these past two days, that I’ve barely seen Colton since the rehearsal. He’s been checking in on me, with cute little messages to let me know he’s thinking of me, but I want to see him again.

Rachel continues to work on the cake in front of me, her movements stiff and almost robot-like. I can see the tension in her eyes, but I know she’s just stressed.

We finish up the cake and after I wipe down the bench, I glance up to the clock. It’s getting late, and I’m itching to get up to Colton’s cabin to give him his present before the wedding tomorrow. Mom has disappeared from the kitchen and it’s just Rachel and I left to finish up.

I look at my sister, trying to gauge her mood. She’s still wearing that frown, barely looking at me as she busies herself with tidying up.

“I’m going to head out,” I say, trying to sound casual. “I want to catch Colton before it gets too late.”

Rachel’s head snaps up, and for a moment, I see something dark flash in her eyes. “You’re leaving now?”

“Uh, yeah,” I reply, a little taken aback by the sharpness in her tone. “We’re all done here, right? You don’t need anything else done?”

She opens her mouth to say something, but bites down and clenches her jaw shut instead. “Fine. Go ahead.”

“Are you sure? I can stay a bit longer if you need-”

“No,” Rachel snaps, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. “Just go.”

I blink in surprise. I know she’s stressed, but this? What the hell?

I turn to leave, choosing not to bother with another word. Clearly Rachel needs some time to herself right now, which would be completely understandable if she wasn’t being so damn horrible about it.

I reach the doorway and grab Colton’s gift off the table, turning to the front door when I hear Rachel’s voice, forcing me to stop in my tracks.

“Wait.”

I turn back to see Rachel’s face bright red, her top lip curled over in a fierce snarl.

“What is it, Rach? Why are you acting like this?”

She steps closer, her eyes widening. “Why am I acting like this?” she hisses, her voice filled with anger. “Are you kidding me, Tessa? You seriously don’t know?”

“No, I don’t. What the hell is your problem?”

"My problem?" she spits, her eyes narrowing into slits. "My problem is you. You and that guy you’ve been parading around town like he’s the best thing since sliced bread."

I reel back, shocked by her words. "What are you talking about? Colton and I—"

"Colton and you," she mocks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ever since you showed up with him, it's been all about you two. Everyone's so busy talking about the 'new couple' that they’re forgetting about the wedding. My wedding , Tessa. The one we’ve been planning for months. Years!"

My heart sinks at her accusation. "Rachel, I’m not trying to take the spotlight away from you. I—"

"Then what the hell are you doing?" she snaps, her voice rising. "Because from where I’m standing, it sure as hell looks like you’re trying to steal the show."

"That’s not true!" I shout back, my eyes stinging with angry tears. "I’m just happy, okay? For the first time in a long time, I’m happy. Can’t you just be happy for me?"

"Happy for you?" she scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "Happy that my sister decided to make everything about her when this is supposed to be my moment?"

I gape at her, unable to believe what I’m hearing. "I’m not making it about me! God, Rachel, you’re being so unfair!"

"Unfair?" she echoes, her voice cold. "You want to talk about unfair? How about you waltzing in here, acting like you own the place, dragging some guy around like he’s your latest trophy?"

"He's not a trophy!" I yell, my voice cracking with the force of my anger. "He’s a good man. He makes me happy, and for once in my life, I feel like I’ve found someone who actually cares about me."

"And what about the rest of us, huh?" she retorts, her eyes flashing with hurt. "What about me and Franklin? This is supposed to be our time, Tessa. Our wedding. But no, it’s always about you, isn’t it? Just like it always is."

Tears spill down my cheeks, hot and fast.

"That’s not fair," I whisper, my voice breaking. "I’ve done nothing but try to help you. I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do. I’ve supported you every step of the way. I’ve even told Colton I can’t see him when you need something. And now you’re accusing me of trying to ruin everything?"

She doesn’t say anything, just stands there, her eyes cold and unyielding.

"Well, screw you, Rachel," I say, my voice trembling with fury. "I’m sorry if my happiness is so offensive to you. But you know what? I don’t need your approval. Not anymore."

With that, I turn on my heel, throw Colton’s gift under my arm and storm out of the house, my vision blurred with tears. I don’t stop until I’m in my car, the engine roaring to life as I speed away from the house, away from the suffocating tension that hangs over us like a dark cloud.

I drive up the mountain, the tears streaming down my face blurring my vision. I can't believe how things have spiraled out of control with Rachel. Her angry words echo in my mind, tearing at my heart.

I need Colton. I need to see him, to feel his arms around me and know that everything is going to be okay.

By the time I reach his cabin, my hands are shaking, my heart pounding in my chest. I wipe at my eyes, trying to pull myself together as I step out of the car and make my way to his door.

There’s snow everywhere. I’m freezing fucking cold because I left in such a rush I forgot my coat. Now I’m halfway up a damn mountain in just a stupid Christmas sweater.

I hesitate for a moment, my hand hovering over the wood before I finally knock.

The door swings open, and there he is.

The moment I see him, the dam breaks. I collapse into his arms, the sobs wracking my body as he pulls me inside, his strong arms wrapping around me, holding me close.

"Tessa," he murmurs, his voice rough with concern. "What happened? What’s wrong?"

I cling to him, burying my face in his chest as the tears flow freely. I let it all out, the anger, the hurt, the feeling of betrayal. I tell him everything, about the fight with Rachel, about how she thinks I’m stealing the spotlight, about how she doesn’t understand what he means to me.

He listens quietly, his jaw tightening with every word. When I’m finally done, he tilts my chin up, looking into my tear-streaked face with a mix of concern and anger.

"She’s wrong," he says, his voice low and fierce. "You’re not stealing anything. You have every right to be happy, Tessa. And if she can’t see that, then screw her."

I sniffle, my heart aching at the raw intensity in his gaze. "But she’s my sister. I just... I wanted her to be happy for me."

"She’ll come around," he murmurs, brushing a tear from my cheek with his thumb. "She’s just stressed. It’s her wedding day tomorrow. But you need to know that you’re not doing anything wrong. What we have... it’s real. And no one has the right to make you feel bad about that."

A sob catches in my throat, and I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him close. "Thank you," I whisper, my voice trembling. "Thank you for being here. For being with me."

He kisses me, his lips soft and warm against mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

"Stay with me tonight," he murmurs against my lips. "Forget about everything else. Just be here with me."

I nod, the tension draining away as I lean into him. "I’d like that."

Colton's arms tighten around me, pulling me closer as he kisses me deeply, his lips firm but gentle against mine. My heart swells with a mixture of desire and something else… something that I’ve never felt before.

I’m falling for this man. It’s crazy, because I just met him. But it’s something I felt right from the moment I laid eyes on him.

"I'm glad you're here with me," he murmurs, his voice rough as he rests his forehead on mine.

“I have something for you,” I say softly, reaching for his gift.

My heart races as I hand him the small box. His eyes light up with curiosity as he grabs it, his fingers brushing against mine as he does.

“A present, huh?” he says, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Well, I don’t remember the last time I got a present.”

I laugh nervously, biting my lip as I watch him. “Just open it.”

He gives me a wicked grin, tearing off the wrapping paper with a quick flick of his fingers. When he lifts the lid, his eyes darken, a slow smile spreading across his face as he pulls out the fluffy handcuffs. He holds them up, the metal catching the light as he twirls them around his finger.

"Well, well," he growls, his voice dropping to a low, husky whisper that sends a shiver down my spine. "Look at what we have here."

I swallow hard, my cheeks flushing with heat as I watch him. "I, um, thought you might like them."

"Oh, I do," he says, his eyes locking onto mine. "I like them a lot."

But it's not just the cuffs that catch his attention.

He notices the folded piece of paper tucked inside the box and pulls it out, his brow furrowing slightly as he unfolds it. I hold my breath, my nerves jangling as he reads the note I included.

His eyes flick up to mine, a dark, dangerous look in their depths as he reads aloud, " Be handcuffed and give over control ." His lips curve into a slow, wicked smile as he looks back at me. "You want this?"

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “It’s on my list.”

He steps closer, his gaze never leaving mine as he tosses the note and cuffs aside, his hand cupping my cheek.

"Then you’re going to get exactly what you want, Tessa," he murmurs, his voice rough with promise. "And so, so much more."

The heat in his eyes leaves no room for doubt. I’m in for one hell of a night.