Big hung back for a few minutes wondering what the fresh fuck was going on in his head where Alisha was concerned. For the first time in…well, ever, he wasn't completely freaked out by having one woman in his life. (Obviously, since he hadn't been with anyone but her for almost two months) But he didn't know what that meant or what the next step should be.
Okay, so he knew what the next step was. Jesus.
It was time for a discussion about fucking feelings.
Sighing, he knocked back the rest of his drink and headed back to the party.
"Delicious," Russell greeted, cornering her by the buffet. She had just filled her plate and couldn't wait to tuck into the delicious looking food, but the mischief dancing all over her friend's face told her she wasn't about to enjoy a carefree meal at this party.
"Yes, Russell?"
"You look fabulous," he told her, appraising her appearance from head to toe.
Her lips twitched into a cautious smile. "Thank you."
"Dressing up for your man?" he asked with pursed lips.
Alisha sighed heavily and speared a meatball with her fork. "Leave it alone, Russell."
Russell sniffed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a vice-like grip. "Oh, Alisha, Alisha, Alisha. How likely do you think it is that I would leave something like this alone? Silly girl," he told her teasingly.
Adam approached the pair with a smile. "Happy Holidays, cutie," he grinned, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
"Same to you," she warmly replied.
"This one hassling you?" he asked, jerking a thumb in Russell's direction. Affronted, Russell turned his nose up in the air and sniffed.
Alisha laughed, elbowing her friend in the ribs. "Why, Russell Hummel would never do such a thing."
"Oh, yuck it up, you two, but I think I've remained extremely composed considering how right I was about the big secret. I can't help it that I want a little more information out of Alisha, can I?" He looked back and forth between the two before answering his own question. "No, I can't. So, you," he jabbed a finger at Alisha, "start talking. I want to know what's going on with you and Big. I've noticed the long looks you two have been exchanging when you think no one else is watching. But me? I see everything."
"Russell, leave her alone," Adam warned. "It's a party, for God's sake."
"Thank you, Captain Obvious," Russell replied drolly. "So?"
"So, what?" Alisha bit out, taking a large gulp of her wine to soothe her rapidly fraying nerves. Why everyone felt the need to be in her business was beyond her. All she wanted to do was eat some good food, share a few laughs and just generally enjoy the party before going home with the man whose kiss she could still feel on her lips. Was that asking too much? (She didn't think so.)
"Come on, Alisha. Do you really expect me to believe that you two are just sleeping together? Because I don't—not for one millisecond."
"Why are you asking me then if you have all the answers?" Alisha asked tartly, popping a crab puff into her mouth.
"Sweetie, I know that Gregory hurt you, but you can't hang on to that forever. This little bubble you've created can only last so long before you have to face reality and answer the tough questions."
She couldn't hide the wince at the mention of Gregory's name. She hadn't thought about him in a long time (honestly, she hadn't), but then Russell mentions his name and it's like a spotlight on all of her insecurities and the real reason she was so desperate for her and Big to stay in their bubble.
Whatever she felt for Big would be discussed with him later. (After all, he should be the one to hear it first. Shouldn't he?) She was not going to have this conversation with Russell before she had it with the man she was involved with. Plus there was the whole issue of telling Maggie. Her friend would no doubt be hurt to learn that she'd been kept in the dark for so long, but she was going to tell her. She just needed to find the right way to do so after the holidays.
"Whatever it is you think you know, Russell, you've got it wrong. I assure you that all that exists between us is sex. Just leave it alone, okay?" The lie slipped past her lips and she felt something twist in her belly. Alisha gave them a tight smile and walked away, completely unaware that Big was standing around the corner and had heard every word.
He knew she'd find him later. She'd cast a furtive glance around to make sure no one was watching (because God forbid anyone fucking find out) and then she'd sidle up to him with her bedroom eyes on and that fucking dress wrapped around her body like second skin looking beautiful and completely sinful at the same time. And here he was, feeling like a fucking tool of epic proportions having wanted to discuss feelings with her, when all he was to her was sex. Fuck his life.
Leaning against the counter in the kitchen with a fresh whiskey in hand, his jaw clenched tightly when she strolled into the kitchen (looking over her shoulder just as he predicted) with a tempting smile on her lips.
"There you are," she said, her smile growing brighter as she approached. "I've been looking for you."
"Well, you found me," he bit out, raising the glass to his lips and draining it swiftly.
"Easy there, killer," Alisha teased, lifting her eyes to his. His eyes were hard and cold as they looked back. Her brows knit together as she stepped closer. "What's wrong?" she asked, placing a hand on his stomach.
"Nothing," he shrugged carelessly, turning to refill his glass.
"Hey," she said softly, cupping his face in her hands, angling it towards her. "Are you okay? Do you want to get out
