Chapter One

*Scarlet*

On Christmas Eve 26 years ago, I came into this world, a healthy, baby girl; but I wasn't the only one born on that day.

Enter, Cole Caldwell; the other baby in my neighborhood, born Christmas Eve, 26 years ago. Also known as my best friend. His brother Johnny is one of my best friends too, but Cole and I have been attached at the hip since we entered this world. Years and years of sexual tension between us, yet, we NEVER have crossed that line. It's not like I haven't wanted to, the same goes for Cole; we just didn't want to ruin our friendship. Friends having sex, usually, never turns out good. I don't want to lose my best friend over something as simple as SEX. We both just recently got out of long, toxic, relationships, and we've decided to get away for the Christmas holiday. Luckily the pediatricians' office I work at is also closed for the holiday, so I don't have to worry about that.

We're going to California to spend Christmas weekend at my mother's beach house with our friends. Since my mother is busy and NEVER celebrates with me, and Cole's dad is busy with work, we made our own plans. We're catching the six o' clock flight from JFK, and I have to pick up Cole, Maddi, and Johnny; I need to get ready!

I walk inside my festive house, and kick my shoes off, leaving them at the door as I walk to the kitchen for a drink.

I can't wait to get out of here for a little while!

My bags are packed in the living room, with my ticket and everything else I need, so I put my purse with the rest of it. Just as I go to walk up the stairs to change my clothes, my cell phone rings loudly inside of my purse, so I grab it.

"Hello?"

"Where are you, Scarlet? I'm waiting for you to pick me up!"

"I just walked in from work, Cole. We had a lot of sick kiddos today. All I have to do is change and I'll be right there K?"

"Yeah, Okay. I guess I'll see you soon, do you want me to call the other's and let them know?"

"YES! Please, that would be a huge help, Cole! I love you buddy, I'll see you soon!"

"Love you more! And hurry, it doesn't take that long to pick out an outfit!"

I hang up the phone, still laughing as I walk up to my room, in a hurry to get ready and head out; can't miss my flight. I drop my things on my bed, carefully taking my laptop out and putting it on the charger first.

Looking through my closet, I skim through the outfits I have, unsure of what to pick. All I know is I need to get out of these damn scrubs, I smell like the doctor's office I JUST left. It's snowing and below freezing out, BUT I'm going to Cali, so I'm not sure how to dress. What should I wear?

I slip into an outfit, after the tough decision, and I take another look at myself in the mirror, and when I'm satisfied with my appearance, I grab my things and head out. I head downstairs and take a walk around the house, making sure everything's locked up and all the lights are out. Even though my suitcase is heavy, I still manage to bring it to the car, and lift it into the trunk; who needs a man?

As I drive over to Cole's apartment, I get butterflies in my stomach, just thinking about spending the weekend with him. He's been my best friend ever since we were little, and the feelings I have, I've always pushed to the back of my mind.

When I pull up out front, Cole is standing there with Maddie and Johnny, and they're waiting for me, so I pop the trunk.

"I'm Here!"

"About time, Scar." Cole says jokingly.

"Give her a break Cole, she's here now so let's get in and go!" Maddie says, rolling her eyes.

"You guys always bicker for fuck's sake. Lookin' good Scar, aren't you cold?"

"Freezing, Johnny, actually."

I reach in the backseat and pull out my coat, slipping my arms into the warm fleece as the warmth spreads through my body.

"That's better!"

Cole grins at me, his heated gaze sends pleasure to my core, as desire flows through my veins; what is he doing to me?

"You look amazing, Scarlet... Always so, in fact." Cole adds a smirk on his beautiful face.

The four of us pile into my car and we take off to the airport to catch our flight.

New York traffic sucks this time of day, everyone is getting off of work so there's always backed up traffic for miles. We kill time by playing the license plate game, and I Spy; it reminds me of my childhood. Cole and I used to play all the time! We were, and still are, always together; it's hard not to catch feelings for him.

Pulling up to the airport, finally, I park in the long term parking section, and we grab our things and quickly run in.

We make it through security with no issues, and before I know it we're boarding the plane and trying to find our seats. We place our baggage over our heads and plop down, buckling in, as we try to make ourselves comfortable.

"I've been looking forward to this mini-vacation, I can't wait to see the beach." Cole says, staring into space.

I look over at Cole, who's sitting next to me, excitedly staring out the window like a little kid; I smile at him.

"Yeah, me too. Are you guys finally going to squash the sexual tension that's been killing us for the last twenty years?"

My cheeks turn bright red at Johnny's comment, so I try to change the subject as quickly as I can; they know too much.

"I'm just excited to spend the weekend at the beach, that's all Johnny."

"Awww, don't be embarassed girl, he's fucking with you. We're gonna have a good time no matter what we do!"

Johnny teases me the whole plane ride, as Cole and Maddi fall asleep. Luckily the flight doesn't drag.

"Are you and my brother finally going to hook up?"

"Jesus Johnny, are you ever going to let it go?"

"No, because I know it's going to happen."

As the plane gets ready to land, I wake up the sleeping beauties as I stare out the window this time, looking at Cali.

"We're here!!"

Baggage claim is packed when we get there, but to my surprise, our bags are some of the first ones to come around. Johnny and Cole grab all four suitcases, as we lead them outside to the rental we paid for.

The warm weather relaxes my nerves as we enjoy the breeze and climb into the car; we're off to the beach house.

The drive isn't long, but we still take our time to look at the scenery around us; it's refreshing and breathtaking.

I can feel eyes on me as I drive, and when I look to my right, Cole's staring at me with a smirk on his face. I shake my head, giggling, and keep my focus on the road in front of me; we're almost there, thank god.

"So you're sure your mom isn't gonna bother us this weekend, right? She won't show up out here?"

"Nah, Mads, she might call me, that's it."

She has a thing for Johnny, and is hoping something happens this weekend. I look in the rearview mirror so I can see Maddi while still keeping eyes on the road; mom shouldn't bother us.

"Nah, she said she has plans with her secret boyfriend, she still won't tell me who he is."

"Maybe it's my dad, he told me the same thing, except he threw in he had to work, too."

"No way Cole, we would have found out by now."

"That would be funny! What would happen if you guys hooked up too?"

"Not gonna happen, Johnny." I scoff.

"We'll see…" He says, mischief in his eyes.

Johnny always messes around with Cole and I, he's routing for us to hook up, but I don't see that ever happening.

We pull up to the house and all the memories I have as a kid being here with my mom, come rushing back to me.

We had some good times here before my dad left my mom for his younger secretary; so cliché.

I wipe a rogue tear from my cheek, putting on a fake smile, I get out of the car and lead my friends inside. Cole knows pretty much everything about everything. He comes close and puts his hand on the small of my back as we walk.

"Are you alright Scarlet?"

His breath is hot on my neck as he whispers into my ear; a shiver runs down my spine, tingling through my toes. I bite my lip as arousal seeps into my panties; I do my best to keep my composure. My feelings have grown over the years. It's hard to keep them in check sometimes, but I succeed every time because I've learned self control, finally.

"Yeah, it's always hard when I first get here, but I'll be okay."

I give him a genuine smile as he leads me into the house, still with his hand resting on my lower back; it feels good.

"This place is fucking huge! How many rooms are there!?"

"A lot, you each get your own, but I always take the same room I have since I was a kid."

Johnny runs around checking out the huge house and Maddi follows; they look so happy. Cole inches closer to me, and i find myself leaning against him for comfort.

Cole smiles, making my cheeks burn and my core ache for him; my hormones are crazy right now.

"I'm going to my room to change, it's late and I'm tired."

"I'll come with you." Cole says. " I'm jet-lagged."

My heart is racing as I head for the stairs to get to the safety of my room.

I get to my room and close the door; leaning my back against it, I try to get my heartbeat under control. Quickly, I slip into my pajamas and quietly put my ear back to my bedroom door to see if I can hear Cole. I hear his footsteps tapping down the hall, then stop. And sure enough, the door to the room next to me, opens. He always takes the room next to mine...has for 20 years now.

I crawl into bed and pull the covers up to my chin; the breeze from the ocean is chilly, as it blows in my open windows.

It's hard to believe that my and Cole's birthday is tomorrow, Christmas Eve. The next day is Christmas; it came so fast.

Being in this house brings back memories of my dad, who I haven't seen since I was 15. I try not to think about him. He's got a new family now and doesn't bother with us, even though we live twenty minutes apart; it's ridiculous.

I turn on my side and look at the ocean, I see the waves rise as they crash against the shore, making a relaxing sound. A soft but familiar knock, brings me back to reality, and as soon as I go to sit up, Cole walks in and shuts the door.

"Oh hey you... What's up?"

Hands in his sweatpants pockets, he slowly walks to the side of my bed, and leans against the wall just staring at me.

"You doing okay?"

He grins and quirks an eyebrow; a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"What's that look for Cole?"

"Hmm, nothing. Just wanted to see how you were holding up... I know being here is hard for you."

"I'm doing okay, a little sad but I'll get through it like always. I'm here to have fun, not wallow in self pity."

"That's my girl. Scoot over, I'm joining you."

I stared up at him with wide eyes; I wasn't expecting him to come sleep with me... I want him to, but is it a good idea?

"What's the matter, Scarlet? Do you not want me in your bed?"

My heart races as I try to decide what the right move is here... He has no idea how much I want him…

"Fine. Climb in, Cole. You can sleep in my bed with me."

I pull the blankets back and he jumps into the bed, taking up most of the queen sized mattress when he spreads his legs.

"C'mere sweet girl…"

Now that he's taken his robe off, his chiseled chest catches my eye as he makes himself comfortable. He stretches his arm out for me to lay on, and I put my head on his chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat. This is a little too close for comfort, but I'm definitely here for it and enjoying it even more than I thought I would.

"This is nice." I admit, missing his warmth.

Cole and I always shared a bed when we were younger, but when we got into our relationships with our exes we stopped.

"Yeah, it is nice, isn't it? I've honestly missed having you in my arms, Scarlet; I've missed your smell the most."

We turn our heads, laying on our cheek so that we're facing each other, and the look Cole gives me makes my panties wet. His hand reaches up, and he grazes my cheek softly with his knuckles, as a breath catches in my throat.

Meanwhile, my hand finds its way to his stomach as my fingers trace over his sculpted muscles, tracing his tight abs. Cole's thumb presses against my lips, and he keeps it still, as he looks deep into my eyes with his piercing blue orbs.

"Cole…" I manage to whisper, my body a ragged mess of overwhelming pleasure for thia man,and his mouth on mine.

With hooded eyes he swallows hard, as his voice comes out low and growly.

"You're fucking beautiful, Scarlet... I kick myself for never making a move a long time ago."

"You…You wanted to make a move on me too?"

"Yeah, surprised?" He grins, making my stomach flutter.

"Of course, I'm surprised!"

He slides closer to me, tangling his legs with mine under the blanket; our lips are mere inches apart.

"Ya know...I still feel that way, Scar…"

"What way?" I ask nervously.

"I want to kiss you, Scarlet, will you let me?"

Should I give in and kiss Cole, after 20 years of NEVER kissing him before? I want too so fucking bad, but should I? He looks at me with a sparkle in his eyes while our bodies are dangerously pressed close against each other's.

"It'll be our first kiss ever, Scarlet, could you imagine what it would feel like after all these years?"

I move my lips closer to his, raking my nails up and down his toned stomach, as I whisper to him in a hoarse voice.

"Kiss me, Cole…"

Can't believe what I'm saying, but the next thing I know Cole crashes his lips down on mine in a fiery frenzy. 20 years of sexual tension, and it all comes down to this moment. I've been waiting 20 years for this boy to kiss me.

He grabs the back of my head, pulling me closer as his tongue slips into my mouth and twirls around mine passionately. I try to take control of the kiss but his tongue is too fast; he's kissing me, hungrily now.

When he deepens the kiss, his tongue hits the back of my throat- my panties get drenched immediately; I gotta stop this. As much as I don't want to stop, we have too before it goes any further. Tonight isn't the night we cross that line. I slowly pull away, but not before nipping at Cole's bottom lip and dragging my tongue along the top; we're panting.

"Wow…" He says, shocked.

I lick my swollen lips, secretly wanting to take my finger and touch them, but I'm not some weirdo... Or am I?

"Yeah, wow…"

He pulls me to his chest, I lay my head on it, as he wraps his arm around me, giving me a kiss on the top of my head.

"That was our first kiss, Scar... It was perfect."

"It...It was the best kiss I've ever had, Cole."

"Same. I don't know why we waited 20 years to try it, but now I'm pissed at what I've been missing."

"Relax, lover boy, let's just make sure this doesn't ruin our friendship, because you know I don't ever want to lose you."

"Pfft... You're never going to lose me, I promise I'm always gonna be here annoying you."

"I'm holding you to that promise."

"Always, okay let's get some sleep.We have a big day tomorrow."

"Yup, Christmas Eve, and our 26th birthdays!! Can't wait, but yeah I'm tired... Goodnight, Cole, I love you."

"I love you too sweet girl... sweet dreams, Scarlet."

Cole holds me tight in his arms as I snuggle into his comforting embrace. I'm right where I belong; it's overwhelming. Nightmares usually find me when I sleep, but with Cole, the nightmares stay away for the entire night; I finally sleep.

*The Next Day*

The sound of snickering coming from my room wakes me up, not the blinding sun or chirping birds; it's Mads and Johnny. For a second I wonder what they're giggling at, and then it dawns on me when I go to stretch out. Cole's still asleep in my bed… Not for long, because just like the laughing woke me up, it also wakes up Cole, who throws a pillow at his brother.

"What are you doing in here, jackass!?" Cole growls, pissed off already.

"It's morning, and it's your birthdays! We have a busy day ahead of us, so get up!" Johnny yells all cheery.

"Happy birthday and merry christmas eve!!"

"Thanks Mads, I love you girl."

"What happened here last night?"

"We just slept Johnny, nothing else." I assure him, hoping he buys it.

"Something happened, I can see it all over your faces." Johnny asks.

"YOU KISSED!!" Maddie exclaims.

"How'd you know?" I groan, not wanting them to find out this way.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Maddie asks, anxious to find out.

"Yes, jesus! Now will you guys get out so we can get up and get dressed, please?"

"Called it on the plane...too bad we didn't bet." Johnny winks, knowing he called this before it happened.

"GOO!!!" I screa., mortified.

Johnny throws his hands up in surrender as he and Maddi back out of my bedroom, both grinning from ear to ear.

"This wasn't how I was expecting them to find out."

Cole and I sit up, and swing our legs over the edge of the bed, sliding into our slippers on the floor.

"They were bound to find out eventually. Do you regret the kiss, Scar?"

I walk around to Cole's side, and sit down beside him, taking his soft, manly, hand in mine and interlacing our fingers.

"Of course I don't regret it Cole…"

The look he gives me is one of wonder as his lips tug up into a smile.

"Morning, birthday girl…" He says flirtatiously.

"Mornin, birthday boy…" I fire back, licking my lips as lust takes over my eyes.

"Can I kiss you again, Scar?"

"Fine, a birthday kiss, though. But that's it, Cole."

"I'd like that…"

He closes the gap, and presses his lips to mine in a heated, passionate, kiss as his tongue hungrily explores my mouth. I lean into him and fall right in sync with the rhythm of the kiss, my tongue matching his in a firey duel. He grabs my face to deepen the kiss, I fall into the moment, as his tongue hits the back of my throat. After a few minutes he pulls away, niping at my bottom lip as we come up for air.

"Happy birthday Scarlet."

"Happy Birthday, Cole…"

He grabs his things and leaves my room, leaving me a huge wreck of confusing yet erotic feelings...

I can only imagine how our birthday is going to go, and what Maddie and Johnny have planned…