“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 164

**Chapter 36: The Christmas Party Part 2. (A night of fun)**

Josie could hardly believe her eyes! The room was decorated with the most beautiful Christmas theme. Tears began to swell in her eyes as she looked around the room at all of her family. Their faces lit with smiles as they clapped and yelled surprise.

*“You’re about to cry aren’t you big head!”*

Marlon yelled as he ran over to hug Josie. By now, the tears were streaming down her cheeks. Embracing his little cousin, Marlon began to cry too.

*“Merry Christmas little sister. It won’t make up for the four I missed, but I hope you continue to give me a chance to try.”*

*“Of course I will dummy.”*

Josie chuckled through her tears. Soon, everyone made their way over as they all began to hug and embrace each other. Adrianna made her way over and hugged Josie.

*“Tomorrow when you wake up you’ll be one of the most powerful people in this entire region…so tonight…tonight you just be Josie.”*

Josie nodded her head in agreement. After the hugging and crying, Evelyn, Georgia, and Adam introduced their spouses as well as Uncle Oliver.

*“Mr. Oliver, I’ve heard a lot about you from Adam! Thank you so much for all of your help.”*

Oliver smiled warmly; Adam and Evelyn had already explained everything to him regarding Josie. Oliver hated abusive family members; it was part of the reason he started his agency. After learning the truth, we was more than happy to help.

*“Think nothing of it Josie. Adam loves you like a little cousin so that makes you my niece. We always help family.”*

Josie smiled brightly, the Taylors almost beat it out of her; but she hadn’t forgot what *‘family’* truly meant.

That night, everybody partied! The food was amazing, the DJ played all the best songs, everything was perfect! Sitting around in a circle while drinking, everyone was laughing having a great time. The DJ began to play a love ballad causing everyone to pair up as they hit the dance floor. Oliver walked over to Adrianna smiling shyly.

*“May I?”*

Adrianna smirked as she made her way over. It was hard to deny how handsome he was, but Adrianna told herself not to waiver. After James, she’d closed her heart completely vowing never to trust a man again.

Still….

*“I’d love too.”*

Oliver took her hand into his and spun her into his arms. Her eyes widen as he pulled her close. Josie chuckled leaning in so she could whisper in Joshua’s ear.

*“Looks like Uncle Oliver has some moves. Maybe you should ask him for some lessons.”*

Joshua arched his brow as he smirked at Josie.

*“Is that right?”*

Suddenly, before Josie could even register what he was doing; Joshua spun her in a circle before pulling her close into a dip. Josie’s eyes widen in surprise as he leaned in for a kiss.

Suddenly, loud cheers came from the rest of the party.

*“Whoa Hoo!!! Way to go Watson!”*

Adrianna clapped loud along with Oliver. And although he was a little uncomfortable seeing his best friend and little cousin kiss; Marlon was happy to see Josie being loved.

As the party wind down, the group was now sitting on the lounging sofa talking and drinking.

*“So Em how long did you work for….at HT-Corp?”*

Georgia’s words slurred out as she leaned on Victor. Everyone began to laugh at her drunken sentence.

*“Umm….I think I got what you’re asking. I was there for over three years….I hated it.”*

Josie and Adrianna laughed hysterically. Slightly drunk, Josie lifted her hand holding up three fingers.

*“Three….three guesses on why!”*

Marlon chimed in.

*“Names end with the letter T…or start….the last name….the got-damn Taylors!”*

More laughter erupted as the group began to make their way to their rooms. Josie hugged Adrianna tightly.

*“Oh Adrianna!! Thank you so much for booking these rooms!”*

*“You deserved it beautiful!!!”*

Both the women drunkenly hugged and cried.

*“Alright drunk baker…come on.”*

Joshua chuckled as he picked Josie up and carried her to their room. Everyone else also made their way to their rooms after saying good night to each other. Leaving Adrianna and Oliver in the hallway. Awkwardly, Oliver looked around the hallway.

*“Umm are there any other rooms to book?”*

Adrianna smiled shyly.

*"Not on this floor. We’re in the VIP section."*

*“Oh….of course.”*

Adrianna lightly chuckled and then gestured for Oliver to follow her.

*“Come on happy feet….you can crash in my suite.”*

Oliver’s eyes widen before a grin appeared on his face.

*“Why thank you ma’am.”*

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Josie woke up the next morning feeling well rested. Even with the slight hangover headache, she felt better than she’d felt in a long time. Stretching loudly, her eyes widen with shock when she saw Joshua sleeping next to her. Quickly placing her hands over her mouth, Josie realized she didn’t quite remember what happened the night before. Sliding out the bed slowly, she began to panic.

*“Shit…shit! Okay…it’s okay Josie…nothing happened….right?”*

Josie looked down and realized she was wearing a nightgown.

*“Wait!! How did I get undressed!!!”*

As Josie turned around, she could hear a light chuckle. Joshua had now woke up.

*“I got you ready for bed baker. No worries.”*

Josie’s eyes quickly darted to Joshua’s bare chest. Realizing what she was admiring, a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

*“Miss Bowen….see something you like?”*

Startled, Josie’s eyes shot up to Joshua who was now laughing hysterically.

*“Why Ms. Bowen! You’re objectifying me!”*

Josie threw her hands over her eyes as her face redden. Still laughing, Joshua walked over and pulled Josie into his arms. Lifting her head slightly, he smiled down at her.

*“Don’t worry Jojo. Nothing happened last night. That moment will never be stolen from you ever again. I won’t touch you that way until you want me too.”*

Josie’s eyes began to water. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him to touch her. It was actually quite the opposite. She’d realized a while ago she was deeply in love with Joshua and highly attracted. However, because of Tillman, intimacy was something she still feared. Sensing her resolve, Joshua held her tighter.

*“I love you Josie….however much time you need….I’ll wait a lifetime.”*

The tears began to fall down her cheeks as her eyes connected with Joshua. Placing her hands on his cheeks, Josie pulled his face close to hers and gently kissed him on the lips. The kiss was soft and passionate as each of them poured their love into that moment. Not wanting to take it further, Joshua slowly pulled away; his eyes burning with passion as he gazed at her.

*“Come on…let’s get dressed and get some breakfast.”*

Slightly sadden, Josie nodded in agreement.

She knew Josh understood she wasn’t ready, which is why he stopped. Still, there was a part of her that would not have minded going further.

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Adrianna groaned as she slowly woke up. Stretching slightly, she reached onto her nightstand blindly searching for her hangover medication. As her hand squirmed the surface, she suddenly felt a body lean over and grab the medication. Confused, Adrianna slowly turned onto her side. Her eyes nearly bulged out of her eyes from shock.

Laying next to her with a grin on his face, Oliver held the medication in his hands. Adrianna quickly pulled the covers over her head as she tried to remember the night before. As bits and pieces slowly crept back into her mind; her cheeks began to redden with embarrassment.

*“Oh my god……what did I do?”*

Oliver laughed.

*“Well…nothing I didn’t appreciate. Though I think it’s better when the covers aren’t over your face.”*

Slowly pulling the covers down, Adrianna took the medication out of Oliver’s hand.

*“T-Thank you.”*

Oliver gently kissed Adrianna’s lips.

*“No…thank you.”*