Page 49 of Never Less

In the bathroom, Marcus leans against the doorframe, his eyes tracking my every movement as I sort through the makeup he bought me the other day.

“What’re you doing?” I ask.

“Watching you.”

Pausing, I look over at him. “Am I… doing something wrong?”

He shakes his head. “Can’t I watch my girl get ready?”

Oh. An involuntary smile takes over my face as I start applying makeup. “I think that’s really sweet.”

With his head tilted, he watches as I go through my normal routine. We chat idly, not about anything in particular, and it’s nice—the same easy intimacy I felt when we were in his bed.

“Which lipstick should I wear?” I ask.

Marcus comes up behind me and rests his chin on my shoulder, staring at the two sticks I have in my hand. Then he taps the one I put back the other day. “This one.”

“Of course you’d pick that one,” I say with a playful smile.

“Mmm.” He places a kiss to my neck before backing off so he doesn’t bump me. “I like it when you wear things I’ve bought for you.”

“You bought both,” I remind him.

“But you wouldn’t’ve gotten that one if it hadn’t been for me grabbing it.”

“Fair.” I have no interest in fighting him on this. I like being dependent and buying my own things, but I can’t lie, it sent a thrill through me when he paid for everything the other day. Then, I tried to ignore it, but I don’t feel the need to deny it anymore.

By the time I’m ready and we’ve gone downstairs and made ourselves a quick dinner, it’s time for me to head out. Apparently John is coming over here to spend time with Marcus, which I think is nice. Marcus has been so focused on me, and while I’m the one who’s been an emotional wreck, I don’t want him to neglect himself. Spending time with friends will be good for us.

“They’re here,” I say when I see Char’s SUV in the driveway. “I should—”

Marcus catches my wrist. “You have my number? Just in case you get separated?”

“I’ve had it for years, Marcus.”

“Right. Good.”

With his hand on the small of my back, he walks me to the front door. I’m wearing the third dress I got when I was with him. It’s a light pink with a high neckline, and Marcus seems to like it. He hasn’t been able to stop touching me since I put it on. Although I suppose that’s been true for most of the day.

“Take my card.” Marcus pulls it from his wallet and holds it out to me. “The PIN is 0319. No limit, spend however much you want.”

I freeze, my gaze flitting between him and the card. “0319.”

“That’s correct.”

“When… when did you set it to that?”

“When I got the card,” he says dryly, placing it in my hand.

“Marcus.”

“Have fun shopping.” He kisses my forehead. “Don’t keep Char and Lori waiting.”

“Marcus, that’s my birthday.”

Letting out an amused breath, he nudges me toward the door. “You think I don’t know that?”

When he reaches for the doorknob, I bat his hand away and throw myself into his arms. I seal my lips to his, and his arms lock around my waist in what feels like an instinctual movement. He holds me while I deepen the kiss and thread my fingers through his hair.

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