Page 64 of Catching Feeling

Once I’m back inside, I walk to the couch and pick up the throw blanket that’s rumpled on the cushions and begin folding it when there’s a knock at the door.

My brow furrows. “Are you expecting anyone, Mom?”

She shakes her head and pulls her cardigan tighter around her. “No, sweetheart.”

I set the blanket on the back of the couch and walk to the front door, swinging it open.

“Reese?” I sputter in shock.

What is he doing here? He’s not supposed to pick me up until later.

“What’s up, Sweet Tart?” He grins lazily, and my gaze drops to his pillowy lips. The baseball hat on his head is turned backward and matches the red Hellcats T-shirt that is tight around his broad chest. I continue drinking him in, down to the worn jeans that are hugging his muscled thighs.

I know now just how much power is in those thighs, and I don’t mean when he’s behind the plate wearing catcher’s gear. Although, that might be just as hot.

Almost as hot as he is with that hat turned backward. “Hi. What are you doing here?” I squeak.

“I tried texting you, but you didn’t respond. I had to run an errand for my parents, so I was out this way early.”

Shit, my phone. I reach into the back pocket of my jeans, pulling it out and frowning when I see the screen is blank.

“I’m so sorry, Reese. It must have died, and I was busy around the house.” I turn the screen to face him, showing him it’s dead. “I hope I didn’t mess up your plans?”

“Nah, babe, you’re good,” he says with a smile, pulling a huge bouquet of flowers from behind his back. “I got these for you and your mom.”

Holy shit. They’re beautiful.

Pale purple roses with a mixture of baby’s breath and lavender pieces throughout, tied with a beautiful lace ribbon.

And the bouquet is huge. Like the kind of flowers that you see celebrities or famous people receiving. Lavish and full, with perfect purple petals that look fresh and newly bloomed.

They probably cost a fortune.

“Reese… you didn’t have to do that,” I say quietly, trying to sort through the emotions running rampant inside of me.

Not only did he go out of his way to buy flowers… he picked an arrangement in my favorite color.

He dips his shoulder. “No big deal. My mom always said you don’t show up to someone’s house empty-handed.”

“Vivienne?” Mama’s voice comes from behind me, and I whirl around to see her standing in the living room, questions swirling in her eyes.

Well…

I guess this means that Reese is meeting my mom. I can’t just shut the door in his face without being rude or causing more questions from Mama.

I turn back to face him and ask, “Do you, uhm… want to come in?”

We never have company anymore, and I’m thanking the stars that the house is clean and that Mom is out of bed today.

He doesn’t hesitate even for a moment, only nods, pushing off the doorframe. “Of course.”

My smile is strained, but I swing the door open and step back for him to come inside. Once he’s in the living room, I shut the front door behind him and face them both.

It’s beyond strange seeing Reese in my house, something I truly never imagined happening. I’m not even really sure if I’m ready for Reese to know about… all of this. Everything that’s happening with my mom and my home life. It’s something inherently personal that I’ve kept close to my chest, and we’re still building this trust with each other. It’s… hard for me to be vulnerable.

“Mama, this is my… roommate, Reese. Reese, this is my mom, Belinda.”

Reese’s smile is blinding as he steps forward and offers Mom his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Brentwood. I brought you and Viv these.”

---