Page 26 of Fake Out Forever

I stare at the basket, lift my head, and look at Cade.

“You made this?” I whisper.

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “It’s not much. But I wanted you to have something to open on Christmas.”

“But I don’t have anything for you.”

“You do.” He leaned forward to kiss me. “You bequeathed me your body for an entire night. That’s the best gift ever.”

I blush as he devours me with his hazel eyes.

“Open it, duchess.”

I peel back the Saran wrap to find a mug, tea bags, cookies, and placemats. “I love tea.”

“I know. What until you try those cookies. They’re amazing.”

“We baked them together.” I giggle.

“Yes, we did.” He strokes the side of my cheek. “Have you ever baked naked?”

“I am not cooking naked, Cade. Not happening.”

“Umm, might be. Remember, tonight you’re mine.”

I hit him on the shoulder. “For sex. You’re going to use me for sex.”

“We’ll see.” His eyes crinkle. “Here.”

He hands me a package covered in aluminum foil. “What’s this?” I shake it up and down. “Let me see if I can guess.”

“You’ll never guess, duchess.”

“Hmmm…” I test the weight in my palm. “It’s light. Is it powdered creamer?”

“No.”

I tap my chin, deep in thought. “Cinnamon. It’s a container of cinnamon.”

“No.” He laughs. “Just open it, will you?”

I slowly peel the foil back to find a hand-painted wooden angel. “It’s beautiful, Cade. Amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I don’t like it; I love it.” I set the angel on the coffee table.

“I bought it when I was in town the other day. I had no idea why. But I’m glad I did.”

“Me too.” I start to get up to kiss him when a buzzing sound filled the room. “What’s that?”

“My phone. Hold that thought.” He jumps up and runs into the kitchen. He rounds the corner with a sad look on his face.

“What? Is everything alright?” My pulse races.

“Yeah. It’s Len’s Tow Yard. They’ve got your car. You can pick it up in the morning.”

“Oh.” My stomach drops. This is it. Our last night together. I draw in a breath, steady my aching heart, and put a big, fat, fake smile on my face. “Can I give you my gift now?”

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