Page 83 of Burn With Me

I double-check that the doors are locked and put the pizza away. Then I arm the alarm and head back to the room to find Pam already passed out on the bed.

After washing my face and walking to my side of the bed, I unlock my phone for the first time in hours and smirk when I see a text.

Luke: You’re welcome for the pizza. Just wanted to make dinner easy for you ladies.

Good night, sweetness. I hope you sleep well

My heart kicks up a notch reading his text.

After Leo, I never thought I’d be excited for a relationship again, but Luke makes me feel seen, supported, and cared for without feeling like I’m a burden.

Me: I appreciate all you do for me . . .More than I can put into words.

Good night, babe

I plug my phone into the charger and climb into bed. I lie awake for a little bit longer than normal because I can’t seem to get comfortable.

The last thought I have before I drift off to sleep is maybe I need to admit how deep my feelings are for Luke because I’m quickly learning how important he is becoming to me.

Thirty-Five

Ameila

I’m sitting at my desk at work a week after our girls’ night sleepover, and I can’t stop thinking about what Luna told us about herself.

If she doesn’t celebrate her birthday, I wonder if she celebrates other holidays.

Since I know I won’t be able to think about anything else until I start to plan this, I grab my phone and start a group text without Luna.

Me: Random thought

Do you think Luna celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas?

Abby: You know what . . . I was thinking the same thing the other day. I don’t know, but I can’t imagine that she did

Pam: I really don’t think so. Why? What are you thinking?

Me: I think we should go big for all the holidays this year

Pam: You hate Christmas

Abby: Wait, you hate Christmas? Why?

Me: Meh just was never my vibe . . . I’m more of a spooky gal. But I at least celebrated. She didn’t

We’re going big this year.

Pam: Let the planning begin

I smile as ideas start to roll into my head, and I start a to-do list on my laptop in a shared document when I hear the door open.

“Knock, knock.”

I look up from my laptop, and my lips kick up in a smile when I see Luke at the door.

We’ve been together just over a month, and I still can’t get over the butterflies in my chest every time I see him.

Also, whoever designed his work pants deserves an award.

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