Page 108 of The Problem with Dating

“You didn’t have to do this,” I whispered as my chin rested on top of her head. “But thank you.”

“Birthdays are important. It’s important to celebrate each one. Now, come on, sit. I’ve made you quite the twenty-thousand-dollar spread, if I do say so myself.”

I rolled up the sleeves of my shirt and took a seat on the blanket.

She sat beside me and clapped her hands together. “Actually, let’s do gifts first.”

“You didn’t have to get me gifts.”

“Birthdays mean gifts, Alex.” She picked up the first box and held it out toward me. “Happy birthday,” she repeated.

I smirked. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I think you like it a little.”

A little.

Maybe.

I began to unwrap the gift and smiled when I saw what was inside. “Air Force Ones, huh?”

“I figured I should replace the ones from our first meeting. I found out your size when I was dog-sitting for you.”

“Sneaky, Goldie.”

“I’m a great gift giver, which brings me to my next gift.” She held out a smaller box to me.

I took it. I found a gold chain necklace with a tiny capsule holding something within it as I opened it.

I arched an eyebrow. “What is this?”

“Salt,” she replied. “To remind you of your great-aunt Teresa. You said she was the salt in your life, so I figured you should have a reminder of said salt around your neck.”

I remained quiet. My mind went into shutdown mode as I stared at the capsule in my hands.

Yara placed a hand on my forearm. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. If you hate it, you don’t have to—”

“Thank you,” I choked out, biting back the tears that wanted to flood my stare. “This is the most amazing gift I’ve ever received.”

“I thought it might be nice.”

“It’s more than nice. It’s everything. Thank you, Yara.”

“Always.”

I wanted to kiss her again.

And again.

And again.

Our moment was interrupted as a photographer walked over and held up his camera. “Hey, sorry! I was hoping I could get a photo of the happy couple for the newspaper article on the festival.”

“Of course,” Yara said.

Without thought, I pulled her toward me, into my lap, and wrapped my arms around her. She seemed a bit surprised by my actions, but I whispered in her ear, “For the fake relationship.”

“Oh.” She nodded slowly, getting comfortable within my lap.

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