Page 17 of The Gift Rarely Given

“Are you trying to have your way with me on this football field, Alex?” She wiggles her brows and finds a cozy spot on the grass for the blanket. After spreading it out, I sit and lean back, taking in the view. I can’t help but shake my head and smile.

“I just want to know what crosses the line. Can I hold your hand while we walk? Can I kiss you? Can I touch you? These past few days we’ve been pretty busy together, but this outing is public so I just want to make sure.”

“You can do whatever you want. If I’m uncomfortable, I’ll let you know. Does that sound like a plan?” she asks, opening the basket and getting two sodas out.

“Deal,” I reply, grabbing her hand and pulling her to me. I kiss her forehead and keep her tucked against me. She gets her phone out and snaps a picture of us. My mouth is on the top of her head and her eyes are closed, smiling softly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think we looked like a realcouple. She invites me as a collaborator on her IG post, whatever that means, and with her help, I approve it so it shows in my account, too. I put my phone away and try to be in the moment. Her hair is soft under my chin. She smells like strawberries and something sweet. Like a dessert you can’t get enough of. I must be pretty damn lonely if I’m so enthralled by someone I just met, but there’s something about her.

The movie plays as we talk. We see some staring our way but other than that, nobody has bothered us and I’m thankful for it. I glance over at her. Her expression is focused, and I can’t help but sneak a few looks at her profile. “So, any plans for the next few days?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation flowing. She turns to me, a smile lighting up her face, and we dive into a discussion about all the holiday events happening around town.

“There’s a toy drive this weekend, and we could volunteer to wrap gifts at the bank,” Livie suggests enthusiastically. I can’t believe she’s this involved in everything. She’s constantly trying to make the best for everyone else. She offered to help with my public image, and she’s making her mom happy by pretending to date me. But I realize I haven’t even asked her about that.

“Has your mom said anything?”

Livie shakes her head. “She hasn’t. But knowing her, she’s waiting for me to say something. I wouldn’t sweat it.”

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to make her believe we’re real, okay?”

“Yup. I’ll tell her I’m bringing a plus one to dinner. I’m sure that’ll get her talking.”

After I bring up her mom, we lapse into a comfortable silence, letting the movie play in the background as I wonder if she’s worried about how this will pan out in theend. We’re both focused on the movie until she mentions something about favorite Christmas food; just like that we fall into comfortable conversation. I realize how much I enjoy talking to her. It’s easy and effortless, and I find myself wanting to be around her as much as possible. It sounds crazy but she really makes everything feel brighter.

10

TWO FOR TWO

FEELS LIKE, GRACIE ABRAMS

Livie

The movie ended a while ago,but apparently, I fell asleep. A lot of my friends say I have an issue with falling asleep everywhere I go. I can sleep anywhere. But to be honest I think it’s only anissuewhen it happens and I’m alone—like the other day on the bench. It happens so quickly I can’t always prepare. I just need to lay my head somewhere comfortable, close my eyes, and sleep takes over—every time. If you add a comfortable, good-smelling man, well then, I guess I fall asleep faster.

Alex puts the basket in the back of his truck as I lean against the side and smile at him.

“What?” he asks, returning my smile.

“Has anyone ever told you that you make a great pillow?” I tease.

“Nah, I don’t actually think I’ve ever let anyone sleepon me before,” he replies, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.Nobody?

“Then why me?” I ask, incredulous.

“I told you, there are many reasons. One, I like you, Liv. I do. Two… I don’t know, I’m comfortable around you and I don’t feel like I have to put on a show. Three, you smell like strawberries and it’s so damn good I want to bathe in it.”

I’m sure I’m blushing if the heat rising up my cheeks is any indicator. I’m at a loss for words for once. He’s looking at me with those intense hazel eyes filled with sincerity, and his perfect damn face. I’m melting. A puddle under his gaze. “It’s my soap,” is the only stupid thing I can think to say.

Alex chuckles, a deep chuckle that I feel all the way down to my toes. “What’s your soap?”

“The strawberry scent comes from my soap. A small shop downtown sells it. I’ll get you some.”

He smiles and steps closer to me, bringing his hand to my chin and softly tilting it up to him. His mouth hovers over mine. I close my eyes and catch my breath right before he says, “I don’t need it as long as I’m close to you.” His lips close over mine, kissing me gently at first.

His hips lock me in place, my back against his truck and I suddenly can feel all of him. The hardness of his chest, his strong solid hands in contrast with his soft lips kissing me more intensely now. They are warm and soft against my own, and I part them softly to allow Alex to slide his tongue in. This kiss I feel in every inch of my body. His grip on my lower back tightens as I arch against him, and a soft moan escapes. The sound brings me back to reality and I remember where we are. I press my hands into his chest.

Alex responds immediately and stops. I can’t believe Ihad to end this life-altering kiss. That’s two for two, so the first one definitely wasn’t a fluke.

“What a kiss,” he whispers against my swollen lips.

“What a kiss, indeed. We should go, though. I’m afraid I can’t kiss you for much longer and keep it PG-13.”

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