Page 137 of Love Not Qualified

I hoped he liked it.

He opened the new Xbox, a couple of games and a pair of earphones.

Even if it wasn’t much, when he said, “Thanks,” and looked me in the eye, it was more than enough for me.

He then opened Tristan’s gift, and stared at his brother. “You’re kidding.”

“No.” Tristan smiled. “It’s yours.”

When I cleaned around the house—even though they had a maid—I saw on Ryker’s desk a collection of mini cars. There was only one in the front row—a Porche 911—so I told Tristan about it, knowing he wasn’t sure about what to get him for his birthday.

“It was Haelyn’s idea,” Tristan said, and I wanted to slap him. He should’ve kept this between his brother and him. Plus, it might’ve been my idea, but Tristan fully paid for it.

“Thank you,” Ryker said to both of us.

Kai went with him to see the car and I rose from my seat, then went to the bathroom to get what I needed before coming back. I had the box in my hands as I walked to Tristan.

He reluctantly took it and before he could open it, a meow brushed past our ears.

“No way.” I heard Esmeray’s sister, Raven, laugh in the background.

“Oh my god, I need to see it.” Esmeray came closer as Tristan took the lid away and gathered in his arms a tiny and little grey cat.

“She’s adorable,” Lacey said, coming next to me to pat him on the head.

“She’s a he,” I told her, smiling.

“What are you going to name him?”

Tristan was still looking at me, probably not believing I got him a freaking cat. I wasn’t sure if he was mad or wanted to kiss the shit out of me.

“Race,” he said, nodding his head as he turned the cat around and bumped his nose into his.

“Race what?” Lacey asked, frowning.

“Race is his name,” Tristan continued, smiling. “Thank you, beautiful.” He raised on his feet and leaned down to kiss my forehead.

Race. I liked the name. It was somehow a definition for our future with the racing car. He was a reminder that we were training for a race and that we were about to win it.

“You’re welcome.” I grinned from ear to ear, happy he liked my gift.

“Now, can you hold Race for me while I bring your gift?” He put him into my arms before I even had time to nod.

As soon as he turned on his feet and went out, Lacey stretched her hands. “Can I hold him?”

“Yes, of course.” I gave it to her, nervousness sinking its way inside me.

I sat down, hugging myself. I loved gifts but hated the part where I had to wait to get them. And right now, it was as if time had stopped passing and I just stared at the goddamn door without blinking or breathing.

No matter how hard I tried to think about what his gift could be, I had no idea. None. Zero.

So I tapped my foot on the ground, patted Race a few times, and bit my lip and my cuticles until the door opened. I got to my feet, my breathing stopping.

When I saw Kai’s and Ryker’s backs entering the living room while they pulled something inside, I stilled. I knew every white metal part of that thing with my whole being.

I almost dropped to my knees when I covered my mouth with my palms.

He was insane. How could he get the approval to do something like this?

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