Page 156 of The Perfect Love

I throw my arms around him and kiss him. “I love you. And it’s a definite yes. But this time, no forcing it. Whenever it feels right, we’ll try.”

He kisses me again. “Whenever it feels right.”

I run my hands over the silky fabric again, my body flushing at the thought of tying him up. I’ve never had that level of control before. How sexy would he look splayed on the bed for me? A little chill rolls through me. Hopefully that means we’re on the right track with this.

I set the box aside and look at the other two presents. “So, do I get to open the other two now?”

“Whatever the birthday girl wants. Just open the smallest one last.”

I grab the medium-sized box, which is also lightweight, and tear off the wrapping paper to reveal a custom case for my Kindle. It’s a pretty shade of deep pink with shimmery gold, silver, and white speckles. In the center are the wordswell-behaved women seldom make history. A quote—and the title of a book—by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. It’s become a popular badass feminist phrase.

“I love this. I can’t wait to show it off by reading everywhere.”

He laughs. “One of your favorite things to do.”

Another soft kiss, then I pick up the small box and rip off the wrapping paper. When I pull the top off, I’m shocked to see a stunning yet delicate white gold bracelet with a beautiful charm in the center. I pick it up so I can get a closer a look.

“It’s a phoenix,” Trevor says. “Everybody always talks about a phoenix rising from the ashes, but that’s just part of itssymbolism. It can also be a symbol of renewal, hope, and transformation. All things I think of when I think about you. Your resilience is awe-inspiring, and I’m honored to be the person you share the deepest parts of yourself with. And the one who gets to celebrate your birthday with you.”

I turn and brush my hand over his cheek. “This means so much to me. The way you see every version of me and always understand me… thank you. I want to show this off even more than the Kindle case.”

We both laugh at that, then he helps me put the bracelet on.

“Perfect.”

“Like you.”

“Like us,” I counter.

Our lips meet again, but only for a moment before we return to eating breakfast. I can’t take my eyes off the phoenix charm. But I’m not the only one who’s resilient. Who keeps rising.

I rest my hand over his. “How are you doing today? Is it strange celebrating my birthday when up until now you’ve always seen it as your dad’s?”

Trevor gives me the sweetest smile and wraps a strand of my hair around his finger. “It feels good. Not just because therapy is really helpful in processing a lot of my feelings over losing my dad—what it means to me now—but also because this day never really felt sad. It was more of a day to honor him. Celebrating you and showing you how much I love you is the perfect way to honor him.”

I make a strangled noise and reach for his hand.

“Do not pinch me again.” My eyes flit to his, and he leans in closer. “I’d much rather you kiss me.”

I set the tray aside and grab him by the shirt, pulling him to my lips.

I’m not going to argue with that.

Trevor

Spoiling Chelsea is my new favorite thing. She never really wants a lot, but seeing her eyes light up at a meaningful gift or experience is my new favorite high.

That’s what I did all day yesterday, starting with the birthday breakfast in bed and the little presents I got her. Then I spent the rest of the day lying through my teeth, telling her we were just going to have a relaxing night in and order her favorite take out to continue her birthday celebration. That was until about an hour before we had to leave when I mentioned that I actually had some fancy dinner reservations.

Which was also a lie. There were reservations. For the party room at the amazing Mexican place downtown, where—with the help of Robbie and Amanda—there was a surprise party waiting for her with all our friends.

The sheer joy in her eyes was enough to undo me. We relaxed, ate so many tacos we could barely stand, and had the most delicious birthday cake I’ve ever eaten from the bakery in town. It had a frosting drawing of medusa on it that all the girls loved. The inside was filled with sprinkles and cake batter frosting. Which somehow tasted like Funfetti cake mix smells. Amazing.

We were so full and happy that we barely made it into bed before we passed out.

Today has been a Valentine’s Day of fun, little dates, not unlike our first date. I haven’t asked yet if Chelsea decoded that acronym, but we’re headed for the stop that will reveal it all right now.

Chelsea smiles brightly as I find a parking spot near our destination. It’s midafternoon now, and after this, we’ll have a fancy meal, then head back to her place for the evening.

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