Page 52 of The Perfect Love

Mm. What’s even happening right now? Am I dreaming?

“Chelsea!”

Fingers dig into my ribs and I jump up, nearly falling out of bed.

“Ah! What the fuck?” I’m panting as my eyes land on Robbie. “What are you doing here?”

He’s sitting on the edge of the bed, a plate on his lap. He tosses a cheesy tater tot into his mouth and smiles at me.

“Had to make sure you were alive.”

I press a hand to my chest. “Assuming you didn’t give me a heart attack just now, then yes. I’m alive.” I let out a huff. “That better be for me.”

He passes the plate over.

I sigh with happiness as I inhale. Blueberry muffin, cheesy tater tots with scrambled eggs and chives, and fresh strawberries.

“Okay, you’re almost forgiven.”

“Almost? I made you all that for breakfast and all I get is yelled at andalmostforgiven?”

“You forgot the coffee.”

He throws his head back. “You’re impossible.”

“You started this. I was happily sleeping.”

“Until 10:00 a.m.”

My eyes flare. “Really?”

He shows me his phone. “Date must’ve worn you out.”

I shove his shoulder. “That’s not funny. It was a long, wonderful date. But if anything, I was so hyped, I kept replaying it and couldn’t fall asleep.”

“Wow. So you’re saying I don’t need to hate him?”

I roll my eyes. “I’d prefer if you didn’t. I’m not going to get crazy and say he’sthe one, but no one else—even people I’ve dated longer—has ever made me feel like he does. Our connection runs deep and we have these little ties to each other from our past. Missed connections, kind of? I don’t know. I don’twant to jinx it or overthink it, but I’m really happy, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”

Robbie lets out a dramatic sigh, then steals one of my strawberries. “He was great yesterday. I got a good feeling from him, and I’m not sure that’s ever happened because I’m a naturally suspicious person. I won’t tell you to be careful, but if you need anything, or if he fucks up, I’m here.”

“Thanks.”

He pops the strawberry into his mouth and climbs off the bed. “I’ll leave you to eat.”

“Thanks for breakfast,” I say as he walks out of the room.

He waves as he goes, and I settle back on my bed. Grabbing my phone, I think about what audiobook I want to listen to—it’s rare I don’t have music or an audiobook playing—when I glimpse the book Trevor and I decided to read on the nightstand. I quickly check my library app to see if they have it. Score. And it’s the one where I can instantly borrow without having to wait in line.

I start the book and enjoy my breakfast, lost in the carryover of fuzzy, warm feelings from last night. This is the fun part. Letting myself get swept up in romance and falling for him. There are heavier conversations ahead, but I’m going to enjoy where we are now and wait until I’m comfortable to get into that stuff.

My phone pings, and I dive for it like a feral animal.

It’s a text from Rae, and while I’m initially bummed it’s not Trevor, her text makes me smile and want to kick my feet.

Rae: Trevor is happy this morning, and I’m guessing we have you to thank for that. Seriously, I haven’t seen him smile like this in a long time. Just thought you’d like to know.

My heart gets all flippy and fluttery at that.

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