Page 14 of Kiren

“Promise?”

“I promise. I told you I’m not looking for a hookup.”

“It’s really strange, though. That we’re alike. I mean, you know, lucky for us that our needs match.”

“We’re very lucky. And that’s that.”

“But you’re like psychic, I think. You knew.”

“Hmm. Maybe.” He laughed, then leaned down and kissed me again.

I rocked back, and Max caught me in his arms. One of them curved around my waist right up against the edge of my scars. I started to flinch. But as he hugged me, there was only warmth and safety. No pain. No roughness. He seemed to know just how to hold me so I could relax.

Yep. Psychic.

I hadno idea what to bring to Max’s house for the day. For the night? He didn’t say anything about nighttime, but what if I did end up spending the night? It was technically the third date, and didn’t that include sex?

I stared about my bedroom, hands on my hips. My bed had stuffed animals all up by the headboard and shoved in and around the covers. I hadn’t made it. I couldn’t sleep without stuffies, but I had no clue which ones to bring.

Should I pack a clothing bag? And include my rocket ship pajamas with feet?

The thought thrilled me. Better safe than sorry.

I got out my duffle bag and started to fill it up. When it was full, I suddenly felt ridiculous. This was a day trip. What was I thinking?

But Max said nothing I might do would be wrong. I wanted my things so I’d be prepared for anything to happen.

Downstairs, I grabbed two coloring books and a pack of crayons. I put everything by the door before ten. I was ready.

I wore jeans and a nice pullover winter sweater, along with my thick, hiking-style ankle boots. I looked okay. Not little, but good.

Max showed up exactly on time. He came to the door and, without a word, took my face in his hands and kissed me.

I was breathless as I watched him take my bag for me, escorting me to his car. He did everything for me, including opening the door for me to get inside and buckling me into my seat. I wanted it. I wanted to be the spoiled brat.

My parents might be rich, but they had been pretty strict. They had given me what I needed, college, paid for my condo and car, taken care of me when I was healing, got me a job, but they did not let me get away with having every single thing I asked for.

Would Max?

“I’m glad you followed my instructions and packed things you wanted to bring along today,” Max said.

“It was hard.”

“What was hard?”

“What to decide to bring. I ended up bringing a lot.”

He chuckled. “That’s fine.”

I folded my hands in my lap, pressing hard on my fingers until my knuckles turned pale. I could barely contain myself. Max was my boyfriend now. I hoped after today it would stay that way. Together, we would find out.

7

Max

Kiren laughed when he saw the Santa in his sleigh and eight tiny reindeer in my front yard. He ran to the display.

“I didn’t know you had decorations.”

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