Page 42 of Lodged

Ruin MacAllister

Gio is leaving for Chile tomorrow, and even though I’m excited to see my family and spend Christmas with them, my heart aches for how much I’m going to miss him in the two weeks we’ll be apart. We’ve been inseparable since we came back from New York—it was a magical time, but I’m happy just to spend time with him in a more low-key environment.

My family has been asking nonstop what’s keeping me from returning home, since they know the semester is over. Rain isthe only one who knows what I’ve been up to. I don’t want to have to explain to my brothers I’ve been in a blissed fuck-fest with my boyfriend.

Rain: Just confirming you’re still alive and planning to come home tomorrow.

I smile as I read Rain’s text.

Ruin: Yes, “Mom.” I’ll be there tomorrow.

Rain: Good, I can’t wait to hear all the details of all the fancy shit you’ve been doing with your hot, rich boyfriend.

I cackle. I’ve sent her pictures of our trip to New York and Gio and I on his jet. She’s dying to meet him.

Ruin: A lady never tells.

I love riling her up.

Rain: Good thing you’re not a lady, then. Plus as your twin, I have special insider credentials. I gotta live vicariously through you.

I bark out a laugh. I miss her.

Ruin: Gio is back, I’ll see you tomorrow.

Rain: Say hi from me. And remind him he has to pass the twin test before I approve of you dating him.

I laugh harder as I text her a couple of eye roll emojis.

“Who are you texting?” Gio asks as he leans down to give me a kiss.

“Rain. She was just making sure I’m still planning on going home tomorrow.” I pout, and Gio kisses it away.

“Sweetheart, don’t be sad. Let’s enjoy these last few hours we have together before our break.” I frown at him. “You know what I mean. I’m not saying breakup, maybe I should have said vacation?” I smile at him as he scratches his head, confused.

“Where were you? I thought you were done at school?” I ask him, noticing the bags he’s carrying.

“I was picking up dinner.” He lifts up the bags. “I figured tonight’s meal should be special.”

I love how attentive he is, always making me feel cared for.

“What did you get? Smells good.”

“I got our favorite dish from Amore.” My stomach growls at that exact moment, and Gio and I chuckle.

“Here, let me help you,” I say as I stand from the couch, but Gio lifts the bags higher.

“No, sweetheart. Let me take care of you.”

I give him a peck on the lips as he heads toward the kitchen to plate our food. Amore is an Italian restaurant right off campus, and we love getting takeout from there.

Gio dresses the table, sets up two candles, and there’s even music coming off the house sound system. Another magical night with this incredible man.

“I want to make a toast,” Gio says, raising his glass. “To you, Ruin MacAllister. The woman who came into my life like the wind, ready to lift me up and fulfill my life with so much love and happiness. I can’t thank the stars enough.”

My eyes start to water, feeling his words in my heart. He gets up from his chair and wipes the tears from my face, giving me a sweet kiss while taking something out of his back pocket. It’s a long velvet box. I press my hands to my chest, waiting with anticipation. When Gio opens the box, I gasp. It’s a beautifulgold necklace, but what has me mesmerized is the stone. It’s a beautiful light green, heart-shaped gem.

“Gio, this is stunning. Is it jade?” I ask him as he takes the necklace out of the box. I lift my hair so he can put it on.

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