Page 58 of Rush of Jealousy

“Oh cool.”

“I was actually hoping I could see you later so I can give you a little gift I got you.”

“Oh, that is so nice of you. Yeah, um”—I mentally run through my plans for the day—“I should be free.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up around six and maybe we can go for a walk at your favorite park across the bridge.”

“Sure. Sounds good. But can you pick me up on the street behind the townhouse? I’ll go through the back gate.”

“Uh, yeah, sure.”

Luckily, Zander doesn’t ask me a thousand questions about my reasons. It’s just easier doing it this way so I don’t get followed like what is apparently happening while I’m here eating pancakes.

Claire might like agitating Graham for fun while he isn’t in town to retaliate, but I know better than to pull it off successfully. Throwing Zander in his face won’t have a good outcome—regardless of where he is currently located. Thus, it’s best he doesn’t know that I’m going to be hanging out with a friend.

A male friend.

* * *

It is rare for me to see Zander so dressed up, so I allow myself a few seconds to take him all in. His tailored gray dress pants and light-gray button-down shirt look good on him. The blond locks that typically flow freely around his face are tamed and styled off his forehead. He looks different. Sophisticated.

He clears his throat and his eyes bore into mine, as I settle in the passenger seat and click my belt into place. “Ready to go?”

I look down at my black leggings and ankle boots. “I, um, feel a bit underdressed.”

Zander’s eyes come to life. “You always look amazing. I went shopping while in San Fran and picked up a few items. Just trying them out.”

“Your sister okay?”

“Yeah. Her boyfriend actually drove up during our stay at my friend’s and he proposed to her. Apparently she was terrified he would leave her if he found out…”

“Found what out?”

Zander pulls onto the street and drives between the rows of townhouses to get onto the main road. “She is pregnant.”

I turn in my seat to get a better look at his facial expressions. “You’re going to be an uncle.”

He nods. “I am.” His face beams with pride. “And I’m so excited.”

It’s good to see Zander so happy. Genuinely elated. That’s all I ever want for my friends, so to be a witness to their joy helps me to find my own—as small as it may be.

When we get to the park near the river, Zander cuts the engine and grabs his coat from the backseat. We exit and walk along the pathway that leads to the riverfront. The sun is setting and the view is breathtaking.

“So, I bought you a little gift.” His voice is a bit unsteady, making my stomach twist with nerves.

“You didn’t have to do that, Z.” I hope it isn’t too expensive. Pricey gifts make me feel…inadequate?

“I wanted to.”

I watch with bated breath as he reaches into his coat pocket, pulls out a little box, and hands it to me. With shaky hands, I pull the ribbon from the top and lift the lid. “Oh, Zander. It’s beautiful.” My fingers touch the silver heart that hangs from a linked chain. Turning the pendant over, the shape of the state of California is engraved on the back. “I love it.”

“Yeah?”

I nod eagerly, giving him a hug. “Thank you.” I undo the clasp and turn around, pulling my hair out of the inside of my coat. “Here, put it on, please.” When Zander has it secured, I turn back and touch the heart with my fingers, feeling the smoothness of the metal. “I really love it.”

“I’m so glad.”

I tuck the box into my coat pocket and we walk along the pathway, enjoying the view of the setting sun. “I’m glad your sister is okay.”

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