Page 106 of Fear of Falling

“Okay, yeah, that’s good cake,” I said, licking my lips.

“Thank God, for a second there thought we’d have to disown you. And I like you,” Trevor sighed dramatically.

Even with Evelyn’s threat hanging over us, we each grabbed another bite of the cake before filing out of the kitchen. No doubt Evelyn would return and drag us all out if we didn’t make an appearance soon.

“You’re lucky you like the cake,” Wyatt said as we hung back from the others.

“And if I hadn’t?” I questioned, peering up at him as I sucked the frosting covered fork. Wyatt’s eyes widened as I slowly licked it before pulling it from my mouth.

Wyatt lowered his head closer to me, his chocolate-y breath fanning my face.

“Then I wouldn’t be able to lick the frosting off of you.” His thumb grazed my bottom lip as he spoke, and my breath hitched in my throat. I swallowed back the moan that threatened to come out as I pictured him doing just that. “But if you’re good, maybe I’ll let you cum as I lick it off,” he added.

Unable to help myself, I gasped, my eyes widening.

With a wicked smile he stepped around me and walked out of the kitchen. I took a moment, trying to calm my heart and the heat pooling in my belly.

Stop it. Now is not the time to be turned on.

And the cheeky bastard knew exactly what he did to me.

Everyone gatheredaround Mateo as he opened presents in the backyard. His friends had all pitched in to get him a bunch of little presents. Trevor and Bryton somehow got a signed football and jersey by a player Mateo absolutely loved. When Evelyngifted him with a game he’d wanted for his PlayStation, he all but lifted his mom in a hug, grinning from ear to ear.

I watched everyone give their presents, my stomach dropping with each one. I looked down at the wrapped gift in my hands, feeling nervous.

How the hell am I going to top any of those presents?

Wyatt and Landon haven’t even given theirs yet.

Needing to go before them, I shuffled forward and awkwardly held out my gift. I didn't know what to get him. I mean, what do you get an eighteen-year-old boy? When I asked Wyatt, his helpful suggestion was beef jerky. Yes, beef jerky. It had taken everything in me not to smack him for the shitty present idea.

“Happy Birthday.”

I played with the rings on my fingers as I watched Mateo open the present, knowing it couldn’t top the others, but I still hoped he liked it.

“Woah.” Mateo said as he unwrapped the photo album I’d put together for him, tearing the wrapping paper. I’d collected a series of photos I’d taken over the weeks. Some were from the afternoon when I first met Mateo and the team, and some were from the game I’d watched him play. There were candid shots of his family cheering him on from the stands, and even some of him playing through the years, courtesy of Evelyn.

“Check it out!” he said, turning the album around to show everyone a photo I’d taken during his game. It showed Mateo in side-profile, his arm cocked back, mid-throw, and his eyes focused straight ahead.

That’s a damn good photo if I say so myself.

“How did you get some of these?”

“The younger ones I got from your mom, and I took a bunch at your game.”

Beside me, Wyatt leaned forward for a better look. After his beef jerky suggestion, I’d kept him in the dark.

“Damn, I look good,” Mateo declared as his friends gathered around for a look. “Josie, thank you!” He flashed me a wide smile, and the joy on his face eased my nerves.

“Of course,” I grinned back.

Finally, it was Wyatt and Landon’s turn. Wyatt stepped forward and handed Mateo a small box.

“This is from Landon and I.”

Mateo eagerly opened the box only to freeze, his mouth hanging open.

“Wait, are you serious?” Mateo looked between Landon and Wyatt with wide eyes.

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