Page 56 of The First Play

My teacher groans behind me, mumbling a bunch of expletives he thinks we can’t hear while I ignore his foul mood and focus on the fact that it’s my fucking birthday, and I’m gonna be spending it with my girlfriend.

CHAPTER 21

SIENNA

“Happy birthday again!” I squeal, jumping into Zander’s arms when he runs out of the gym and straight toward me. I wrap my legs around his waist and kiss that sweaty face of his. He didn’t even bother showering, but he still smells good. “Mmmmm.” I cling to him. “Delicious. Why do you always smell so good? Even when you haven’t showered.”

“Shower in a can, baby.”

I laugh and squeal again when he starts running for his car with me still in his arms.

“So, how are we celebrating the rest of my birthday?” He pops me on the ground before opening the passenger door for me. I slip into his car and feel that surge of energy buzz through me again.

I’ve been planning his surprise for weeks, saving up my pennies and scheming with my friends. Thankfully, all of them get how in love we are and are happy to give me this massively huge assist. I owe them big-time, and I’m taking a whole heap of risks, but I just really want Zander to have a birthday without any adult pressure.

No arguments.

No put-downs.

No you-should-be-doing-betters.

I just want him to have fun.

Which is why when he pulls out of his parking space, I direct him toward the highway.

“The highway?” He grins at me. “You taking me out of town, baby?”

“Yes. I’m kidnapping you for the night.”

He pauses at the school exit and gapes at me for a second.

I giggle and can’t help telling him everything on the spot. “Your parents think you’re at Noah’s house for a birthday sleepover with Kyle. He managed to convince them that your traditional family birthday dinner can be postponed until Saturday… which Monica was happy to go along with.” I wink at him. Yes, I adore his sister and love the fact that she was all over this with me. “She’s totally helped me sell that to your mom. Noah worked on your dad, and Olivia is covering for me with my parents. They think we’re taking you out to dinner, and then I’m spending the night with Olivia while you hang with Noah. It’s all sorted, babe.”

His eyes fill with that gooey look I love, and I lean over to peck his lips.

“You’re so amazing.” He grins, pulling away from the school.

“Thank you.” I can’t help a proud smirk as I place my feet on the dash, then start singing along to the music.

He joins me, and we sing and laugh and talk about our favorite birthdays over the years while we drive to a little Airbnb cabin I secured thanks to Monica. It’s in the woods, and the pictures were so gorgeous. It looks idyllic, and I just know this will be the perfect night.

It takes us about two hours to get there, and as we wind our way down the long driveway, it feels like we’re leaving this world and escaping into a private oasis where no one can reach us.

“Oh wow.” Zander parks outside the cute little log cabin.

I do a happy dance in the passenger seat, clapping my hands before jumping out of the car. “This is so perfect!”

“You’re perfect.” Zander grins across the top of the car, and I run around, jumping into his arms.

I love the way he catches me so easily.

I love how strong he is.

I love the way his tongue feels, gliding into my mouth and setting my body on fire all over again.

He starts carrying me toward the stairs, still kissing me, cupping the back of my head and inhaling me like I’m his favorite food.

I am so here for this!

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