Page 57 of The First Play

“Where’s the key?” he murmurs between kisses.

“Let me just”—I swipe my tongue against his—“check my”—I suck his bottom lip—“phone.”

Easing back, he puts me down and lets me check my phone.

“Can you grab the bag out of the trunk?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He runs back to grab the stuff I secretly packed for us. The clothes actually belong to Noah, and I bought Zander a new toothbrush so I didn’t spoil the surprise. I would have snuck into his house, but sadly his parents don’t like me very much, although Zander assures me that they wouldn’t likeanygirl and it’s not personal against me. It’s hard to believe sometimes, but I appreciate him trying to make me feel better about it all.

“They just don’t think I’m ready for a relationship. I should be focusing on school,” he grumbled last time we talked about it.

They’re so full of shit. They seriously need to get over themselves. Zander and I are perfect together, and one day, they’re going to realize that.

I read through my email and follow the instructions the owner left me. Punching in the lockbox code, I pull out the key and ceremoniously unlock the door.

Zander grins, sweeping me into his arms and carrying me across the threshold. I giggle and swoon when he spins me around and then walks me straight into the bedroom.

“This place is sick.” He looks around in awe, and I feel like a queen.

Yes, I did well.

“Happy birthday, baby.”

He smiles at me, brushing his lips across my nose before dropping me onto the bed. “I think I’m gonna like playing house with you.”

Shedding his jacket, he gives me an appreciative look, his eyes trailing down my body as I lie on the bed. Biting my bottom lip, I give him my best bedroom eyes and softly say, “Do you want to unwrap your present now?”

I point to myself, and his eyes light with desire as he pounces toward me with a playful growl.

I squeal and catch him against me, loving his weight as he covers my body, devouring me with hungry kisses.

“Wait, wait, wait.” I slow him down, panting between searing lip-locks.

He moves off me and looks mildly confused as I unzip my jacket, then tease the bottom of my shirt. “There’s something a little extra here for you.”

“Extra?” He laughs. “Your naked body is under there. I don’t need more than that.”

Aw. He says the sweetest things!

“Come on,” I encourage him, lifting the bottom of my shirt.

He does as I ask, slowly slipping my jacket off and then pulling the shirt over my head. As soon as he spots the festival tickets taped to my stomach he starts to laugh.

“What’s this?” Carefully detaching the printed pages, he reads them over, then lets out a whoop. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” I giggle. “Three of your favorite bands are playing at it. I had to get you tickets, babe. And I’m really hoping you’ll take me.”

“Of course I’m taking you.” He dives for my lips again, kissing me like it’s the only thing he was made for. “You are the best girlfriend in the whole fucking world!”

I laugh against his lips.

Leaning back, he cups my cheek and gives me his “I love you” smile. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

“And the night’s only just beginning.”

CHAPTER 22

ZANDER

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