Page 64 of Risks

The waitress brightens withexcitement when I state my name. “It’s the birthday girl.” She ushers me to atable and peels off, returning shortly with a mouth-watering tray of Frenchtoast, a large blueberry muffin, fruits, orange juice, and cappuccino. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you,” I beam, then set up thephone on the table. “Varen, this is really nice. You didn’t have to go throughthe trouble.”

“It’s no trouble, baby. I love doingstuff for you.”

“Pfft.” I shake my head, ever in aweof him. “Thank you. You’re such a sweet boyfriend.”

He chuckles. “Eat up. There’s more.”

“Varen…” I gush, so happy andappreciative.

We chat while I eat as much as Ican. Once I finish, the waitress gifts me a birthday cupcake to take on my way.

Varen ends the video when I hop intothe car for Grayson to drive me to the next destination.

The journey is a bit long, especiallywith traffic, so I see why Varen said to call him back once I arrive.

My heart thumps with joy whenGrayson slows down at a large bookstore. It’s been a minute since I took a tripto my version of a candy store.

Utterly thrilled, I grin from ear toear while leaving the car. I call Varen as I enter and look around.

“Pick anything,” he encourages thesecond he answers. “Call me when you’re at the register. I’ll take care of it.”

I giggle. “Varen, you can’t say thatto a booklover. I might go crazy in here.”

He laughs. “Don’t worry about it. Takeas much time as you need, and get anything you want.”

“Geez. You spoil me so much.”

“I love you,” he says sweetly. “I’llgive you the world.”

My skin tingles in heat from hispure affection. “I love you too. Thank you. I can’t wait to see you in two monthsso I can kiss you all over.”

“Is that all you’re going to do?” herasps in a flirty way.

I moisten my lips and whisper back,“Don’t worry. I’ll ride you too.”

His sexy rumble fills the line.“Can’t wait. For now, enjoy your shopping spree. I have to get back to work socall me later. Happy birthday, sweet girl.”

“Thanks, sweet guy. Talk to youlater.”

I wear a smile on my face even afterending the call, and I lose hours in the bookstore browsing the romancesection.

It’s late afternoon when I arriveback at school. Grayson helps take my bags out of the car, and I thank him forhis service and patience since I took my jolly time in the bookstore.

My arms feel like they’re getting aworkout as I lug the heavy bags of books to my room.

I’m barely inside when Aya jumps upfrom her bed and screams, “Happy birthday, roomie!” She hurries over and placesa crown on my head. “Let’s kick off the celebrations!”

Her excitement adds to mine and makesme laugh. She clutches my hand the second I set everything down and hauls meback out the door.

I’m toted around the area to fashionboutiques, late lunch at a seaside restaurant, then bowling with kids from ourcollege. I laugh and enjoy myself so much that I don’t want the day to end.

By nightfall, Aya takes me to thecollege bar near campus and scores drinks with the help of another friend.Seeing that I’m wearing a birthday crown, several people shout cheers, and thewaitress treats me to a free slice of chocolate cake.

After another drink, we sashay overto the dance area. We’re vibing out to The Weeknd’sTake My BreathwhenI glimpse Jasper approaching through the crowd.

“Hey,” he yells above the music,staring at my crown. “It’s nice seeing you here. Your birthday? I wish I’dknown. I would have gotten you something.”

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