Page 50 of Yours Until Forever

He keeps hold of my hand, not letting me step away. “Stay for dinner.”

My pulse slams into overdrive. “What are you cooking?”

“Does it matter? It’s gotta beat going home after a long and awful day and having to cook for yourself.”

“I don’t like fish,” I throw out, stalling.

“I’m not cooking fish.”

“Or lamb. I’m not in the mood for that tonight.”

“Got it. No lamb.”

I swallow a tangle of emotions that have nothing to do with food. “It’s not a bad idea. We could work on the science fair.”

“We could,” he agrees, but everything I’m looking at right now says that’s the last thing on his mind.

“I saw the email you sent Stephanie.” The one he sent her last night expressing his hope that she’s okay and offering the opportunity to help us on the day of the fair if she still wants to be involved. He cc’d me on it. “That was a nice thing to do.”And yes. I. Am. Stalling.

“Well, Iwastold to work on being nicer to people.”

“‘Told’ seems a little strong. I feel like it was more of a suggestion.”

“Amelia,” he says, andGod, this man knows how to boss a woman without even trying.

“Okay, yes,” I blurt. “I’ll stay for dinner. But it’s just dinner. So you know.”

“I wouldn’t dream of assuming anything where you’re concerned. I imagine that would get me into some hell.”

And just like that, he settles my racing heart.

I can trust Gage to let me take my time. He’s proven that already.

I unthread our fingers and bring my hand up to pat his chest. “You would do well to remember that.”

His grin is the last thing I see before maintenance interrupts us.

13

@thetea_gasp

Just when we thought the@ameliasinclair situation couldn’t get messier, she said “hold my cocktail.” In a plot twist no one saw coming, she was spotted day drinking (yes, DAY. DRINKING.) this week with none other than @gageblack, aka CEO of BMS™, walking credit card slam, and collector of heiresses. ICYMI: Amelia is currently getting absolutely dragged on social media over plagiarism accusations from pop darling @sofiarayeofficial, and things are escalating FAST. Sources are saying she’s officially been dropped from Velocity Reign. So, what’s she doing sipping cocktails with Gage “Unattainable” Black? Bestie, look at that photo of them! Suddenly “unattainable” is looking very much booked and emotionally compromised. They’re not even touching, but the way he’s looking at her? It’s giving “I’d ruin my whole reputation for you” energy. MFW the internet stopped dragging just long enough to zoom in on the intensity in that man’s eyes. We’re notsaying he’s obsessed, but if he isn’t, someone better tell his face. Is this a soft launch? We don’t know. But if it is? We. Are. Seated.

14

Amelia

Tim:

Happy Saturday.

Me:

Why must you be so cheery all the time?

Tim:

You checked Instagram today?

---