Page 173 of Traitor

My fiery Temper, I love that you have an emergency stash of chocolate hidden in three different places at all times. You think no one knows, but I do. And if you ever run out, I'll always have some ready for you.

Joke's on you, Bones! I havefivehiding places for my emergency chocolate now!

Friday creeps up on me before I know it. And now that it's here, I'm a mess.

Is this a date? It kind of is, isn't it? Fuck, it's a date!

No reason to panic. Deep breaths. I wanted to see him. I made this choice. And if I strip away all the overthinking, it felt good to tell him everything about my past. I don't know why, and maybe I'm a little ashamed because of our history, but he's the only one I've shared all of this with who managed to keep me grounded. Who didn't let me drown in the memories.

When I told Ria, I lost two whole days to emotional wreckage before I could breathe properly again. But with Bones? It didn't feel like that.

I don't understand it. And it's fucking with my mind.

I never thought this was hiding under all the anger I had for him.

But I do feel like I'm on the right path. Like I'm making the right choices.

And that's what matters.

The knock at the door startles me out of my spiraling thoughts. He's here.

He's fucking here.

I smooth my dress down, take a deep breath, and open the door.

Then, I go completely stupid because he's smiling.

Not the sharp smirk I've seen on him before. Not the guilty, hesitant half-smiles. A real fucking smile. The easy one he used to wear before everything fell apart.

I don't move. Don't breathe. It's been almost five years since I've seen him smile like this.

He notices my staring and quirks an eyebrow, but I shake myself out of it, forcing my own smile into place.

"Hey, come in," I say, stepping back, giving him room. "You're right on time."

"I'd never be late coming to you, baby." He steps inside, handing me a small box wrapped in a delicate blue ribbon. "This is for you."

I take it, confused for only a second before realization slams into me. Chocolate-covered plums. My stomach clenches. Not in a bad way. I lift the box, taking in the tiny blue flower attached to the ribbon. Just like the one he gave me months ago.

My heart skips a beat.

Settle down, heart. You're going too fucking fast!

"It just got delivered this morning. Thought you'd appreciate it more than just flowers," he says, watching me carefully.

I glance up at him, and the look on his face does something strange to my chest.

"You thought right. Thank you," I say, softer than I intend.

I move toward the kitchen, feeling him follow close behind. It's easy, too easy. Like he's always belonged here. I shake the thought off. Focus, Temper.

"The food is ready. Just have to set the table," I tell him over my shoulder.

He holds up a bottle, smirking. "I brought wine. Thought you'd like it."

I turn fully and freeze.

It's the same bottle. The same exact wine he brought last time.

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