Page 64 of Simply Yours

Caitlin rolled her eyes as he physically shook off the thought, muttering in disgust before letting out a laugh.

She threw her hands in the air. “Great.Sooooohelpful. I still don’t have a single clue about what would blow his mind?—”

Then she stopped.

Her thoughts clicked into place like a puzzle finally completed.

Matthew noticed immediately. His grin faded as he studied her face. “What?”

A slow, secretive smile curled on her lips. “I think I thought of something.”

Matthew straightened, eyes narrowing in interest. “What is it?”

She smirked, tilting her head. “I’m not telling you.”

His mouth dropped open in mock outrage. “What?! Why not? I’m your best friend!”

“And his brother. So I don’t want you to blab or ruin the surprise.”

“I’m not gonna ruin it!”

“No, youaren’t.”

Matthew pointed at her accusingly. “Youreallyaren’t going to tell me?”

“Nope.”

He exhaled loudly, shaking his head. “Wow. I guess this is important to you. You’re breaking the bestie bond for my brother.”

Caitlin grinned, triumphant. “Belly flopped, remember?”

“Hard.”

They locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them before they both burst into laughter.

Then, with an exaggerated sigh, Matthew opened his arms. “Fine. Come here, you absolute traitor.”

She stepped into the hug without hesitation, melting into the warmth of his familiar embrace. He rested his cheek against her hair, his voice quieter now. “Good. I think it’s awesome. Just… be patient with him, okay? Don’t give up.”

“I’m not,” she promised, gripping him tighter.

“Tell me what you’re gonna do for his birthday.”

“I’m not,” she repeated, laughing as he groaned dramatically.

“You’re killing me, Cait.”

“Good.”

There was no way she was uttering a syllable – not until she was ready to surprise Jason. The others could find out after the fact. Now, she had a stop to make to put her plan into action.

* * *

Three days later, Caitlin finally picked up the phone and called Jason.

She told herself she was keeping it casual, that this wasn’t a big deal, but her heart clearly hadn’t gotten the memo. It hammered inside her chest, a stubborn, reckless thing that refused to listen to reason. She ran her fingers through her hair, exhaling slowly as the line rang.

Once.

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