Page 46 of Always Been Yours

“I’m sure you already have the next three months’ worth ofwork perfectly planned out in your cute little planner. You don’t have anything to worry about, Viv.” Grady’s knee knocks into mine before standing and my entire body bursts into flames. At least it feels like it.

Am I really that desperate for touch? I mean, it’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone. More than a year for sure. But aknee? A fucking knee? That makes me think it has a lot more to do with the man who that joint is attached to. And that’s so much worse than being horny.

Chapter Sixteen

Grady

Daisy’s squeal from inside pulls me away from my dad and the grill—no complaints on that one. I walk inside to find Vivi, Lexi and Calypso walking into my parents’ house. Lexi walks in first without a care in the world. Certainly not one for the giant boxes the other two are cradling between them.

“Alexandra!” Calypso scolds in that tone that takes me back to all the times she babysat us growing up. “I told you to hold the door, not slam it open so it ricochets back!”

Lexi waves her hand over her shoulder at them but gives me a sweet smile. “Haaappy birthdaaay.”

“Don’t look at me like that,” I tell her. “It’s scary. And it’s not even my birthday yet.” That’s tomorrow. I take a step toward Calypso and Vivi. “Do you need help?”

“I should say no, considering it’syourbirthday cakes in here but that would be great,“ Calypso huffs.

I grab the boxes—a smaller one taped onto a larger one making it easier to carry—and walk toward the kitchen island. “Did you say cakes? As in plural?”

“Your mom asked me to bake two for you.” She leans against thecounter and tilts her head.

“Why? How many people are coming tonight?” She hadn’t mentioned if she invited anyone besides my sister and the usual group. The only group that we have ever had, plus Lexi. I wouldn’t be upset if it was Knox and his family, but I think he would’ve said something to me.

I selfishly don’t want anyone else here. I’ve missed out on years with these people. Yes, Vivi,of course.But not only her. My family. Her family. My people.

“Just us, I’m guessing. She only invites guests over for the bigger parties. Not family time.” My chest tightens at the phrase.

“The second cake is probably to take to the school tomorrow,” Vivi says from the other side of the island. My birthday falls on the day after Labor Day this year so we’re celebrating on the holiday instead. “The school year typically ends before my birthday, so she brings a strawberry cake on the last day to celebrate.” She rolls her eyes but it’s full of affection.

“That makes sense,” Calypso says more to herself. “The second cake is a plain chocolate cake.” German chocolate is my favorite, but the school has a safety policy against tree nuts and peanuts.

“Is it mean that I’m kind of embarrassed?”

“Si, tonto.“ My mom slaps the dish towel against the back of my head. “I might just share it with the entire staff, while you don’t get any.”

Before I can apologize Lexi pipes in from her spot on the counter. “You should givetwopieces to Harper, Selena.”

That evil instigator.

Vivi grimaces at her friend. “Grady could commit murder and Harper still wouldn’t deserve a piece of birthday cake in comparison.”

My mom points to Calypso and Lexi. “Will you girls come helpoutside?”

Vivi takes a step toward the back patio, but my mom stops her. “Oh no, can you get the fruit from the fridge and start cutting it?”

Vivi gives her a skeptical look but nods anyway.

As she’s grabbing everything with her back turned to us, my mom comes to give me a small kiss on the cheek. “Feliz cumpleaños, mijo.“ Her eyes shift toward Vivi before she walks out. Over her shoulder she says, “Just relax in here while we get everything ready for you. The girls are helping Bonnie set the table out back. Don’t worry.”

Right as the door closes Vivi turns back toward me and rolls her eyes with a small smirk. “She couldn’t be more obvious if she tried.”

“Is it so bad being stuck in here with me?” I place my hands on the island and lean toward her.

She tilts her head and scrunches her nose. “I guess there could be worse.”

“That’s not what you said a few weekends ago,” I tease without missing a beat.

“I was drunk. You can’t use that against me.” Her head is down, keeping her focus on the task at hand, but it doesn’t hide her cheeky grin. I bet if she looked up, her eyes would be sparkling in that familiar glint she always had when she teased me.

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