Page 61 of A Small Town Spring

“You can get into your outfit by yourself, can’t you?”

I laugh at that, because he’s serious.“I’ll manage.You’ve taught me well.And somehow I’m not nearly as nervous as I was yesterday.”

“Orgasms are good for the nerves,” he says.

“Then maybe you should give me another one real quick—I think I feel some nerves coming back.”

“I wish that I could.I’m already late.But I’ll make you a deal.I’ll give you all the orgasms you want after the party tonight.”

I sigh elaborately.“I suppose I’ll live.”

“You better.”He turns serious.“You have a good day, and I’ll see you later.But text me if you need me.”

“What if I just want you?”

“Text me then, too.”

“Kingston, I—” I stop, suddenly unsure.I want to tell him I love him.But now is not the right time.

“What?”

“I—I kind of wish our first time had been in the cottage.”It’s something I hadn’t realized had been on my mind until I say it, but it’s true.

His eyebrows relax.“Oh, honey.”He sounds sympathetic and maybe a trace pitying.

“You know I’m going to be ridiculously sentimental about everything, don’t you?”

“I’ll live,” he says, repeating my words back to me.

“You better.”

The day passes quickerthan it might have, though Kingston is never far from my thoughts.I do indeed make toast for breakfast, and strong coffee, and eggs.I have texts from Fernanda to respond to.I have texts from friends planning to attend the party who want to check in.I have a text from my mother wishing me good luck.A text comes in from a number I don’t recognize.

Settled into my hotel.See you tonight.

Since that could be any number of people, I’m about to respond and ask who the text is from, but get sidetracked by a phone call from Galia going over some details, and another one from Beck asking if it’s okay if he substitutes oatmeal chocolate chip for oatmeal raisin at tonight’s cookie bar because of some snafu with his bakers, to which I give an enthusiastic thumbs-up.Then there’s lunch with a journalist, then back to the apartment to change into my party clothes.I text Kingston before I get in the shower.

Getting ready now.Hope your day has gone well.Mine’s been nonstop.See you at the gallery.

I consider sending him a nude selfie, but I suppose doing that within twenty-four hours of getting together might be a bit much.It’s just that when it comes to Kingston, nothing is normal.There’s no casual dating phase.No trying each other on for size.We actually live together.Our lives are already intertwined in so many ways.We can’t be cavalier because we know each other too well already.

But I think we’re on the same page about all that.This isn’t a fling or an intrigue.This is for keeps.This is us adding sex and feelings into a relationship that was already intimate in so many ways.

Kingston has become my best friend.

Getting to sleep with him is honestly just a bonus.A very large, very satisfying bonus, but a bonus, nonetheless.

I shower quickly, forcing myself to use the expensive shampoo and conditioner Kingston stocked for me when he learned that, when left to my own devices, I use generic dollar store brands.

My hair air dries while I check my phone.More texts from friends and one from Kingston that I seize on like a piece of gold among the pebbles.

The best thing I can say about my day is that it’s almost over and I’ll be seeing you soon.I arranged a car for you, so be in the lobby at 6:30.

The smile on my face must be sickening, but I can’t help it.It’s still settling in that the boy I’ve had a crush on forever likes me back.

I send him a heart emoji, then finish getting dressed and head to the lobby at the appointed hour.The Weiss Gallery is lit up like last night, only there are far more people there, plus uniformed waitstaff pouring drinks into chic plastic cups and passing around trays of appetizers.

“There he is!”Fernanda coos at me.She leans in close.“We’re doing smashingly well with sales already, darling.”

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