Page 59 of Introvert

Besides the fact that I have a fake boyfriend who is currently giving me the best lesson in spooning ever?

"If there was, would you really want to know?" I answered.

"I would," Mom said at the same time Dad said, "Not really."

With a quiet laugh, I said, "Okay, enough about me. Anythinggoing on there?"

"Just missing you," Mom said. "How many more days till you come home?"

"I'd have to check my calendar."

"Seven weeks and two days," Dad said.

A beat passed.

"Not that I'm counting or anything."

"Call me," Mom said, "or next time I'll let your father file a police report."

"Your mom seriously almost did that, Ror."

"Geez, okay, I'll call," I said with a smile."I love you guys."

They said they loved me too, and when the conversation ended, I released a heavy exhale. I felt terrible about forgetting to call them. It was the one thing they'd asked, and I'd let them down. Determined not to let it happen again, I set a reminder on my phone then put it away. I was just beginning to relax when...

"Your parents sound nice," Felix said.

I startled. "How long have you been awake?"

"A while."

He was still curled around me, so I felt it a moment later when he chuckled.

"What?" I asked.

"Just wondering what they'd do if they knew we slept together."

My face flamed, but I said, "My dad would probably kill you, but that's if my mom didn't get to you first."

He laughed again, and the sound brought a real smile to my face.

"Seriously. You'd be in danger—and my cousins wouldwant to defend my honor too."

"I like hearing there are people looking out for you."

I gulped. "Really? Why?"

"Because you deserve that."

Butterflies took flight in my chest, fluttering around in a frenzy.It was the most romantic, kindest thing anyone had ever said to me. I wanted to bottle up this feeling and never let it go.

"Thanks, you too," I said because I'm an idiot and had to ruin the moment.

"It's not a bad way to wake up," Felix put in, echoing my thoughts from earlier.

"No, it's not."

"I slept better than I have in a long time."

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