Page 82 of Only Ever Yours

When I walk downstairs, I’m stopped dead in my tracks to find balloons, a card, a box of Sno-Caps, and the most gorgeous floral arrangement—a mix of peach roses amongst other beautiful blooms—waiting on the counter for me.

My breath catches as I step closer, completely caught off guard.

This man.

He's always showing up when I least expect him.

I reach for the card and lean in to smell the flowers—just what I needed, like a breath of fresh air.

With a huge smile on my face, I swipe my finger under the flap and rip open the envelope. Excitement rushing through me at the thought of Jaydon doing all this—just for me.

He's slowly tearing my walls down once more.

I open the card, revealing only a handwritten note from him inside.

Happy Birthday, Peachy

I got you some Sno-Caps, so now you can stop stealing mine.

I hope your birthday is as sweet as you are.

Xoxo,

Jay

P.S. I know you planned on going to the grocery store today, but don’t worry about it. I’m probably already shopping as you read this.

My face stretches into an even bigger smile as I read his words.

How is this man even real?

Jaydon

I’m driving along headed over to my sister's house tonight for dinner to celebrate Ellie's birthday—she even invited our parents. Ellie left the house a little while ago; her so-calledboyfriendpicked her up. I watched out the window like a fucking stalker as she climbed into his car and shut the door.

I’ve been following a car that looks familiar for about five minutes. It keeps slowing down and speeding up, even going off the edge of the road at one point. I watch in confusion as it veers off the side of the road before correcting and picking up speed again.

That’s when it hits me, I’m following behind Ellie and that douchebag. That’s where I know this car from—hislittle fucking car—with that little fuckface friend of hers driving it.

My heart races when I see them swerve again, feeling helpless as I watch them continue jerking back and forth across the road and continue to pick up speed.

What the fuck is going on?

I try my best to stay close behind, but we are easily going over sixty now. This winding road isn’t meant for driving at this speed. I know this road, and the turn up ahead is sharp… too sharp. I don’t even see brake lights.

Goddammit! I scream out.

Panic floods my body. He’s not gonna make this turn going this fucking fast.

I let off the accelerator, fumbling for my phone to call Ellie and swipe the screen.

But I'm too late.

My stomach drops as I watch them cut hard and go off the side of the road. He tries to correct… but it's no use.

The car goes airborne, rolling end over end before smacking against a tree, debris and dust flying, and coming to a sudden, gut-wrenching stop.

My breath catches in my throat.

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