Page 76 of As the Rain Falls
“Oh, I got him a few toys. Well, actually, I was going to get him some treats too, but my brother left and took the car.” I pout, placing the scissors back where I first found them. “I really want Pepé to feel at ease, you know?”
Beckett tilts his head, listening to me while I lean against the desk for support. I love the way he tries his best to keep eye contact with me, even if it usually doesn’t last very long. I can tell it’s something difficult for him to do, but he still does it.
“You don’t need to buy my dog anything, Cassandra. Call me, and I’ll run to the store myself.”
“But he’s basically my dog too now.” I shrug and grab the box, but he doesn’t let go. “Give it to me.”
“Mn,” he hums, eyes flicking up to meet mine again. “Your dog?”
“Our dog,” I concede with a grin, now playing with one of the toys. It’s some sort of knotted rope, which Pepé seems to have barely used. “Is that okay?”
Beckett’s gaze softens as he answers, “Maybe.”
I stare at the toy again and frown.
“He better play with what I got him, or else.”
He chuckles, “Pepé would rather play with a plastic bag over any toy I’ve ever bought him. Is this going to be heavy?”
I shake my head, smiling at how soft his words are. “No, it’s fine. I’ve got it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
Pepé barks from the bed, watching us expectantly. I can tell this is important to him, perhaps even more than it is to me.
“Pepé and I are going to have so much fun.”
Beckett nods slowly, still watching me carefully.
“You will.”
I blink, not knowing what else to say to fill in the blanks.We’re so close. Too close, maybe. And… I don’t know. My crush is just a crush. Silly and hopeless. It’s not a real thing, but moments like this…
Moments like this give me hope.
His expression shifts, becoming more serious now. “Text me, okay? I want you to text me all about it. Let me know how he’s doing or if you need anything. I’m a bit overbearing like that.”
“Sure. I will.” I nod, unable to look away. “I can totally do that.”
“Good.”
Beckett’s gaze flicks to my face, specifically to the makeup that’s covering the bruise my brother left the other day. He steps closer, touching my chin and tilting it up and towards him.
“Are you feeling better?”
“I am,” I answer, feeling myself blush again. “I promise it’s just a little bruise.”
He hums, eyes lowering towards my mouth, “Cherry lipgloss?”
“Yeah. How did you know?”
Beckett shrugs before pulling away.
“Smells like it.”
My breath hitches.
