Page 77 of This Memory
Gavin made a slight whimpering sound. I turned and whispered, “Go! Go while you still can!”
He stumbled back and nearly fell over a box. Instead, he managed to jump over it and moved so quickly that I had to wonder whyhewasn’t going to run in tomorrow’s marathon.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the bell above the door ring.
“Did I say something wrong?” my mother asked, grinning.
Turning, I stared at her in disbelief as Nelly walked in. “What happened to Gavin? He ran out of the store like his ass was on fire.”
I closed my eyes and prayed that my mother would never utter the words “oral sex” in my presence ever again.
When my doorbell rang, I let out a frustrated groan. But then I pulled up my Ring app and smiled in delight when I saw it was Gavin. I paused my movie, threw off my blanket, and went to the door.
Quickly unlocking it, I said, “Hey, I thought you went out with the guys?”
He smiled and walked in when I motioned for him to enter. “I realized not soon after we got there the only place I wanted to be was here with you.”
My stomach flipped as my heart kicked up a few beats. “I missed you too.”
Gavin glanced over to the TV. “What were you watching?”
“The Proposal.”
He nodded and set down a bag I hadn’t noticed before.
“What’s the bag for?”
“Clothes, a toothbrush, deodorant.”
Grinning, I reached up and kissed him. “Does this mean I get my massage and a sleepover?”
He nodded. “I have a bit more planned for you. Can you head to your bedroom and give me like fifteen minutes before coming back down?”
Curious, I tilted my head. “What are you planning?”
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”
I laughed. “Okay, I have to pee anyway. Can you do me a favor and fill up my water mug?”
He tapped the tip of my nose. “I will. Don’t come down unless I say you can.”
Saluting him, I replied, “Got it.”
As I walked away, he reached for my hand. “Wait—give me twenty minutes.”
Laughing, I nodded and headed toward my bedroom. After doing my business, I walked into my bedroom and breathed in through my nose. “I smell popcorn and…”
I tapped my chin as I tried to figure out what else I was smelling. Sitting on the bed, I glanced down at my clothes—oversized pants and a Moose Village T-shirt that was at least three sizes too big. I thought of changing into something sexier, but I was exhausted and honestly just wanted to be comfortable.
Falling back onto the bed, I stared up at the ceiling and slowly started to feel my eyes get heavier.
“Don’t fall asleep, Brystol. There is a super-hot guy waiting for you with popcorn.”
Sitting back up, I stood, started to pace, and after several minutes, was about to sit back down when Gavin popped his head into the room.
“Ready?”
Turning to face him, I smiled. “I am!”
