Page 49 of Absolutely Not in Love
She holds my gaze, her eyes turning glassy as they fill with moisture. “I will, Gracie. Thank you.”
I lean down and kiss Dad on the cheek, then punch my brother in the arm before heading toward my car.
It’s after eleven p.m., late enough that it would be normal for Felix to already be asleep, or at least in bed, when I get home. I’m only just getting to know him, but I’d put money on him being the type of man who goes to bed early and wakes up with the sun so he can go on a long run, meditate for half an hour, then make a protein smoothie out of wheatgrass and other inedible green things, all before seven in the morning.
Sure enough, when I finally make it into his apartment, the lights are all off save one above the stove.
There’s a note on the counter, and I immediately recognize his orderly handwriting from the poster he signed for Maddox.
Is it bad that I remember what his handwriting looks like? That I’m filing away all these little details about Felix like tiny keepsakes?
I pick up the note and read it slowly.
I made a plate for you and left it in the warming oven. The books are also for you. I saw that your original copies were ruined in the Great Pipe Explosion, so I took the liberty of replacing them for you. I hope that isn’t weird.
I grin at this line. He said the same thing when he texted me. That he hoped he wasn’t being weird. Someone needs to tell this man that if being kind and considerate and charming makes himweird,he needs to lean in for all it’s worth. Because it’s working.
Still smiling, I read the rest of the note.
I also picked up a few additional titles I thought you might like and grabbed a few pastries for you. Emmy said they were your favorites. I hope your dad is okay. –Felix
He bought me pastries.
He. bought. me. pastries.
I peek into the bag, seeing both an apple cinnamon sconeandan apple danish. I’m not at all surprised that Emmy remembers my favorite pastries. But I am completelysmittenover Felix thinking to ask. And he replaced my books?
I run my hands over the glossy covers. There is nothing quite like the feel of a brand-new book. I immediately recognize the three books Felix added. The first two are contemporary novels, neither of which I’ve read, but it’s the third that makes me laugh out loud.
A River Runs Through It.
I open the front cover and see Felix’s familiar handwriting.To commemorate the occasion. –Felix
Okay. It’s official.
The man is actually perfect.
Slipping off my shoes, I make my way around the island looking for my dinner. Which is…well, I don’t know where it is. I don’t actually know what awarming ovenis. I shake my head over the fact that Felix is the type of man whodoesknow, then pull out my phone to google.
Eventually, the internet helps me discover a small sliding tray thing that extends out from under Felix’s wall oven. The plate sitting on the tray is perfectly warm, and I practically groan as the smell of the food hits my nose.
For the next five minutes, I’m actuallygladFelix is already in bed because my eating is more likescarfing.I’m so hungry, and the food is so good, and it’s all I can do not to lick the plate clean.
I glance over my shoulder at Felix’s bedroom door, which is firmly shut, no light shining underneath.
Oh, what the hell.Idolick my plate clean.
Fifteen minutes later, my belly full of dinner and danish, and my new stack of books on the nightstand beside me, I snuggle under my covers and send Felix a text.
Gracie:I know you won’t get this until tomorrow, but thank you. Dinner was amazing. And the pastry was delicious and the books—that was sweet of you. I laughed out loud overA River Runs Through It.
Gracie:If you were awake, I’d give you a hug to say thank you.
Felix:Still awake. But I sleep in my underwear, so we should probably save the hugging for tomorrow.
I gasp when his response comes through. He’s awake! And just on the other side of the apartment.And in his underwear.
I almost text him that I’ve already seen him in his underwear, so why wait? But that feels a little too suggestive for a man I still haven’t actually dated, so I refrain. But that doesn’t stop me from bringing the visual to mind. The smooth planes of his chest, the ridges of his abdominal muscles, the curves and dips of his shoulders and biceps.The tattoo.
