Page 131 of Off Camera
“Avery.” His voice trembles when he cuts me off, and he blinks back tears. “How did you remember?”
“Oh. Um, you mentioned it the first time I came to your apartment. Before the smoke alarm went off,” I say. “You lit up when you told me about it, but you shrugged it off like it was no big deal. Like you were embarrassed to show me your excitement. I could tell it was important to you, though. I told myself I was going to find a way to get you that set if it was thelast thing I did. Everyone deserves things that make us happy, Reid, and I like to see you happy.”
He carefully sets the box down and pulls me toward him. I tumble into his lap and he cups my cheeks with both hands. His touch is warm on my skin, and he traces along the curve of my jaw. I sigh, relaxing into him, content and happy.
“You’re the most magnificent woman,” he says. He rests his forehead against mine, and a single tear hangs on his eyelashes. I wipe it away and he huffs out a laugh. “This is stupid. I’m thirty-four and emotional over a fucking LEGO box.”
“Do you like it?”
“Like it?” His hands move to my hips and he holds me there. His fingers press into the waistband of my skirt and I straddle him. “I love it. I love it so much.” He pauses like he wants to add something else, and I’d give anything to know what he’s thinking. “Thank you will never be good enough, Avery, but I’m going to say it anyway. Thank you. Thank you, baby. Thank you so much.”
He's never called me that outside of the bedroom, but it feels right.
Inevitable, almost, like we’ve been treading this way for a long, long time.
I lean forward and kiss him, because I think I might die if I don’t. I put everything I have behind the press of my lips, and when he kisses me back, he leaves me breathless.
“You’re so welcome,” I say. I dip my chin to kiss his neck and he blows out a breath, his grip on me tightening. “My selfless boy deserves nice things.”
“You deserve nice things too,” he murmurs, husky and low. His hands move to my sweater and slip under the hem, splaying out over my ribs. “Why is your heart beating so fast?”
“Because I was nervous about your present. Because I like being here with you.” I swallow, my next words shaky. “Because seeing you happy makes me happy.”
Because I like you more than I should.
Because I’m breaking our rules, Reid.
Because I think I might be falling in love with you, and it’s terrifying.
“Seeing you happy makes me happy too.” Reid reaches around me and hands me my first gift. “I want you to open these before we go to Maven and Dallas’s. Maverick can’t keep his mouth shut, and he’ll ruin the surprise.”
I climb off his lap and settle against the cushions. I pull off the bow and stick it to his cheek, laughing when he plucks it off and puts it in my hair. I rip the wrapping paper and gasp.
It’s a book.
A special edition of my favorite romance novel of all time, with an alternate cover and illustrated pages. Only three hundred were printed, and it sold out within seconds.
I’ve been searching groups on the internet, desperate to find someone selling their copy for an affordable price, but I’ve come up short for months.
Until now.
“How—” I turn the book on its side, examining the stenciled letters embossed on the spine. “I haven’t told you how much I like this book. How much Ilovethis book.”
“Not directly, no. I’ve had to do some deductive reasoning and study my spreadsheets,” he says.
“And what did you find?”
“Lots of evidence that supports my hypothesis. Your copy has been on your nightstand for months. Other books have come and gone, but this one is always there—and that doesn’t include the two other versions you have on your bookshelf. When I asked for book club recommendations, this was your suggestion.Last year, when it was announced a production company was turning the book into a movie, you shared the post to the Thunderhawks’ Instagram story for two minutes before realizing you weren’t on your personal account.”
“Last year? But that was before we even?—”
“I know.” He blushes and stares at the floor. “I can’t get you out of my head, Avery, and I guess you could say I’ve been paying attention to you for a while now.”
“This is the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received.” My eyes prick with tears. “Thank you so much, Reid. I can’t wait to show it off.”
“We’re not finished.” He hands me the envelope. “This is your next gift.”
“Is it your resignation letter? An admittance of defeat that I have the better social media account?” I ask.
