Page 63 of Give Me Forever

"This morning while I was waiting for you."

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs and tapping my top foot to a quick rhythm. "You were so sure I would say yes?"

"Avery." His voice was so rough that it startled me. My body reacted instantly as heat coursed through me. I pressed my thighs against each other to stop the sensation. "Last night was incredible. I figured I couldn't be the only one who didn't want it to end."

"Still," I said, trying to play it cool, "I don't like being considered a sure thing."

I'd only been teasing him, but his eyes turned intense.

"You’d never be a sure thing, Avery, no matter what. You've always been incredible. Youareincredible. And I don't take anything that happens between us for granted. Not because we have history or because we’re roommates. You deserve the very damn best of everything."

"Oh, another plus in the improvements column," I murmured. "You're so romantic.”

“You're keeping tabs?" He curled his lips in a sly smile.

"Maybe.”

“I meant every word."

"You brought me to a place with delicious pie, so clearly you practice what you preach."

"Always."

"Let's play a game," I suggested.

"I'm all ears."

"Let's ask each other questions, stuff we used to know about each other, and see what's still true and what's not."

"That's a great idea."

"I’ll go first. Kimberly and Reese are still your best friends?”

"Sort of, but not like before. I spent too much time abroad. Although, Kimberly is about to move back home. She was away for a long time too. We’re still very close, but it’s much different than it used to be."

“Wait, where was Kimberly?” I’d been closer to her than to Reese, maybe due to the age gap.

“She’s been living in Paris for the past few years. She's arriving next week. I'm thinking about taking her out to dinner. She loves discovering new restaurants, and I’m trying to figure out what she’d like. I need a way to find out without her catching on. If anyone in the family asks her, it’ll be too obvious."

I pushed a strand of hair behind my right ear. "I can find out."

"How?"

"Just leave it to me. I’ll message her on Facebook.”

“Not sure she’s got an account. I think I’m the only one in the family who does.”

“How come?”

“Everyone deleted their accounts after the scandal with Reese’s wedding.”

I thought for a second. “I have an idea. Give me Kimberly’s number. I’m going to catch up with her and pretend I want to ask her about Paris. It’s always been my dream to go there. One thing will lead to another, and I’ll find out exactly what you need.”

He grinned. “You’re resourceful.”

“Yes, I am.”

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