Page 73 of Give Me Forever

"Do I want to know? I don't think so."

As I came closer to him, I realized he must have actually brought furniture up here. "Sam, when did you plan all this?"

"I work fast, and I have a lot of Maxwells who jumped at the opportunity to help me."

“Who exactly?"

"Travis gave me the outdoor furniture from the hotel. Kimberly asked me to send her a picture of my firepit and then immediately decided this place needed more romance, so she came over with some blankets. I don't know what she did, but the place definitely looks better since she worked her magic."

I noticed a thermos next to the firepit. "What's in that?" I asked.

"Mulled wine."

There was also a pizza box.

"Oh, we're having dinner here," I said.

"Yeah, babe, we are." He held out a hand for me, and I took it with a bit of trepidation. He squeezed my fingers, pulling me close. "Thank you for accepting my invitation to the date."

"You made a convincing case," I whispered.

It smelled so good, like winter and fire and a hint of his cologne that still remained, though it was very subtle.

“I've been thinking about how to do this for some time now."

"You have?" I murmured.

"Yes."

My nerves got the better of me. I bit my lip, shivering.

"Talk to me, Avery. I know something's holding you back, but I don't know what."

"It's just that... you’re freshly out of a relationship."

He blinked, pulling back, looking absolutely stunned. "Right. Yeah."

"And you moved here for her."

"I'm not following."

"I don't want to be your rebound, Sam."

His eyes widened. He leaned into me again, putting a hand on the side of my face and sliding two fingers under my beanie. "Avery, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the opposite is true. Since meeting you again, I realized everyone since you has been a rebound."

My breath caught. "Sam, do you mean it?"

"Yes. Fuck yes, I mean it."

He kissed me, gently and hungrily at the same time, biting my lower lip lightly. I moaned against his mouth, melting in his arms. I was suddenly so warm that I felt the need to take off my coat, maybe even my clothes and underwear if the night continued this way.

He groaned, pulling back. "Come on, let’s enjoy this fire and our food."

We sat down on the pillows, and I realized the blankets were actually a good idea because I suddenly felt chilled without Sam warming me up. He took the thermos, pouring mulled wine in two cups. I grabbed the pizza box, opening it and grinning at him.

"This is the best date ever."

"Fuck, you're cute."

---