Page 3 of Butter My Biscuit

“Just choose something and order. You know what I like. Gonna take this.” I show him Joey’s picture that I saved from his online dating profile. It’s what I saw for months before we made it official and decided to go for the long-distance thing.

Harrison gives me a thumbs-up as I walk down the hallway toward the bedroom. I sit on the edge of the mattress and then answer.

“Hey, baby,” he says as I kick off my shoes.

We talk every day on his way home from the office. It’s quickly become one of our traditions, something that I look forward to Monday through Friday. Sometimes, I feel like it’s the only time we can talk.

“Hi. How was your day?” I grin, knowing just how close I am to him, and if I weren’t exhausted, I’d pop over tonight.

“It was good. Had a lot of meetings. I’ll be happy when this month is over. There is so much work to complete before the end of the year.” He pauses. “I just wish you were here with me right now.”

When the words leave his mouth, my heart flutters.

I lean back on the bed. “You do?”

“Yeah. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“Aww. I’ve been thinking about you too. Whatcha doin’ tomorrow?”

I stretch out on the mattress. It’s soft, and I know tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby. Especially if Harrison isn’t stubborn and actually sleeps beside me. He’s always so warm.

Joey continues, “I’ve got a few errands to run in the morning, but I’ll be home after then. I might read a book.”

“Well, if you’re bored after lunch, call me. I’m not doin’ much.”Except for driving to your house.

His tone turns gravelly. “Maybe we can FaceTime?”

“Yeah, I’d love that.” I know exactly what that means. Lately, we’ve been sexting and fooling around together on camera. It’s been fun, but it’s just not the same as being with someone physically.

Several times over the past year, we’ve tried to meet up, but it hasn’t always worked out. Just once, but we couldn’t be together because he was in a rush.

After this weekend, I hope he realizes what he could have every day.

“I miss you,” I say, wishing we could spend more time together.

He laughs. “I know. I miss you so damn much. If only you were closer.”

“What if I moved to Houston?” I ask with my eyes closed, knowing he can’t leave the city because of his job and position.

I can hear the excitement in his voice. “Oh, so is the option on the table now?”

“Maybe.While I love Valentine, I’d move for my forever person.” As I’m staring at the ceiling, I hear the bathroom door click closed. Valentine is my hometown in West Texas, and it’s named after Harrison’s family.

Moments later, Harrison walks out, wearing a pair of swim trunks that hang haphazardly on his carved waist. Muscles cascade down his body as he leans against the doorframe and mouths,Hot tub.

Swallowing hard, I pull my gaze away from him and nod, returning to my conversation. “I was hoping you’d be able to come visit during Christmas. My mom and stepdad are dying to meet you before the end of the year since our one year is tomorrow.”

“I didn’t forget.” His voice lowers. “And I’ll check my request on Monday and will confirm. But you know it’s a very busy time at the office, so I’m sure it will be denied.”

“You never know.” I sigh, trying to stay hopeful.

“Good news is, I’ve already got approval for your sister’s wedding. I can’t wait to be your plus-one, baby. Me and you in Hawaii. We’re going to have a good time.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I seriously cannot wait.”

I daydream about walking the beach with him, making love in our balcony room, and just spending time together. Maybe watch the sunset, view the moon over the water, walk the beach hand in hand, dance barefoot in the sand—all themovie magicthings that couples in love do.

“Me neither.” He quickly changes the subject. “Sorry to cut it short, babe. I think I need to let you go because the traffic is getting heavier. I just wanted to call and tell you how much I love you.”

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