Page 138 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Don’t even start, or I’ll have to spank you with this,” he jokes.

“Just wait, next year, your birthday is going to be the biggest fucking thing you have ever seen. We’ll go to the Florida Keys for it,” I say, and he smiles.

“Can’t wait.”

The entire apartment is filled with the heavenly scent of vanilla as the cupcakes sit in the kitchenette. The icing is already prepared, so all that’s left is to wait for the cupcakes to cool down enough to be frosted. Gunner washes his hands once more before joining me on my bed. I wrap my arms around him, squeezing him tightly, or as much as one can squeeze a mountain of muscle.

“Thank you, Gun. I owe you one,” I say, and he smiles warmly in response.

“You never do. I had fun,” he assures me. I lean in to kiss his cheek.

“God, I love you,” I say with a laugh, and he gives me a small smile.

“Right back at you,” he replies.

He leans back to stretch out, but his gaze falls on my open suitcase on the other side of the bed. He sits up straight, concern in his eyes.

“Why is your suitcase packed? Are you going back?” he asks. I reach out to touch his arm, trying to soothe him.

“Back where? No, I’m not going anywhere, I just promised the guys that I’d stay with them for a few days,” I say, hoping to alleviate his worries. Gunner’s face visibly relaxes at my explanation before a flicker of concern passes over it once more.

“Why?” he asks, his voice filled with apprehension. I laugh at his reaction.

“Why not? They’re my boyfriends. If I want to stay over for a few days, I can,” I say, and his brows furrow in confusion.

“But you have a perfectly fine apartment. Why would you move in with them for a few days? They can come over, or you can spend a night there. There’s no need to move out,” he argues, clearly not understanding my decision. I can’t help but get a little bit agitated at his reaction.

“Relax. I’m not moving out,” I assure him. He lets out a huff of frustration.

“Yeah, whatever. It’s late, and I need a shower,” he says before standing up and making his way towards the door, determined to put some distance between us. “Goodnight.”

“Gunner!” I call out, rushing to stand up from the bed, but he’s already closed the door behind him. I quickly open it and make my way over to knock on his door, but there’s no response.

“Are you for real right now?” I ask, frustration evident in my voice, but all I hear is the sound of the shower turning on. I huff in annoyance. “I’ll text you tomorrow. Thank you again,” I yell at the door.

I return to my own apartment, feeling a mix of emotions. Uncertain if he heard me or if he really was in the shower, I decide to send him a text message instead.

Thank you again for your help. I’ll text you tomorrow. I love you.

His response comes immediately.

Gunner

I love you too.

TWENTY-TWO

It’s Saturday, but I know from Chris that Chase doesn’t have any classes today, which is perfect because I have big plans for him. Birthdays were always a big deal in my family, and everyone would take the day off from school or work to celebrate together.

Unfortunately, my last few birthdays were less than ideal. On my twentieth birthday, I spent the day with Liam at a competition. He forgot about what day it was until my parents FaceTimed me, and even though we went out that evening, he spent the whole night talking to other people while I sat alone, sipping on my Coke.

My twenty-first birthday was even worse. It was six months after everything happened, so I stayed home and drank nearly half a bottle of Jack Daniels by myself, trying to black out and forget about the memories of happier days. I remember thinking that birthdays are only special if you have someone to share them with. If not, it’s just another day in the year with the potential to make you feel sad and lonely.

I thought I would never have a good association with birthdays ever again, and yet here I am, in my car packed with presents, some balloons, the cupcakes Gunner made yesterday evening, and all the stuff I need for the next few days, happy to spend this special day with Chase.

I park my car in front of the guys’ house and grab the plate of cupcakes in one hand and the balloons in the other. Walking up to the door, I knock with my foot, and River answers with a look of surprise.

“Liv!” he exclaims as I step inside. He’s wearing a grey T-shirt, and I peck his bicep as I walk by him.