Page 79 of Burning Bridges Duet

“If that car ever breaks down with you in it, call Jaxon before you let Ryder make it even worse by trying to fix it,” I whisper in Liv’s ear.

“Got it,” she whispers back, chuckling.

We finish our ice cream and start walking back towards the gym.

“Do you want to come over for dinner later? I could make some homemade French fries?” Jaxon asks Liv. She smiles up at him, but then her face falls.

“I’m sorry, I promised Gunner dinner and a movie. He’s not feeling well, and I need to be there for him tonight. Please don’t be mad,” she says. Jaxon furrows his brows, takes her hand that’s not in mine, and pulls us to a stop.

“Why would I be mad, sunshine? You’re a good friend to him, and as reluctant as I am to say it, I think he’s good for you too.” He tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Just text us before you go to sleep, please?”

“I can do that,” she says with a smile, and we start walking again. As we walk, I hold Liv’s hand tightly and smile, feeling like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

I knock on Gunner’s door, the six-pack of beer and a plastic bag in my hand. He opens the door, and I can see that his face looks less swollen than yesterday, but more colorful. He steps back to let me in, and I go straight to his kitchenette to put the beers in the fridge. I notice the charcuterie board still wrapped up and untouched in there, and I smile.

“How are you feeling, Gun?” I ask, turning to him, and he shrugs.

“Better. I was looking forward to tonight, though,” he says, and I smile.

“Me too. Want me to get the board out and select a movie? I’m hungry.” I blush a little and he laughs.

“Sure, get your fancy ass board out,” he says.

“Hey, you’ll love it. It has a little bit of everything, and we can eat with our hands,” I say, grinning like a kid, and he shakes his head. “Mind if I open the Moscato? You can have a beer if you prefer.”

“No, I’ll try the Moscato with you,” he says, going to the kitchenette and getting out some fancy glasses, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Who’s the fancy one now?” I ask, pointing at them.

He just shrugs but blushes a little while opening the bottle and pouring us each a glass of the bubbly drink. I remove the foil from the charcuterie board and place it in the center of the bed, sitting at the end with my legs crossed. Gunner comes over, hands me my glass, and sits on the other side of the board.

“To you, the best friend I’ve ever had and one of my favorite humans,” I say, toasting him. He looks sad, but he still clinks glasses with me.

“To you,” he says simply. We sip the Moscato, and I hum, enjoying the taste.

“So good,” I comment before making myself a little snack from the board. Gunner watches me and copies what I do. “You’ve never done finger food before, have you?” I laugh.

“Nope, I’ve only ever watched rich people’s backs while they’re doing it,” he says.

“Finger food isn’t just for rich people!” I exclaim. He raises his eyebrows at me. “Okay, maybe a bit, but it’s fun!”

“With you, it definitely is,” he says, laughing.

We nearly finish the board, chatting about dance and classes while sipping our drinks. When we’re done, Gunner takes the board and the glasses to the kitchenette, and I get up to grab my bag.

“I brought you some ointment for your bruises,” I say, knowing from experience that it works. More than once, I needed to get rid of bruises quickly for a performance with outfits that showed more skin. “It’ll make them heal faster and reduce the pain a bit,” I add, hoping it will help him feel better.

Gunner sits down on the edge of his bed, and I gently apply the ointment to his bruises. He winces slightly from the pain, but I try to be as gentle as possible.

“There you go, all done. I’ll leave the bottle here so you can reapply it tomorrow after your shower,” I tell him. He nods in thanks as I go to wash my hands in his bathroom.

When I come back out, I see a black and white dreamcatcher with green feathers in his hand.

“I got you something too. I thought maybe it can help with your nightmares,” he explains. I touch the dreamcatcher with my fingertips, admiring it.

“It’s so pretty, Gunner. Thank you so much,” I say, hugging him tightly.

“You’re welcome,” he whispers while rubbing my back.