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He brings them to me and kisses me until I’m breathless.
“I’m off at six. I want in on whatever evening shenanigans you’re up to,” he says, smiling.
“Perfect,” I murmur, watching as he begins to leave the bathroom. “Arran?”
He peeks over his shoulder, the material of his shirt straining. He is a walking wet dream, and the things his jeans go through when he walks should be illegal.
“I love you too.”
“I know. Be good to yourself. Happy birthday, baby.”
I grin as he leaves and then drink some more water. It takes me another fifteen minutes to brush my teeth, loosely braid my hair, and dress. My green skirt is flowy with ghosts and brooms, and my off the shoulder black gauzy shirt gives it a touch of whimsy.
They’re also really soft and pretty. My compression socks today have pumpkins on them and my combat boots cover them perfectly. I add a pair of pink earrings, my necklace, and open my door.
“Zayn!” I call out. I grab my bag and begin packing it for the day, knowing I’ll need to raid a few things from the kitchen and refill my water.
“Finally! Happy birthday Mommy!” Zayn is fully dressed and has a wide smile on his face as he hugs me tightly. “What are we doing?”
“Breakfast, please. I am starving.”
Zayn steps back and looks me over before frowning. “Why are your lips so puffy?”
“New night lip serum,” I shrug. “Does it look bad?”
“I don’t like it,” he shrugs. “Looks like a bee stung you.”
“Thank you for that,” I snort, adding a tinted lip balm to my lips. I frown as I look in the mirror to see if I need anything else, but I have a healthy flush thanks to Arran. It seems the cure to paleness is good dick.
Lifting my purse onto my shoulder, I pick up my phone and find the group chat full of birthday messages. I smile as I say thank you, and glance at Zayn. He looks suspicious and I wonder what secrets he’s hiding.
“What should we do after breakfast?” I ask him, hoping for a hint. “They have free admission to all of the museums and the aquarium this month.”
“I have a plan on my tablet,” he replies, grabbing my hand and taking me to his room. He walks me through an outdoor charcoal class by the beach Rachelle already bought for us and then a lunch restaurant nearby Jared booked a reservation at.
“Oh my god,” I whisper.
“We still have time for breakfast, but you’ll have to drive today,” Zayn explains.
“I can drive,” I laugh, glad I’m not wearing makeup as tears sting my eyes. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“I searched it up,” he grins. Ugh, my heart.
“I have the smartest little boy ever,” I say, checking the time. Even with the extra time in bed, it’s only eight in the morning. We really do have time to go to breakfast and the ten thirty class. “Let’s go fill up my water and head to Henrietta’s for breakfast. I want her blueberry gluten free pancakes and eggs.”
“Mmm. I already know what I want. I’ll take your water bottle,” he says, holding out his hand for it.
Zayn zooms out of the room to fill up my bottle as I follow him at a slower pace. I make sure the door that leads out to the stairs is locked and Theo messages me as I begin walking down the stairs.
Theo
Someone should mention to Arran that there are video cameras outside your room.
Me
Is this because he was sneaking out? I’m pretty sure he knows.
Theo
