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Flavor bursts across my tongue. Sweetness, citrus, and something just a touch earthy.
“Holy shit,” I moan around a mouthful of cookie. “These are the best cookies I’ve ever tasted in my life.”
The whole table bursts into laughter as I grab another cookie.
Food and drinks arrive, along with a tablet. Logan explains it is our buzzer to ring in answers. After a few minutes, the TVs all sync to a countdown, and then trivia begins. The rest of the night is filled with laughter, easy conversation, and plenty of food and drink. I even manage to answer a few questions correctly. With every right answer, Auggie’s chest puffed up.
I was little to no help, but that didn’t matter. I haven’t had this much fun in years.
Auggie has his arm wrapped around me all evening, subtly brushing the back of my neck. I look around at all the happy faces of the people who have become my friends in such a short time. I look at Auggie, who looks at me like I truly am moonlight.
My heart swells to bursting.
I can stay.
Can’t I?
Chapter 13
Date Night Part 1
CORDELYA
“Turn off the sun,” I groan, rolling over to bury my head in my pillow.
After trivia night ended, Auggie had brought me home and insisted on taking Minna for a walk with me, given the exceptionally late hour. When we were done, he kissed me senseless on the front step. I wanted nothing more than for him to come in and stay the night again. Ever the gentleman, he kissed my forehead and told me to rest because today would be full of activities.
With a pout that would make a toddler proud, I relented. I went through my typical routine, checking doors and locks before gathering the animals and settling into bed. Between the fun of the evening and the drink I nursed all night, sleep came quickly. It wasn’t restful like the night before.
Because Auggie isn’t here.
Now I’m lying in bed, desperate to go back to sleep, cursing the sun for trying to blind me. With my face buried in the pillow, hidden from the offensive light, my mind starts to relax as I slip back into that space between waking and sleep.
Buzzing from my left jars me just as I begin to fade into the dream realm.
“For real?” I groan, grabbing the other pillow and wrapping it around my head like ear muffs.
The buzzing persists. I toss the pillow aside, startling one of the cats based upon the high-pitched yowl.
With great irritation, I grab my phone from the nightstand and swipe to answer.
“Hello?” I grumble.
I’m greeted by the delightful sound of Auggie's laughter.
“Good Morning, Moonlight. Did I wake you?” he asks, clearly amused.
“No. That was damn sunlight that tried to sear my corneas.”
Auggie laughs again.
“Come open the door.”
“Why? So you can laugh at my morning grumpiness to my face?”
“No,” he chuckles. “Because I brought you coffee and the best apple turnovers in town.”
I’m up and moving, Minna jumping off the bed to follow me to the door.
