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“No.” He cuts the conversation short and turns back to the bookshelf to continue his perusing.
I bite my lip to hide my smile, Nathan doesn’t engage in polite conversation. When he’s finished saying what he wants to say, the conversation is effectively over.
“I’ll go look in the back,” she replies in a fluster.
“Thank you.” He replies, distracted by the books in front of him.
“You know it’s pretty pointless buying two,” I lean in and whisper.
“I need one for your house and one for mine.”
“But you hardly ever sleep at your house.” I widen my eyes.
“Yes, well… one of these days I’m going to get sick of you hogging the bed and snoring, and I’ll return to the peace and sanity of mine.”
“Promises, promises.” I reply flatly as I roam up the aisle.
Two years ago, I broke up with my boyfriend. Nathan stayed with me for the night because he was worried about me. One night turned to two, two nights turned to five, and here we are two years later. He’s still buying two of every book he reads as if he’s going back to his house anytime soon.
“Here you are.” The sales assistant smiles as she approaches us with two books in hand. “They hadn’t been unpacked yet, they just came in.”
Nathan smiles as he takes them from her. “Thank you, much appreciated.”
He marches to the front counter to pay like the cat that got the cream. Thank fuck they had it. He would have made me search the city for it tomorrow if they hadn’t.
He pays the cashier, and we walk out into the street and toward the road. Nathan takes my hand in his.
“I can cross the street on my own. You don’t have to hold my hand, you know. I’m not five.”
“That’s debateable.” He mutters as he watches the oncoming traffic. He finally sees a break and drags me across the road.
“What do you think I do when you aren’t with me?” I ask as I half run to keep up with him.
“I hate to think.”
We get to the other side of the street. He lets me go, and I link my arm through his. Truth be told, I like the way Nathan makes me hold his hand on the roads. He’s done it since our very first dinner date, all those years ago.
“When do we go?” I ask as we walk along.
“Four weeks from tomorrow.”
“Maria didn’t mention it.”
“Because it’s a surprise.” He widens his eyes, as if I’m stupid.
“Oh right.” I beam. “I’m going to need new vacation clothes, and oh…” I clap in excitement. “I’m going to get one of those hats I wanted. You know, the ones that match your bikini?”
He smiles, clearly delighted by my excitement. “Okay.”
“You’re going to need new swim shorts, too.”
“I’m good.” He smirks.
“Nathan…” I smile up at him. “Thank you, I really needed this vacation. You’re too good to me.” I kiss his shoulder as we walk.
He leans his head down to rest on mine. “Only the best for my girl. Happy Birthday, baby.”
* * *
