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Chapter Thirty One
July
*****
Katie
Ryder: You said two o’clock, right? I’m so freaking excited to see you! So is Paul, by the way.
Asmile instantly hit my lips as I started typing back. I had invited Ryder and Paul to my birthday celebration, hoping they could distract me from my relationship woes. Although it took a lot of explaining, I found out that Brandon had lied about how he found out about my spring break. He had stolen Paul’s phone one day and went through his texts. Ryder had been texting him, telling him how happy she was for me that things had worked out for me. Brandon let his own insecurities flow from that.
I finally confessed while we were packing what happened at the party. Both Ryder and Paul apologized, though they weren’t at fault for any of it.
Katie: You can come whenever. My mom is so excited to see you guys.
Ryder: Will Nate be there? Don’t worry, we won’t say anything in front of everyone we know to keep our lips zipped.
Katie: yes but my brother will be there too, so it’s going to suck. I have to tell you all about what we did on Friday. You’re going to die when you hear.
She sent back a sad face emoji. She knew about all the drama that I had gone through with Nate in the last few months. All my fears and insecurities were laid out for her to help me sort through most days.
Ryder: well we will be there ASAP. Love you. See ya soon girlie!
I sent back a kissing emoji. I was glad my mom agreed to let me have them come celebrate my birthday tomorrow. She was usually super strict about who could come, but since Asher asked to bring his girlfriend, it was only fair that I could invite someone to my celebration.
My stomach was in knots as I waited for Ryder to show up, knowing that Nate was probably going to show up around the same time. I riffled through my closet, throwing each piece of clothing on the floor, aggravated that I couldn’t find one I wanted to wear.
“Yellow with the flowers.”
His voice stopped me in my tracks as I turned to see him standing in my door frame. My mind immediately flashing back to a few months ago when his hands had been all over me in this exact place.
“What are you doing up here? You shouldn’t be here.”
The urge to rush across the room and wrap my arms around him was hard to fight. He looked irresistible, his hat backwards like it always was, his dark wash jeans hugging him in all the right places and his white t-shirt peeking through under his button up.
“Relax. Asher and Bridget just ran to the store with your mom to pick up the cake, and your dad is preparing the steaks.”
Taking a step towards me, I found myself pulled across the room as his hands grabbed my waist, pulling me into him as his lips pressed against mine.
“Happy birthday darlin’.”
Melting into him, the taste of his lips on mine made my heart race. I couldn’t help but smile as we parted. It was amazing the way you could miss someone so much that your heart burst into fireworks with the simplest touch.
“Thank you.”
Nate looked back at me, trying not to laugh.
“Was that a thank you for the kiss or the sentiment?”
The feeling of my cheeks heating hit me instantly.
“A little of both, I guess. I need to get dressed, so you should probably go back downstairs.”
“Probably for the best. I’m better at getting you out of clothing than in them.”
Winking, he nodded and walked toward the door.
“I was serious. Wear the yellow one. You look amazing in that one.”
