AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The dots reappeared and my heart beat a little faster, wondering what else she was going to say, but then they disappeared again. I waited for a while, but when no more words popped up on the screen, I shoved the phone back in my pocket and went out to finish tidying up the kitchen.
CHAPTER19
Ally
What a weird thing to be nervous about, a kid’s birthday party, but I couldn’t help it. Judging by the number of cars in the Coopers’ driveway and parked on the street, I was the last to arrive. Not surprising: I’d had three outfit changes before I’d left home, because I couldn’t decide what the fuck to wear. I’d been so incredibly touched at the invitation that I was definitely making a bigger deal of the whole thing than was necessary. I finally settled on dark blue jeans and a sparkly, navy blue top, but then of course I’d also agonized over whether to put my hair up or leave it down.Your hair is amazing.In the end I put it up, but left a few curls framing my face and finished the whole look with silver hoop earrings.
I pressed the doorbell, noting the slight shake in my hands. There was a clamor of noise inside, then an “I’ll get it!” from Zara. Thank Christ. Someone completely non-threatening to greet me.
She swung the door wide, giving me a huge smile. “Hey! Wow, you look great!”
“Thanks.”
“Everyone’s in here.” She gestured to the living room and I followed her through, forcing a smile to my face and giving a general greeting before zeroing in on the guest of honor.
“Hey Jesse, happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
He stepped forward, politely taking the present I handed him.
“Have you had a good birthday?”
“Yeah, Jake came for breakfast and we had pancakes. He gave me a baseball kit, then Gabe took me to school.”
“Amazing.”
“Mrs. Smyth got everyone to sing me happy birthday and then she gave me a cupcake.”
“That sounds awkward.”
He grinned. “It was.”
“Can Jesse open his presents now?” Chloe was squished in next to Lucy on an armchair.
“Let Ally take two steps inside first, Chloe,” Lucy admonished her.
“Oh shi— dear, were you all waiting for me? I’m sorry.”
“It’s all good. Just have a seat and we’ll let Jesse get to it.” Bruce gestured to the pile of gifts in the middle of the floor, and I watched as Jesse added mine to it.
A quick glance around the room showed me the only available seat was next to Gabe, on the long sofa. He shifted a little as I sat down next to him, but with Jen and Claire on my other side, it was pretty crowded. I felt the warmth of his thigh touching mine and shifted, trying for the sake of my sanity to put a little space between us. Gabe shifted too, moving his arm to lie along the back of the sofa behind me. Yeah, that was better, in that I had a bit more space, but it also felt a lot more intimate. I allowed myself to take a deep breath.Fuck, still smells amazing.
“Can I start?” Jesse looked at Gabe for permission.
“Sure can, bud. Go for it.”
He opened the first few presents, exclaiming over the fancy sneakers and clothes from Bruce and Ellen, and the kid-friendly cooking utensils from Zara and Matt. I could tell he was a little overwhelmed, having to take a break before moving on to the next gifts.
“This is probably the most birthday presents he’s ever received,” I murmured quietly, almost to myself.
“Yeah. It’s a pretty big deal, I think.”
“This one next!” Chloe picked up a box, giving it a good shake.
“At least he’s got Chloe to help him,” I laughed.
Gabe’s answering chuckle had me turning my head and my breath caught. He was watching me, his blue eyes dark and intense. My stomach did a slow, uncomfortable cartwheel and I licked my lips that were suddenly very dry. His eyes dropped to the movement and the heat that flickered there made my core clench. I felt the sudden, almost overwhelming desire to feel his lips on mine, to feel his arms around me while he ravaged my mouth with his—
