Page 89 of You Said I Was Your Favorite

“A gift.” His tone is nonchalant but when I look at his face, I can see a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

“For what?”

“Your birthday.”

“You already gave me a gift.” I stare at the wrapped box, a heady mixture of anticipation and nerves twisting my insides.

“It wasn’t enough.”

It was more than enough. His gift was thoughtful. Sweet. I don’t need anything else, but I don’t say that, worried he’d take it as an insult.

I reach for the box and carefully undo the wrapped paper, slipping my finger beneath the tape, grateful nothing tears. Arch watches me, his body vibrating with impatience and I’m sure he thinks I’m being ridiculous.

Once the wrapping paper is gone, it’s obvious that it’s jewelry. The box is small, and when I take the lid off, I see black velvet nestled inside.

My heart hammers in my throat and when I wordlessly stare into his eyes, he murmurs, “Open it.”

I pull the velvet box out and crack it open to see a pair of earrings inside. They glitter and shine from the subtle overhead lighting, and I realize they’re in the shape of a flower.

Daisies.

“They’re beautiful,” I murmur, tracing the edge of the petals. The stones are clear, the center stone yellow and my breaths start to come faster at the realization. “Are these diamonds?”

He’s quiet for a moment and when he finally answers, “Yes,” I set the box on the table, pushing it toward him with a flick of my fingers.

“I can’t accept this.”

“Daisy—”

“It’s too much.Diamonds?” I stare at the still open box, the stones twinkling. Like they’re winking at me. “How much money did you spend?”

“What I spent doesn’t matter.” He shrugs.

It doesn’t matter to him. He could’ve spent a million dollars on those earrings and it wouldn’t affect his bank account whatsoever. But me?

Even a thousand dollars is too much. Five hundred. I don’t have that kind of money to just toss around. I’m not like him. Rich beyond measure.

I continue staring at the earrings, longing rising within me despite my protests. They’re beautiful. And from the slightly hurt expression on Arch’s face, I know I messed up. I shouldn’t turn down a gift, no matter how uncomfortable it might make me.

“Daze.” He reaches across the table and takes my hand from where it rests, intertwining his fingers with mine. “I wanted to give you something special.”

“You already did,” I croak, my throat suddenly thick with tears.

“Yeah, but those flowers right there?” He nods at the box. “They’ll never die. You’ll always have them.”

I’m smiling, my heart aching at his sweet words. They’re the most thoughtful, romantic thing anyone has ever said to me. “They are beautiful.”

His smile matches mine. “They are.”

“But roses are my favorite.” I’m teasing him now, reaching for the box with my free hand, pulling it closer to me.

“Well, daisies are my favorite. One in particular.” His expression turns serious. “I’m not trying to replace the daisy earrings you have. Just so you know.”

Did I tell him my mother gave me those? I can’t remember. “They’re definitely an upgrade.”

“I saw them and thought of you.”

“You just randomly go into jewelry stores?” I raise a brow, slowly withdrawing my hand from his so I can cradle the velvet box in my hands.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com