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On the back he had jotted,When I go to sleep tonight, I’m going to think about this moment, knowing that I captured the essence of love.
My eyes cut over to Boone. I can’t help it. Thinking of that drawing, his words… I want to go wrap myself up in him for eternity.
“Those look like some deep thoughts.”
I startle and turn to see Harlow. She might have a mask on, but her flaming locks make her easily recognizable. I smile sheepishly at my friend and set down the jug of lemonade. I move around the table for a hug. “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” I exclaim. I look around and even though I wouldn’t be able to recognize him, I ask, “I assume Stone is here?”
Harlow nods over to the group of guys standing with Boone. “Right over there with your guy.”
My responding grin is far too dopey that she referred to him asmy guy.
Harlow laughs. “It’s adorable how you two are trying to figure out your way in this relationship.”
I chuckle. “My life has been very strange the last several weeks.”
She squints a little, indicating a smile under her mask. “Outside of your father, I’d say a lot of those strange things have been good.”
“Yeah,” I say softly, happiness warming me inside and out. “It’s been a lot of good things. Aiden’s bone marrow is recovering, Boone coming into my life… Even my dad going into rehab. All good things.”
Harlow nods in understanding. “Boone told Stone and me that your father decided to go into an inpatient program.”
I nod, pressing a hand down on the table. “I’m really happy he’s there. Of course, it means he’s missing Aiden’s birthday, but anything that can help him stick to his recovery is the better choice. Aiden understands that too.”
“The fact your dad wants that is the best thing he’s got going for him. Have you and Aiden looked into Al-Anon yet?”
I huff out a frustrated breath and shake my head. “I’m the worst daughter and sister in the world. I just haven’t had time with everything else.” I shoot a guilty look over toward Boone and turn back to Harlow. “And that’s not even true. I could take the time I’m spending with Boone and arrange a meeting. I did ask the social worker in the hospital and there are meetings here.”
Harlow squeezes my elbow. “Don’t you dare apologize for not going yet. It’s a tool only, not a requirement. And you deserve the time with Boone. Besides that, you seem to be doing just fine.”
“I hope so. It finally feels like I can breathe a little easier.”
“Oh,” Harlow drawls as she looks left. “Looks like your honey is coming this way.”
I glance over and see that Boone is indeed walking toward us. Harlow gives me a quick, hard hug. “I’m going to say hello to your birthday boy and mingle. Then I’m going to stuff my face full of cake. Let’s you and I get together when you have a breathing moment. I’d love to get to know you better.”
“Same,” I murmur. And I marvel at another change in my life. I’m building actual friendships with women I can talk to, rely on and hopefully one day, go out and have fun with.
Boone reaches me, glancing at Harlow’s retreating back. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you two. Where’s she scurrying off to?”
Laughing, I nod toward the cake table. “Eventually to get a slice of sugary goodness.”
Boone stands beside me and I’m shocked to my core when his hand slides along my back and grips my opposite hip, pulling me into him. It’s not a kiss, which would be difficult to pull off given we’re both wearing masks, but it is a clear sign to anybody who might be watching that we are a couple.
“Can I tell you how amazing I think you are?” I say as I glance up at him.
Boone’s arm tightens around me, our paper gowns rustling noisily. He glances down at me. “You do not need to say that. I had so much fun helping to put this together. And watching Aiden strut around like a peacock in front of all his friends because the Pittsburgh Titans are here to celebrate his birthday is worth any reward I could ever have.”
I bust out laughing because it’s true. Aiden is hot shit right now and I am happy to let him soak it up. The kid deserves every minute of it.
“Are you still on board to come stay at my place tonight?” Boone asks.
Warmth floods through me—a mixture of excitement and tingly nerves. Boone and I haven’t had a chance to be alone since we were at his apartment watchingParanormal Activitytwo nights ago. We were intimate with each other, at least to the extent that he touched me in the most private of places and sent me soaring with pleasure. He very pointedly asked me this morning if I would stay with him and then he made sure to clarify that meant he wanted me to stay the night so he could make me soar again.
I’m not sure what that means. Is he going to let me touch him? Or is he going to dole out another orgasm and not let me do anything in return? Maybe we’ll just go all the way, which I am more than ready for. But I don’t need the answers to any of those questions because I prefer not knowing. I trust Boone and whatever he has planned.
“I’m looking forward to it,” I say.
Boone chuckles, lowering his voice as he turns on the sexy mischief. “If you knew what I had planned, you would be more than looking forward to it. You’d be bouncing off the walls with anticipation.”
