AllFreeNovel
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First, a shower. I turn on the warm water while I grab my towel and clothes. I’ll wrap his gifts after. Thankfully, I got the gift bag and tissue paper already, so it’ll be quick.
After a much-needed shower and layer of deodorant before I forget, I comb my wet hair and squeeze the extra moisture with my towel. I’m not completely done up, but that’s okay. At least I’m clean and hopefully smell better.
I walk back into the living room and find Hudson in the kitchen.
“Hey!” I call out when I catch him swiping a finger in the frosting.
“My hands are clean, and I couldn’t resist.” He licks his finger and walks to the sink to wash up.
“I need all the frosting for the cake, mister.”
“I could eat that straight from the bowl with a spoon.” He turns to me with a smile.
“That smile won’t work in your favor. No more,” I point my finger at him and wiggle it.
“Yes, ma’am.” He salutes me, which causes me to giggle.
“You’re ridiculous.” I shake my head.
“That was my t-shirt.” He tilts his head with a smirk.
“Fine.” I throw my hands in the air. “It’s so comfy.”
“I just like knowing you still have it.” He steps closer, and my breath hitches when his fingers trail along my jaw. His caress is featherlight.
“It’s like a part of you didn’t fully let me go because I know I never did.” His confession is whispered and honest.
I sigh, nodding. Maybe I thought I had, but he was always in the back of my mind. Anger mixed with sadness made up my memories of him.
“I brought your gift.” Hudson breaks the tense moment.
So I was right to assume.
“Oh, okay. I have yours, too.”
“You do?” His eyebrows shoot up.
“Uh, yeah.” My eyes round.
“I didn’t know if you had gotten one. I mean, we didn’t discuss this, but I wanted to get you something. I thought it’d be perfect for your living room when I saw the decor here.” He’s adorable when he rambles.
Smiling, I squeeze his arm. “Breathe.”
Hudson takes a deep breath and smiles. “Open it up. Come on.” He tugs my arm toward the sofa.
“Wait. Let me get yours.” I speed walk to my bedroom and grab the bag with his gifts.
“I hope you like it,” I say as I place it beside him on the sofa.
“I’m going to love it. I know how thoughtful you are with your gift-giving.” One side of his lips lifts in a smile.
“Here, open it.” He hands over a large square wrapped in paper. It’s too thin to be clothes, and curiosity gets the best of me.
I rip the paper without caution and stare at the vinyl record artwork with the lyrics to “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes printed around it. The center of the vinyl has a light pink label with the words: Our First Dance and the date it happened when we attended our first Homecoming Dance together in high school. I’ll never forget that night.
My eyes meet Hudson’s, and his smile is blurry behind the tears.
“I don’t know what to say.” I shake my head. My fingers trace the circular design over the glass.
