Page 78 of Yours, Unexpectedly

I silence her rambling by leaning across the console and sealing my mouth over hers. She instantly relaxes into me, her tongue reaching out to graze mine. I grab her chin and tilt her head, opening her mouth even further for me. I’m momentarily distracted by the moans she lets out before I remember that we need to get inside before I get into her pants. I break away from her, chuckling at her protests.

“Plenty of time for that later, Baby Bardot.”

We walk into Louie’s and I give him a nod as I pull Bex behind me through the bar. He winks our way, but then turns back to the customers in front of him. I slide around the end of the bar and open the door to the stockroom. What Bex doesn’t know is that there’s also two small offices, but one of them has sat empty ever since Louie’s business partner moved out of state.

I recruited Louie and Gabe to help me make it as romantic as possible. Gabe had several choice words about romancing his baby sister but complied in the end. I had to leave them to finish so I could go home to get ready and… damn.

Pushing the door open, we’re greeted by twinkling lights hung from multiple hooks in the ceiling. Louie strictly forbade any real candles, stating that he once had a bad run-in with a woman who turned out to be a fire juggler. After a shiver ran down his spine, I didn’t ask anymore questions.

Further in the room, an assortment of blankets—most stolen from the Bardot home—and a few floor cushions are strategically placed, piled for maximum cuddle opportunities. A few trays are off to the side with plates, silverware, and glasses. The pièce de résistance is the scattering of vases around the room, each filled with a single stem matching the bouquet I brought to Bex’s apartment.

“Holy shit,” Bex whispers, eyes wide as she steps in next to me.

“Happy first date,” I whisper back, bringing my arm around her and pulling her back to my front so we can take in the sight before us. “It’ll be our last first date.”

Luci

I’m grabbing us takeout on the way back to the dorm. Do we have any drinks or should I pick some up?

We only have those canned margaritas left over from Saturday night.

Luci

That actually sounds perfect! See you soon!

“Holy shit,” I whisper, taking in the fairy wonderland in front of me.

“Happy first date,” Anders whispers against my neck, pulling me into him. “It’ll be our last first date.”

Holy. Shit.

I can’t believe he set all of this up for me.

Except, if I think about it, I can. Ever since he unexpectedly came back into my life, Anders has been showing me in little ways just how much he cares. Just how much he pays attention. I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s made this much of an effort for—fine, I’ll give it to him—our first real date.

He guides me all the way into the room, hand on the small of my back, motioning for me to sit on one of the cushions. He sits down next to me and unpacks our dinner from the paper grocery bag. The contrast of the sandwiches and our romantic surroundings makes me giggle. It’s such a perfect picture of us—our ability to adapt to any situation, putting our own spin on it, and having entirely too much fun together along the way.

We eat and talk for the next hour, Anders’ head finding its way into my lap. We’re sitting quietly, enjoying being with each other in the stillness, my hands moving through the silky strands on top of his head.

“Your hair has gotten long,” I comment, tugging lightly at the ends before running my fingers back over his scalp.

“Mmm,” is his sleepy reply. “I’ll need to trim it before showcase.”

I continue my lazy rhythm, fingers dancing through his locks. “I like it long. Gives me something to grab onto.” I wink when he cracks his eyes open to judge if I’m joking or not.

I’m not.

He gives me a wicked grin. “Then we’ll have to take you for a ride before I cut it.”

“Fine, fine,” I sigh. “Why does it need to look a certain way for the showcase?”

“Hmm, good question. An MFA showcase is done with the purpose of finding an agent or manager—essentially getting noticed by someone in the industry. I have to find the delicate balance of standing out, while also being adaptable enough to fill any potential role. I’m not necessarily a character actor, someone who is supposed to be different or funny, but more of a leading man.” He stops and pumps his eyebrows a few times. “It’s my dashing good looks and astonishing vocal range.”

“Humble, too,” I mumble, pinching his cheeks.

I see what he’s talking about, though. Anders commands a room. It would be hard not to watch his every move when he’s on stage. And anyone would rightfully swoon over him singing to them. I just know that Anders is going to take the world by storm. Am I enough to stand by his side while he does that?

The thought rears its ugly head and then passes through just as quickly. I plan to enjoy my time with Anders, however long that may be. He seems confident enough in us—I’ll try stealing some of that confidence for myself.

---