Page 71 of Wreck Me

I fire off a quick text to Avery then bound down to the breakfast room. Rosa is well used to the sight of my tousled morning hair and cami pyjamas by now.

But she’s not the source of the rustling papers I can hear. When I open the door, I see James. And he’s wearing those damn grey sweats again.

It’s all I can do not to throw myself at him.

His head whips up, the smile on his face crinkles the corner of his eyes. ‘Good morning, angel.’ He folds a newspaper and tosses it on the table.

I can’t help it. I run to him. He rises, catching me in his arms as I wrap my legs around his waist. ‘I wasn't expecting you back until way later,’ I squeal.

He leans back to look me in the eye. ‘You didn't seriously think I’d miss your birthday?’

‘How did you know?’

‘Never mind. Did you really think you could keep it from me?’

Rosa bustles in bearing a tray of coffee and sweet-scented pastries. She’s wearing a grey trouser suit and a grin the sizeof the sun. Reluctantly, I slide down James’s body and slip into the seat beside him.

Rosa hands me a plate of warm buttery croissants. Happy birthday is written in what looks like chocolate sauce and heart-shaped strawberries dot the edge of the plate.

‘Thank you.’ My eyes well with tears at the thoughtfulness of it.

‘Happy birthday.’ James presses a kiss to my temple.

‘I got you a present,’ he singsongs.

I wait until Rosa leaves the room before answering. ‘The only thing I want is what’s beneath those sweat pants.’ My gaze falls to his crotch and he chuckles.

‘Dirty girl. Did you miss me?’ James’s dark eyes flicker.

‘Maybe.’ I glance down at my tiny cotton shorts and matching cami top. If I’d have known he was home I’d have made a bit more effort.

‘Only maybe?’ he says, as I reach across the table towards the croissants. Deft fingers snap around my wrists, halting me. ‘I missed you. Worryingly.’

A million hummingbirds soar in my stomach. ‘Why is it worrying?’

‘Because it’s distracting. I’m not used to being… distracted.’ Our eyes lock and something shifts in the air between us.

He slides a hand inside the pocket of his sweats and plucks out a tiny velvet box. My lips pop open as I stare at it.

His laughter echoes around the room. ‘Don’t worry, it’s not…’ He trails off.

Of course it’s not. I feel ridiculous for even entertaining the idea that it could be a ring.

‘Though if I thought you’d say yes, maybe I would have picked differently.’ Amusement taints his tone.

He’s joking. Of course he’s joking.

‘What is it?’ I wet my lips.

‘Open it and see.’

I reach for it tentatively, turning over the box in my fingers with wonder.

‘Come on, Scarlett, the suspense is killing me.’

‘You know what it is.’ My eyes snap to his.

‘It’s your reaction I’m waiting for.’ He rolls his eyes.

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