Page 66 of Between Now & Heartbreak

“Not until it’s done.”

He frowns, but shrugs. “Okay, fine.”

“Not like you to give up so easily,” I remark.

He grins wide, his handsome face is cleanly shaved and he looks like he’s had a haircut.

He looks good enough to eat.

As always. He’s been very careful about the way he touches me. I’m the one struggling with the boundaries between us. As wrong as I know it was, I’m glad we had that day in the library.

He clears his throat and I flush when I see the knowing grin on his face.

“I was just admiring your haircut, it’s nice.”

He gives me a sweeping once over and smiles. “Yourhaircutis nice, too.”

I stick my tongue out at him and he throws his head back and laughs. The long column of his tanned, neck is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

Oh God, I’ve got it so bad.

“Close your eyes,” he orders.

“Why?” I narrow my eyes at him.

“I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“What kind of surprise?” I frown.

“Lord woman, can’t you just say ‘okay’ and do what you’re told? Just once.

“I hate surprises, so,nope.” I make the “p” pop and put a hand on my hip, waiting for him to spill the beans.

He shakes his head in mock disgust and rolls his eyes. “Fine, but you’re a buzzkill. We’re having a birthday party.”

“Whosebirthday party?” I demand.

“Yours.”

“No, it’s not.” My chest constricts and my neck prickles just at the thought of it. I turn back to face the drafting table.

“Awesome, be right back.” He says with a jovial voice that sounds very out place. I turn back to find him walking out of the door. I jump up and head after him.

“Where are you going?”

He just winks at me and then steps out the front door.

I’m barefoot and dressed in the shorts and tank top I slept in and so I don’t follow him out.

I pace in a small circle, my nerves dancing while I try to make sense of what he said. And why my eyes need to be closed.

A minute later, the doorbell rings.

My heart races for a second and I stare dumbly at the door.

“Beth, it’s me. My hands are full.” His voice has the same strain as someone standing outside a bathroom stall, desperate for it.

I chide myself for being silly and rush to open it. When I start to turn the handle he shouts through the door, “Wait. Don’t open it yet. Close your eyes.”

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