Page 49 of Savage Keepsakes

“I never thought I’d get to experience so many fucking amazing things with you. You’re the prize I’ve spent my entire life trying to win.”

His words fill me with warmth. Actions and words over the last while with Billy have been gluing parts of my heart back together. He is the balm that soothes the eternal scars, reminding me of my worth.

With his help, I’m able to see glimmers of what he sees when he looks at me, and that is priceless.

“Think she’ll approve of me?” he asks as we pull into the parking lot.

“I think she’ll approve of me being happy.”

“I’ll take it.”

As we walk into the restaurant, the hostess brings us through mostly black-and-white tables until we reach a patio. Wooden tables line the cement floor, where several people are seated and drinking.

JoJo sits alongside the back. I sit across from her, and Billy does the same.

“Billy, nice to meet you,” he says and holds out his hand.

JoJo shakes it and smiles. Her long brown hair is braided like a crown on her head, and she’s wearing a yellow sundress.

“JoJo. Nice to meet you. I’d give you the killer speech, but I think you understand how importantmy girl is to me.” Her eyebrow arches and my face heats.

“I do.” Billy grins and places his hand on my thigh, pulling it towards him. As much as I’d like to clench them together, he makes it impossible.

The server comes to the table, wearing black pants and a black shirt.

“We’ll take water, and hopefully be able to order when you come back,” JoJo says.

He nods before taking off.

“How was work?” she asks me, and I shrug.

“It was good, but I’m not looking forward to the next three days. It’s going to be hell,” I tell her.

“I’m sorry. Your boss should’ve listened.” She offers me a small smile as the server brings glasses and a pitcher of ice water.

I glance down at the menu, as JoJo orders.

“I’ll have the cheeseburger and fries,” I tell the server, who writes it down and stares at Billy.

“Um, what do you recommend for vegans?”

“The salad is pretty good, and the veggie burger is excellent. My girlfriend usually has me bring home the order.”

Billy nods and hands back the menu. “Sounds good.”

After the server leaves, I turn to look at Billy. “I’m sorry, I should’ve remembered.”

“I’m not an addict. It’s not like you’re tempting me to break my sobriety.”

My shoulders rise into my ears, and the vice around my chest tightens.

“Lou, come on, breathe for me. It’s no big deal, in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

I follow his steps as I stare into his eyes. Nodding as the feeling passes, he grins and wraps his arm behind my chair.

“He’s good for you. Any recent presents?” JoJo interrupts my attention on Billy.

I shake my head, taking a drink of cold water.

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