Page 155 of Only Fate

Hell to the no.

“You’re the only woman I think’s hot,” I tell her.

“Good answer, good answer,” Foster says as if we were in a game show, and he slaps my back.

“I’m blocking you all from my business,” Easton grumbles, snatching Ava’s phone and tossing it back to her.

Ava grabs her phone before it falls to the floor. “Hey, since I’m the part-time babysitter and great-cousin for the Jas-Monster, you can’t do that.”

My mother leans into me. “Are they always this rowdy?”

“Yes,” I say, shaking my head and laughing.

“I love it,” my abuela squeals. “You all make me feel young again.” She peers at me with affection. “I’m so happy we’re here.”

“Me too,” I murmur to her. “Me too.”

This place has changed my life.

I never knew this kind of happiness before I came here.

It’s after one in the morning when Essie and I get back to my apartment.

Since Tucker is at my place tonight, we’re crashing here. It’s half of a duplex and closer to town, only ten minutes from Essie’s office.

I’ve been on Operation Convince Essie to Live with Me. We practically live together anyway.

I sold my condo in the city and became a Blue Beech resident. Even though I loved my condo, I wasn’t sad when it sold. It was a relief and a hope for new beginnings. The duplex isn’t as lavish as my old condo, but it’s actually more comfortable.

I shut the door behind us, and Essie tosses her purse onto the couch. Tucker dashes toward us, jumping at Essie’s ankles, and she bends down for him to give her awelcome homelick to the cheek.

“I’m sooo full,” she says, pressing her hand to her stomach. “I swear, Callie puts crack in her cakes. It keeps you coming back for more slices.”

I circle my arm around her waist to drag her toward me. “Thank you for tonight.”

Having friends who care this much is new to me.

Sure, I’ve had friends, but none who’ve remembered my birthday, bought me gifts, or baked me cakes.

She plants a kiss on my lips. “Oh, this was just your first birthday. I didn’t have as much time to prepare. I’m big on birthdays, so expect fun forevery single one.”

I chuckle. “I can’t wait, baby.”

“Are you ready for your gift from me?”

She breaks away from my hold to grab her purse and takes out an envelope. All her attention is on me as I open it.

I unfold the paper, and my heartbeat jolts as I read it. “Are you serious?”

“So serious.” She struts toward me, pulls me onto the couch, and then straddles me.

The paper is still in my hand as she makes herself comfortable.

I read it again, like I never want to forget everything it says.

“So, what do you think, birthday boy?” she asks, running her hands up my arms.

“You know I’ve been game for us to merge firms before I even moved here.” I hold out the paper and read the business proposal she typed out. “Thank you for making this the best birthday gift ever.” I place three small pecks against her lips and drag her body closer.

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