Page 54 of Love Is Ale You Need

After I tucked away the information about Trey paying for the ticket, that’s a conversation for later, I had the best time hanging out with the girls and laughing at all the stories they had about the guys. I even shared the one about needing a new table. Charlie said it now made sense why Bennett told her they now needed to have sex on their table, claiming quality control.

By the end of the party, all the kids are wiped out, including Abby. She’s curled up on the bench, using my leg as a pillow.

“I think it’s time for us to leave. Abby seems to be in a pizza and ball pit coma.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Trey jumps up from his seat.

I slide away while struggling to lift Abby’s dead weight. A soft groan escapes her, but she never fully awakens.

“I’ll help you.” Effortlessly, Trey lifts Abby and cradles her against his chest.

“Thanks.”

I say my goodbyes to everyone, as Trey does the same. Outside at my SUV, Trey deposits Abby in the backseat, buckles her in, and softly closes the door.

“Thanks for inviting us. Abby had so much fun.” A gust of wind blows a strand of hair over my forehead, and I tuck it behind my ear before crossing my arms over my chest.

“I’m glad you two came.” He takes a step closer. “Abby’s a great kid. And spending time with you is always my favorite part of the day.”

I meet his gaze, wanting the truth. “There wasn’t an extra ticket, was there? You paid for it.” Indignation laces my tone.

Trey rubs the back of his neck.

“Look, I’m not mad. With how much fun Abby had, I can’t be mad.” I meet his gaze. “But next time, tell me the truth. All I want is honesty.”

Trey nods. “I didn’t want Abby to miss out. Plus, I wanted to be a little selfish and spend more time with you.”

When he says things like that, I can’t even be a little mad. He has gone above and beyond what any other guy has done to spend time with me and Abby. Her own father has never shown such dedication in order to spend time with his daughter. Instead, he only calls to cancel, but Trey, whom I've only spent a few months with, is willing to go to great lengths for only a few hours with us.

I close the gap between us, rise on my tippy toes, and press my lips to his. It’s short and sweet and if we weren’t in public, I’d be tempted to do more. “Thank you.”

“So perhaps we can do this again. Maybe replace the adventure park with dinner.”

“Perhaps. We’ll talk later.” I stroll past Trey before I round the hood. His voice stops me.

“Just so you know, I’m going to text you tonight. I’m done waiting the three days to not appear desperate. If you haven’t guessed it already, I’m desperate for you.”

Warmth radiates through my entire body, settling in my cheeks. I flash him a small smile and he returns it with a sexy smirk of his own. It’s a look that will remain with me for the rest of the night. Especially, when I’m lying in bed, needing a visual while I practice some self-love.

NINETEEN

EXCLUSIVE FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

Rylee

After the adventure park, Trey kept his promise and called me. We spent over an hour talking on the phone until I was practically snoring in his ear. I swear he has some sort of voodoo love doll made of me because it’s hard to not spend all my time thinking about him. He turns my insides to goo like a teenager with a crush. Instead of doing work, all I want to do is doodle his name surrounded by hearts in my notebook.

Since I switched my Tuesday shift with Nora, I message Dessa to meet me at my favorite breakfast café. It’s the only place in town where you can order a short stack with a side of bacon for under seven dollars. While I wait for Dessa to arrive, I scroll through my social media feed. A post about The Blue Stone Group’s latest expansion project flashes by and I pause. Instantly, all my thoughts flood to Trey. He can come over tonight and I’ll cook dinner. Afterward, we can watch a movie or play a game with Abby. I pull up our messages.

Rylee

Want to come over for dinner tonight? I switched shifts so I’m free.

The three dots start, then stop.

Trey

I can’t tonight. I already have dinner plans.

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