Page 13 of Sofa King Cute

LIV

My eyes keep wandering from the pages of my book over to where my phone is sitting on the coffee table. I haven’t been home long, so I don’t know why I think Julius would be texting me already. He’d asked me to let him know when I got home and was safely inside, which I did. His only response was when he put a heart on the text letting me know he got it. I mean, that’s way better than a thumbs up.

I toss my book on the table beside my phone and grab the remote. Almost as soon as I turn the television on, I turn it off. I can’t even pretend to concentrate on something else right now. I’m tempted to play one of those fake fires on the screen, but I know it won’t be the same as the one with Julius.

My sister and I live in an apartment over a set of offices near the center of town. The place is new and modern but on the smaller side. The walls are brick, and as much as I love being able to peek out the window and see everything in our little town or walk to a lot of places, it doesn’t beat the view Julius has. This apartment feels cold compared to his place. It would be a dream to wake up in that house every morning. Especially with Julius beside me.

At one point we had a working fireplace, but my sister sealed it off and placed a set of candles inside. She didn't say it out loud, but I know she closed it off because of me. She doesn’t trust me with fire after my one small accident. She’s never going to let me live that down.

Unable to sit still or stand the silence any longer, I put on music and make my way to the kitchen. Julius made me a yummy dinner tonight, so the least I can do is make him dessert. Especially since I was hoping I’d end up being the dessert tonight. With how things quickly progressed on the couch, I was sure that’s where we were headed.

Would he think it was weird if I showed up and dropped it off? He might ask me to come inside so we could finish what we started. My body is still humming with need and desire. I brush my fingers across my lips, remembering the feel of his pressed to mine. Julius is a big man with rough hands, but his kisses had been sweet and soft.

The man is working hard right now. Surely he could use something sweet when he gets home. Then we can practice kissing more since apparently it’s new to both of us. At the thought, I do a happy dance. I still can’t believe Julius has never been kissed before.

After checking for ingredients, I decide on a chocolate cake. It’s quick, and people always love it. Once I start, I get out my phone and record myself making it. While it’s cooling, I post the video and then change into my favorite summer dress. It’s lavender and has small white flowers on it. I love the way it flares out when I spin. Plus, it’s got pockets.

I’m in my room when my phone chimes, and I make a mad dash for it. Not paying attention, I miss the apron that must have fallen off the chair, and my foot gets caught. I let out a small scream before hitting the ground, and then I yelp in pain. My elbow took the brunt of the fall, and I groan.

“Why do they call it the funny bone?” I hold on to it as my phone chimes again.

Slowly, I make my way to my feet and grab it. When I see several pictures from my sister, my shoulders sag. She’s crafting a table, and I asked her to send me pictures so I could use them for social media.

My elbow throbs the whole time I put icing on the cake, but when it’s done, I carry it out to my truck. Once I’m inside, I debate if this is a stupid idea. He hasn’t texted me anything else, but I tell myself I can leave it on his porch if he’s still not back.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I head in the direction of his home. When I pull up, I see Troy digging through the trunk of his car. I know he works with Julius, and I figured that’s who knocked on the door earlier.

He was older than me in school, and we never spent much time together. But when you live in a small town like Cottonwood, everyone knows each other to a degree.

“Hey,” I say when I hop out of my truck.

“Liv.” Troy slams his trunk and gives me one of his smooth half-smirks.

I ignore it and grab the cake from the passenger seat.

“You’re not still working with Julius?” I ask, but clearly his truck is still gone.

“What do you got there?” Troy skips right over my question as he stares at the container in my hands.

“I made Julius a cake.”

“Damn, Liv.” Troy shakes his head. “Are you really into my cousin?”

“He’s sweet.” Why wouldn’t someone be into him? I find it hard to believe a girl hasn't already scooped him up.

“I wouldn't say that,” Troy huffs, and I shift on my feet. His expression is one of pity. “I know I shouldn’t rat my cousin out, but you can’t really be buying into his nice guy act. Because that’s all it is.” I shake my head, not believing him, but he rolls his eyes. “Liv, I’m telling you. This morning he was talking about looking at your tits on TikTok.”

“That he liked them?” Wait, no, bad Liv. Obviously, I don’t want him talking about my boobs with other people. But the thought of him liking them isn’t so bad.

“I mean, we can all see they’re pretty good.”

“Thanks, I think,” I murmur. This conversation is veering off course and becoming strange. “But he’s still working, right?” I should leave the cake on the porch and get the hell out of here before this gets weirder.

“I hate to be the one to tell you this, but he texted me to show up and say he was needed at work. I was late getting the message, so it took me a little while to get out here.”

Oh god. Is this like when you’re on a date and you have a friend call with an emergency?

“Like I said, sorry to have to tell you. I didn’t know it was you he was with this time.”

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