Page 65 of Sparks Like Ours

Gia grinned. “Really? I mean, I think we can beat that. You were…verymuch ready. It didn’t take much.”

“No, it certainly didn’t,” Elle said, remembering with a smile.

Gia’s suggestion alone had Elle wondering about another go-round.“I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to…enjoy someone so much.” She metGia’s eyes, relieved—no, ecstatic—at how the evening had turned out. Sex withGia had far surpassed her expectations, obliterated them, and had certainly puther fears to rest. She wasnotbroken. “You’re beautiful,” Elle said. “And tonight was mind blowing. And I thinkit’s going to be hard to be a regular person out in the world when we couldstay right here forever and just keep doing this. Forget everyone else.”

Gia pulled Elle in and kissed the top of her head. “Then how willI conquer the surf world?”

Elle slid on top and rested on the backs of her forearms. “Well,you won’t have to worry about that, because I’ve already done it.”

Gia’s mouth fell open. “Temporarily.”

Elle shook her head and found those lips again, the ones she wouldnever tire of. “You can be number one at kissing.”

Gia considered this. “I accept. And while we’re on such a roll, weshould maybe try our hand at sleeping. Don’t you have an early Trainers shoot?”

Elle sighed. “Yes. Damn it. Why do I always get the early slots?”

“Because you wake up looking beautiful.”

She paused. She’d been complimented on her appearance before. Butthe words hit her in a whole new way, making her feel special. Maybe becauseGia wasn’t someone, like so many people she knew, who handed out complimentshand over fist. She was sincere and honest, and when she turned that attentionon you, it felt like you were a hundred feet tall. “You’re sweet to say that.”

“It’s true.”

They shared a kiss and eventually drifted off, tangled up in eachother in the most perfect way. Elle’s heart felt as if it might burst, and shewas pretty sure she fell asleep with a smile on her face. She was rightearlier. The world would never look the same again, and that was beyond okaywith her.

Chapter Fourteen

“I could eat these guys all day,” Autumn said, as she reached foranother handful of fries. They’d met up at the Apple Pan in West Los Angelesbecause they apparently had the best burger and fries, at least according toAutumn’s most recent research. These outings were something she and Gia triedto do at least once a month, steal some time for just the two of them to catchup. No matter how awesome their group friendship had turned out to be,one-on-one time was important.

Gia looked around the quaint diner outfitted with red and white décor,a faux brick wall outlining the pick-up window from the kitchen. “Yeah, we’regonna need some of that pie once we’re done, too.”

“You are the very best date for any pregnant woman. Has anyoneever told you that?”

Gia paused with a fry midway to her mouth. “Can’t say they have.”

“Well, it’s true. Your athlete’s appetite is the perfect match formy cravings. We could go far together over the next few months. You hear me?”

“I do, and you’re on.” They made the cheers gestures with theirindividual fries in a food pact neither would likely forget. “Next time, let’sget these with cheese,” Gia said, gesturing to the fries.

“Oh my God, it’s like you’re some kind of wizard.”

Gia laughed. “Kate’s not big on fun meals?”

“She indulges me in whatever I want. Makes midnight runs for sweetand sour shrimp if that’s what I’m after, but I’m eating her under the table,you know?”

“Yeah, well, there’s three of you.”

Autumn pointed at her. “Thank you for saying that! You deserve amedal.”

“Not necessary. And how long until we meet them now?”

“Twelve weeks and two days. I’m not counting or anything.” Inactuality, Autumn’s stomach had grown considerably in just the past couple ofweeks. She was tiptoeing her way into the third trimester, and it was clearthis thing was actually happening, and soon.

“How are you feeling?”

“Got some energy back, which is nice for the afternoon rush. Myfeet are killing me, though, and I worry about you guys constantly. I’m ahormonal worrying person now. A mother hen on steroids!”

“What’s got you worried? We’re fine.” Gia reflected on her nightwith Elle. More than fine, actually. She smothered the dreamy smile thatthreatened.

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