Page 110 of Home Game

“I wanted you to have a birthday party.”

“Who’s coming?”

“Maybe just Mica. But maybe more people.”

“You did all that for me?”

“Technically Krista did it but only because I suck at this kind of thing.”

She stood there for a long moment, thinking. I waited with bated breath, trying to understand how her mind worked.

She lifted her face to mine. “Do you like IKEA?”

“I love IKEA.”

“Because I do? Is that the only reason?”

This felt like a trick question. “Who doesn’t love IKEA?”

She nodded in satisfaction. “Right?”

“Our place looks amazing. All because of you.”

“I didn’t do much.”

“Zoe, if I went into IKEA with a million bucks, I couldn’t figure out how to make this place look this good.”

Her smile had me wanting to reach out and tug her towards me. “I like decorating stuff.”

I shoved my hands in my pocket, willing myself not to touch her. “I hope you like the party.”

“I love it.”

“It hasn’t even started yet.”

She touched my arm. “It’s already the best party I’ve ever had.”

I needed to leave her room before I did something stupid like kiss her. “One of many, I hope.” I turned to go, but I stopped and looked back at her. “Don’t change your clothes. You look great.”

Her gaze was steady. “You make it hard to leave.”

“You’re a long way from leaving,” I frowned.

Those blue eyes met mine. “Thanks, Ryan.”

Disconcerted, I left her bedroom.

Two hours later,I could barely hear myself think. Every single guy on the team showed up and most brought their plus ones. And all of them came bearing gifts for Zoey. Thoughtful gifts, way more thoughtful than I thought possible. Every gift she unwrapped, she did so with intention and care. Talking to the gift giver. Exclaiming with delight. Thanking each and every person.

When it was time to cut the cake, the entire room took pictures of Zoey beside her cake and then the sparklers were lit. Mica and I made eye contact as she stood there, stock still, watching those sparklers burn down, while the entire room sang happy birthday to her.

Her eyes shone bright, and she hugged Krista when the song ended.

Mica moved beside me when they started to cut the cake.

“You did good.”

“Thanks. I had help.”

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