Page 95 of Home Game

“It’s no big deal.”

“It is now.”

“Why?” Ryan casually bought $6 pastries like they were going out of style. Soon, I wouldn’t be able to spend $6 on food in an entire day.

“Because you’re hiding it.”

“No, I’m not.” I glanced up at him. He fixed his curious gaze on me.

“Yes, you are.”

“Why would I hide it?”

“Why won’t you tell me?”

“Bribe me.”

His smile was so charming, it felt like I was being hit by a force field. “Are you looking for another IKEA outing?”

“I meant with a pastry.”

“I upped the stakes.”

“You already have one IKEA outing on the books. Are you sure you want another?”

“I remember.” He put a big arm around my shoulders and squeezed.The three best seconds of my day. “Okay here’s the deal. I’ll let you decorate the living room.”

My heart tripped. “For real?”

“For real.”

“I can get anything I want at IKEA?”

“Anything you want.”

“My birthday is next Friday.”

“Bullshit.”

“Truth.”

“How do you like people to celebrate your day?”

I couldn’t seem to pull my gaze away from his face. He had the most extraordinary cheekbones. “I don’t. Can I buy furniture?”

“Anything you want. Why don’t you celebrate your birthday?”

“The last time someone celebrated my birthday, I was six years old.”

His face instantly became serious, and I hated how my truth and my past always seemed to wreck every good conversation.

I shrugged. “Honestly, it’s no big deal.”

“Pick something to eat and then let’s get you home. I know you’re dying to start planning the living room.”

That, being able to shop at IKEA, was just about the best birthday gift he could give me.

To my relief,Bianca wasn’t there when we got home. I watched as Ryan scraped her entire vegetarian and bean casserole down the garburator before he pulled chicken burgers out of the freezer.

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