Page 100 of Let's Get Textual

“You saidourgoat.” His smile widens, if that’s even possible. “I love that you said our goat.”

I shove at him. “Stop it. You’re making this weird.”

I turn to make my way to the passenger’s side but he grabs my hand and pulls me against his chest. With one hand, he tips my chin up, and he drops his lips to mine.

He kisses me until I’m breathless, and right there in the parking lot of my apartment complex, I want to give myself over to him.

Completely.

Istareup at the large brick house. There’s a big window showing off the landing on the staircase, and a beautiful chandelier-type light hangs in perfect view.

“Swanky.”

Zach peers up at the house with me. “It’s not bad.”

“Not bad? I could fit my childhood home inside your living room.”

“I didn’t grow up here, if that makes you feel any better. We lived in a small, quaint house most of my life. It wasn’t until I was almost out of college that they bought this place. Saved for it for years.”

“Well it’s stunning. I can’t wait to see the inside.”

“Come on then.”

We climb out of the car, stretching our limbs after the long ride. Zach grabs our bags from the trunk and I pull Marshmallow’s cage from the back seat.

Zach pushes the front door open and hollers, “We brought the goat!”

I hear pounding footsteps approaching from my right, coming from what I assume is the kitchen.

A beautiful blonde woman comes barreling into the entryway, arms outstretched. There’s white powder—flour I think—stuck to the side of her face, and she’s wearing a navy apron over what appears to be pajamas with green ducks on them.

“My sweet baby! Grandma can’t wait to snuggle you close.”

She bends over and pokes into the cage I’m holding, smiling and giggling like a little kid.

Straightening up, she holds her hand out to me. “Delia, I have heardsomuch about you. I’m Rose. It’s great to finally meet you.”

I shake her hand. “It’s great to meet you too, Mrs. Hastings.” I peek up at Zach, who is smiling down at me. “So you told your mom about me?”

He shrugs. “I might have mentioned your name a few times.”

“A few?” Rose says. “Please, this boy won’t shut up about the ‘wrong number girl’.”

“Is that what you call me?”

“I did at first,” he admits. “Now you’re just Pain in the Ass.”

“Zach Hastings!” his mother scolds. “Manners!”

“My bad.” He turns his head and mouths,Not.

His mother whacks him in the arm. “I saw that, you little shit. Now come on inside. Your brother should be here shortly. I’m working on the pies now.”

“Do you need any help, Mrs. Hastings?” I offer.

“Oh, please, call me Rose. No need to be so formal. And no, I have everything under control. You two go relax, explore the house. I’m sure my husband is around here somewhere.”

She scurries off to the kitchen, leaving us standing in the entryway.

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