Page 82 of Nerdelicious
The rest of the spread follows the same theme: Batman bun sandwiches, a fruit tray of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries arranged to make Captain America’s shield, and Wonder Woman lasso fries.
I lift my gaze and lock eyes on Beast.
A thousand thoughts and feelings flash between us, words rendered unnecessary. I walk around the table and reach up. He meets me halfway, kissing me senseless in front of everyone. Whoops and hollers surround us, but it doesn’t matter.
I pull away to look into his face, his arms still around my waist. “Thank you.”
One more quick kiss and then Annabel yanks me away to the dance floor where Jude has set up two Doctor Who–style telephone booths. He explains the challenge—to see who can change into a superhero costume the fastest—and I laugh.
Grace is already inside of one of them pushing buttons and messing with the door, sliding it open and closed.
Granny brought her girlfriend, Elaine, who we all met at supper last weekend. They’re very formal with each other in front of us, but also sweet when they don’t think we’re watching. Elaine makes sure Granny gets an extra-large slice of cake after we eat.
We spend a couple of hours playing games, laughing and talking. Granny wins the superhero challenge. Ranger teases Annabel and Jude about some night when he caught them making out in his office, a story they refuse to elaborate on. Lucas talks to Beast about recipes, and Eliza informs me that when I leave, Beast will be moving from security into the kitchen. Ranger and Eliza also take great delight in teasing me and telling everyone how I manhandle the bar accoutrements and clean like I’m trying to murder all the dirt.
I very vehemently blame Caroline for all of the ill treatment, much to Beast’s delight.
Later, I get a moment to talk with Jude while the others are distracted. Despite a little voice in my head telling me tolet it go, this time, I just can’t. “Remember how you told me to take care of Beast’s heart?”
He nods, his gaze curious.
“You should take care of it, too. Make sure when you ask him for help with things that it’s not the morning after a late shift. And that he’s taking time to do what he wants, instead of what makes the rest of you happy.”
His brows lift, mouth popping open. But then he huffs out a breath, pressing his lips together and grimacing. “I suppose you’re right. We do tend to take advantage of his helpful nature and he wouldn’t be the type to deny assistance to anyone.” He tilts his head. “I can see you have his best interests at heart.”
I smile, though I’m sure it looks a little wilted. “Thank you for listening and not getting defensive.”
“When you love someone, it’s not about being right. It’s about doing what’s right. We are none of us perfect.” He nudges his shoulder against mine. “And that’s all right.”
Afterward, Beast drives us back to his house. We’re alone, the others staying behind to help with cleanup.
We walk into the house hand in hand.
“Thank you,” I tell him once we’re in his room together. “Most of the time, even for my birthday, my parents just take me to dinner or whatever. No one has ever done anything like this for me.”
He mouths and signs at the same time to make sure I understand,You’re worth it.
I reach up and grab his face. He leans into me and then we’re kissing. The gentle press of mouths and the slide of tongues are familiar and comforting, but also tinged with a thread of desperation.
This is it.
Our last night. He’s driving me to the airport tomorrow afternoon and then... who knows when I’ll be able to kiss him again?
I shove the thoughts away and focus on taking off his clothes. I want nothing more than the press of his skin against mine, his warmth surrounding me. I want to crawl inside him. His lips trail from my mouth to my jaw and down the length of my neck.
“Beast.”
He moves back and looks at me.
“I want you.” I search his face to make sure he understands my meaning. We haven’t had sex yet, but I want it with a force that’s almost frightening in its intensity.
He nods and mouths,Yes. I want you, too. So much.
“Are you sure?”
He smiles. Pulls his phone from his pocket and types,Worried about my virtue?
“I am, like, three years older than you. Practically a cougar.”
