Page 58 of Cross My Heart
“Uh-okay, I’ll go make the popcorn,” I say practically running from the room. I need a breather.
Calm down, Lanie,I tell myself, clutching my racing heart. No one had ever gone to this much trouble for me before. The McDowell’s always made my birthdays and holidays special but told me that’s just what parents do. Outside of my adoptive family, not one person in my life had ever done anything to make me feel as I do now.
I take a few extra minutes with the popcorn before I head back to find Dex. He is propped up on the couch with pillows and blankets all around him. His arm is raised as if waiting for me to climb in at his side. At this moment, there isn’t anything I’ve ever wanted more. Feeling contentment I never knew existed, I relax into Dex, watching the movie. We don’t speak much, just hold on to each other. I’ve looked up at him a few times to find him watching me instead of the movie.
“You’re missing all the best parts,” I tell him.
Staring me straight in the eyes, he declares, “I disagree.” He keeps watching me, rubbing my back up and down gently, I turn my attention back to the T.V.
The movie ends, but neither of us attempts to move. At some point, I am lulled to sleep by the rhythmic way he has been rubbing my back. I don’t wake until Dexter is tucking me into my bed.
“Shh, don’t get up.” He kisses my forehead. “I had a really amazing time with you tonight, Lanie. I can’t wait for our next date.”
I wake the next morning feeling lighter than I have in years, unable to remove the smile on my face the rest of the day.
Dex
Chapter 25
MLM Tactical Group
Dexter: Day 2 extraordinary success! Seriously, the best date I have ever had in my life.
Preston: Dude, you changed the group name again? Did your balls shrivel up and die?
Preston: Why was it so good, you finally get laid?
Julia: Do I need to remind you yet again to watch your balls when I meet you in person, Preston? Don’t be a dickwad.
Trevor: Hahahaha
Trevor: Glad it went well. Our girl had fun?
Dexter: Watch it. Lanie isn’t “our” anything.
Trevor: Jesus, you Neanderthal. When you get the girl, she will be part of our messed up little family, therefore, she will be “our” Lanie.
Julia: Everyone, stop getting your panties in a twist. We are all on the same page. I’ll also remind you all that Lanie was mine first. (I’m imagining Dexter growling right now, and I am LOL)
Dexter: Whatever.
* * *
MLM Tactical Group
Dexter: Day 12, Game Night.
Julia: So, not only are we going to get the play by play of the plan, but we are also going to get a rundown after it happens?
Preston: I’ll send everyone some beer and popcorn.
Dexter: Fuck off all of you…
* * *
MLM Tactical Group
Dexter: Day 21, Wine tasting.
