Page 53 of Love's Instant Replay
Anyway, here’s the next clue… I love you and I think you’re swell,
Go to the place where I like to sit and dwell.
“Humph. I guess.” With less enthusiasm than before, Kyelle reenters the house heading toward the spiral staircase, climbing the steps without rigor or passion, causing me to smirk.
“Good things come to those who reach the end, my baby.”
“Whatever. I’m not sure I want to play anymore.”
Less than five minutes later, Kyelle walks into the bathroom and returns with another clue that was resting on the closed toilet lid. Her mediocre tone increases the smirk I’m wearing as she reads the next clue.
Cheer up, my baby… in fact, this next clue is in the place where you look to get rid of hunger.
Or need something to quench your drying lips.
“Really, Kaeden?”
Shrugging, I extend my arm without saying anything as Kyelle rolls her eyes and heads back out the door and down the steps. The burn in my calves when I descend the steps reminds me of the burpees and squats I did during my post-practice workout. Without a word, Kyelle snatches open the refrigerator door, pulling out the bottle of wine where the next clue is attached.
You’re good at this, my baby.
Now take this bottle with you as we’re gonna need it at the end.
The next clue is on the shelf below…
“Okay, I see you, babe.” Kyelle’s soul-stirring smile returns, and my dick twitches at the knowledge that the end is fast approaching.
Kyelle pulls out the white bakery box from the fridge and walks to the island to set down the bottle of wine. Her smile widens when she lifts the lid to see the pink and white chocolate-covered strawberries inside. Her nose twists, and wrinkles spread across her forehead before she nods and holds the box up to see the clue taped to the bottom of the container.
“You’re way too good at this, mister.” Carefully, she pulls the card from the bottom without shifting the box too much before reading aloud.
Let’s go, my baby… this is the final clue and we’re in the home stretch.
Our destination is in a place where warmth can be obtained even in the dead of winter.
But don’t forget that bubbly… and bring these berries too.
“Ooh, it’s the firepit out back.” Kyelle’s face glows, her cheeks heighten, and her eyes twinkle as she grabs the wine, carrying it and the strawberries in each hand before heading toward the backyard.
With every step I take in following her, my throat dries, my blood pressure increases, and the hairs in my beard tingle. This is it. The moment where everything comes together. Kyelle’s steps come to a stop after she exits the open door leading outside. A gasp escapes her mouth as she turns to look over her shoulder at me. Tears are brimming in her eyes, and intense astonishment fills her face.
“Ka-Kae?—”
“You can’t stop here, my baby. You’ve got to complete the hunt.” My voice is husky and full of longing as I gently nudge Kyelle forward.
“But bae . . .” Kyelle’s words trail off as I take the items in her hands and walk around her, hoping she’s following me.
My patio area has been transformed to be an intimate oasis with tealight candles. White lights hang from the cabana as the firepit glows and sparks from the fire warming the area. The backyard is lit up with letters that spell outIt Will AlwaysBe You For Me.
“Aw, Kaeden.”
After setting the strawberries and wine on the small table, I extend my hand to help Kyelle sit down. Instead of my usual patio furniture, there are two large cushion pillows surrounded by more tealight candles and rose petals.
“You deserve this and so much more. I don’t want you to ever think I don’t appreciate you for loving me. For loving my daughter. You are a gem that I’ll never get tired of treasuring.”
“Aw, baby. Receiving this lets me know that I can trust you to reciprocate the love I have for you. What’s next?”
“You and me eating these berries and sipping this girly wine while enjoying whatever movie you want us to watch. I just want to savor the moment I have with you.”
