Page 118 of Read Me (Forget the Past 2)

And some days, Cole and I go food shopping together. A few weeks ago, someone rear-ended me at a stoplight. What would’ve been a fender bender for better-maintained cars, was the kiss of death for mine. When I complained about the hassle of hauling my groceries on the bus, a necessary evil until I get a new car, Cole offered the use of his truck.

Now it’s a scheduled date. Every Saturday morning he picks me up and we drive to the store to bargain hunt. It’s weird how much I look forward to it.

So while most people who are dating someone have likely planned a special day with their partner, Cole and I are spending our Valentine’s Day meandering through the cookware section so I can buy a new set of bowls.

Once I find a set that’s both cheap and covered in cute blue swirly patterns, we move on.

Where we run smack into a Valentine’s Day display.

The pink-hearted mass is impossible to ignore. Like a burning car on the side of the road. The two of us exchange quick-eyed glances that convey a nervousshould we do somethingair. Or, at least, mine does.

If I wanted to be completely honest, I’d admit my main goal of today is to stay far away from my apartment. The last few years I’ve gotten notes from the mysterious creep in my life. On this holiday, they always use a red marker instead of black. So fucking festive, am I right?

Still, I decided not to let the darkness of the harassment touch anyone else in my life.

After the fuss I made about Cole’s birthday, and the description I gave him of my mother’s and my Christmas, I doubt he believes I normally let this holiday pass by without acknowledgment. Especially when there is someone kind of romantic in my life.

He’s wearing his flamboyant sweater, obviously acknowledging what today is. He’s made the first move. I have to do something.

A wall of colorful cards sparks my attention and has me dodging around the heart and glitter display.

“Summer?”

“Come here! I need you to do something.”

The wheels on the cart squeak as he follows me.

“What?”

Planting myself in front of the greeting card display, I lock my gaze with his before deliberately closing my eyes.

“Spin me.”

“Did you get a head injury I don’t know about?” Confused amusement colors his question.

“Don’t make me threaten you, Cole. Spin me!”

“You’re odd,” he mutters at a much closer range just before his hands settle on my waist.

“You love it.” I grin in the direction I think his face is, still guessing as my eyes remain closed.

“I do.” His answer brushes over my lips a second before he steals a kiss. Then his mouth is gone, and I’m being spun, despite the fact the I’m already beyond dizzy from his sneaky affection.

When my feet stumble to a stop, I remember my purpose, stretching my arms out in front of me and shuffling forward.

“I’m moving toward cards, right? You’d warn me if I was about to bulldoze some old lady?”

“Would I?” His voice sounds just off to my left just as my fingertips brush against stiff paper. Grabbing the first card I touch, I hold it up in triumph, finally opening my eyes and turning back to Cole, who watches with bemusement.

“I found it!”

“Anditis?”

“My Valentine’s Day card to you. Are you ready?”

Cole fights a smile as he watches me, leaning his elbows on the handle of the cart. “Yes.”

After dramatically clearing my voice, I hold the card in front of me, as if I’m giving a reading of some beautiful novel.

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