Page 1 of Butter My Biscuit

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GRACE

My bestie and I have been driving for nearly twelve hours straight, only stopping for bathroom breaks, shitty coffee, and to grab lunch. If you can call it that. I’m still not sure what was inside of that fried tortilla I ate from a random middle-of-nowhere gas station. I didn’t ask.

When the Houston skyline finally comes into view, I pull out my phone and try to capture a picture of the buildings downtown, but it comes out in a smudge of colors. So, instead, I take our signature road-trip selfie of Harrison and me as he drives, and then I turn my attention to the sunset. My day has gone full circle as the fading light glows against the reflective windows of the skyscrapers.

Fifteen minutes later, we finally arrive at the house I rented for the weekend. The owners decorated the place with Christmas lights, and they glow red and green against the windshield of the truck. It’s early December, and the holiday season is in full effect.

We counted the number of red reindeer noses and antlers on vehicles during the drive. Once we rolled over thirty, neither of us could remember how many we’d seen. Texans really like dressing their cars up for the holidays.

When my feet press against the pavement of the driveway, I’m relieved. We might’ve driven all day, but we made it. Then again, traveling anywhere with my bestie is a guaranteed good time.

Harrison throws his duffel bag over his shoulder, then grabs my suitcase, and like a gentleman, he wheels it to the door.

Then, we glance at the keypad at the same time.

“Shit. I forgot to save the code.” I unlock my phone and search for the confirmation email the host sent after I booked this place. But when I receive a text from my boyfriend, I’m fully distracted and smiling like it’s my birthday.

Joey

Hey, lover.

I love it when he calls me that.

Grace

Hey! How are things?

Harrison clears his throat, shifting his weight from one leg to the other. “So, you gonna unlock the door or leave me standing here while you text your boyfriend?”

Joey

Thinking about you. Can I call you in a few minutes?

Grace

Sure, I’ll be around. ??

I’m only ten minutes away from him. And tomorrow, when I fall into his arms at his doorstep, he’ll be surprised. Showing up unannounced on the day of our anniversary is my way of saying I want to take our relationship to the next level. I’m ready to beall inwith him …I think.

“Save your sexting for later.”

“Sorry, totally distracted.” I click out of my messages and look up into my best friend’s sea-blue eyes.

He shakes his head, and his perfect lips transform into his signature Valentine smirk. The only reason he’s here is because I can’t drive that far alone, and he’s the best travel buddy.

Eventually, I find it, take a screenshot of the email, and text it to Harrison in case he needs it when I’m occupied with Joey for the next few days. I punch in the four-digit code, twist the knob, then push the door open. Vaulted ceiling, fake plants everywhere, and a breakfast nook for two … it’s adorable.

Harrison sets down his bag as I walk down the hallway, giving myself a tour.

“Uhh,” I say, meeting back up with him.

“What’s up?” He stretches, lifting his arms above his head.

I open the booking app and read the description of the place before I look at him. He crosses his arms and waits for me to speak with his brows raised.

“There’s only one bed.”

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