I know the moment I wake up that I’m in his bed. At least this time I’m alone. He was here, though. I can smell him, and I didn’t put myself in this bed.
I shove the covers aside and stumble into the bathroom. After doing my business and washing my hands, I splash my face and then tie up my hair into a high ponytail.
I find August already fully dressed in the kitchen. “Morning.” He smiles at me. “Come here.”
He holds out a hand and I blindly accept the gesture before I can think better of it.
August pulls me into the pantry. “If there’s something missing, let me know,” he says, pointing to the shelf that is now full of just about every sugary cereal known to man.
“Did you buy out Walmart?” I ask him. “Why would you get all these?”
“Because you asked for them yesterday and I didn’t have what you wanted,” he says, like that is a perfectly logical reason to go and buy over thirty boxes of different cereals.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I say, already reaching for the box of Lucky Charms. “But I do appreciate it. Thank you.” I smile up at him.
August’s gaze flicks to my lips.
Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it, I chant in my head, knowing he wants to lean in and kiss me.
August clears his throat, steps back, and walks out of the pantry. “Spoons are in that one,” he says, pointing to a drawer behind him.
“What are you eating?” I ask as I pour my Lucky Charms into a bowl.
“Oats,” he replies.
“Why?”
“Because they’re good for you,” he tells me.
“You know what else is good for you?” I tilt my head to the side, repeating the little game we played last time he said that.
“What?”
“Not getting stabbed with knives in the middle of the night.” I smirk.
“I’ll give that a go,” he deadpans before holding out his spoon to me. “Ifyou give this a go?”
“Pass. You can go out and enjoy some knife fights for all I care. I’m not eating that goop.” I shake my head and open the fridge. I quickly locate the milk and pour a hefty serving into my bowl.
August hands me a spoon from the drawer. “I don’t know how you can keep a body likethatwhen you eat like shit.”
“I usually go to the gym every day.” I shrug.
“I own a gym. Andre can take you there if you want to use it. Not that you need to. You look fine to me,” he says.
“Thanks. I think I’m going to hang here and finish decorating.” I glance around at the mess of shopping bags. “We need to pick a tree. When are you free?”
“Huh?” August looks at me, clearly dumbfounded.
“To go to the tree farm. All the good ones are probably gone but they’ll have something for us.” I’m not picking his damn tree for him. Or is my wanting him to come along just an excuse to spend time with him?
“When would you like to go to the tree farm?” August asks.
“This afternoon?”
“Okay. I’ll come back around three. Will that work?”
“Yep. Thanks.” I smile, happy that he so easily gave in. I really thought I’d have to fight him on it. With that settled, I decide to try to push my luck. “Can I invite my friend over?”
