My stomach growls at the thought.
Ellie:
At the venue. I’ll eat later.
There’s still so much to do. I haven’t even taken any photos or videos for content. I pocket my phone, tilting my face to the sun for one more second, then head inside.
I’m buried in my screen backstage when the smell of cheese wafts through the air. I sniff, looking up, and my head rears back at the sight of Travis towering over me, holding a takeout container and a drink.
“You stopped answering my texts.”
“I’ve been swamped.”
Travis drops next to me, placing the food in my lap. “Chili cheese fries and an orange cream soda.”
I snatch the cup, slurping the goodness down and groaning. My shoulders shimmy from the delicious sugary taste. Travis is watching me with a strange expression.
I take another sip. “What?”
“You’ve never made that sound when you swallowed me down your throat. Does that taste better than me?”
I choke, and soda shoots out of my nose, right across Travis’s jaw. My hand flies to my mouth, trying to keep the rest of the drink inside as I cough, instead of showering him with it.
He isn’t fazed by my spit on his face, he simply uses his shirt to wipe it off. “Well?”
I clear my throat. “Well, what?”
“What tastes better? The drink or me?”
I laugh. “You’re too much.”
You. Definitely you.
I open my cheese fries, grinning when I see all the toppings—extra cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and sour cream. He does know me. I grab the fork tucked inside and start eating.
“That’s not an answer. If you’re not nice, I won’t let you taste me again.”
“Stop!” I say through a mouthful of fries, eyes darting around to make sure no one’s nearby.
He shrugs. “Just sayin’.”
I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. I continue eating while he watches me. When I’m done, he pulls something from his pocket.
“I got you something.”
“Oh?” I wondered when he was going to give me the keychain. I’m not sure why he didn’t give it to me sooner, but I thought maybe he was waiting for my birthday or something.
“Well, two somethings. I know you probably saw it already, but I had this made for you.” He dangles the keychain in front of my face before dropping it in my hand.
“I’m sorry I ruined the surprise. This was really sweet of you to do. Thank you.” A flicker of something rolls through my stomach as I stare at the keychain. The sweet side of Travis could be very dangerous for hearts…myheart.
“Welcome. Now, close your eyes and hold out your hand.”
I sit up straighter. “Ok.” Excitement thrums through me as I do what he says, and a second later, something lands in my palm. I open my eyes and find a colorful beaded bracelet, nothing fancy, but so adorable. I immediately put it on my wrist and notice the charm hanging off.
A donut.
My gaze lifts to Travis, who stares hopefully at me, waiting for my reaction, but the words are stuck in my throat as my heart melts to my stomach. My eyes bounce between his, and the feeling I’ve been trying to squash—hope—rears its head as his light blue eyes bore into mine.
