“Same-day rush order, as I had the photo on my phone already. The print-shop guy nearly passed out when I told him I needed it in three hours.”
“That is the wildest thing I have ever seen in my life.”
“The mostthoughtfulthing you’ve ever seen.” I adjust pillow-me’s position so he’s looking extra inviting. “She’s going to love it.”
Carter finally straightens up, wiping tears from his eyes. He walks over to the bed, stares down at the pillow, and then—without warning—grabs it and starts dancing with it.
“Oh, Kai,” he says in a high-pitched voice, clearly meant to be June. “You’re so handsome. I can’t believe I get to hold you every night.”
“Very funny.”
“I just love your smoldering expression.” He dips the pillow dramatically. “And the way your shirt is open. So mysterious. So sexy.”
“Give him back.”
“His name is Flat Kai. And he’s mine now.” Carter spins Flat Kai around, then looks at the pillow’s face with exaggerated adoration. “We’re going to be so happy together, Flat Kai. You understand me in ways Real Kai never could.”
“You’re disrespecting both me and my pillow self right now.”
“Flat Kai doesn’t mind.” Carter holds the pillow at arm’s length, studying it. “Actually, Flat Kai is pretty hot. Look at those abs. Did they airbrush these?”
“Those are my real abs, asshole.”
“Sure they are.” He runs a hand down the pillow’s torso. “Hello, muscles I’ve never seen in real life…”
“I will end you.”
“Flat Kai would never threaten me.” He hugs the pillow close. “Flat Kai doesn’t drive like a maniac or buy a hundred dollars’ worth of pink throw rugs.”
I lunge for the pillow, and Carter dodges, cackling, holding Flat Kai above his head like a trophy.
We’re both laughing now, circling each other around the bed like idiots, when we hear it.
A car pulling up outside.
We freeze. Exchange a look. Then we’re both diving for the window, shoving each other out of the way to peer through the glass.
June’s sedan is parked in the driveway, and she’s climbing out, stretching her arms above her head like she’s been driving for hours. She’s wearing a blue dress, fitted, with a belt at the waist, hitting mid-thigh, and cowboy boots. Her hair is loose around her shoulders, catching the late afternoon light, and from here, I study how low the neckline of the dress swoops.
“She’s here,” I breathe.
“I have eyes.”
“She looks incredible.”
“Again. Eyes.”
She moves to the trunk of her car and starts pulling out bags, and Carter is already heading for the door, tossing the pillow back onto the bed.
“I’ll help her with the luggage. You clean up the shopping bags so it doesn’t look like a craft store exploded in here.”
“Good call.”
He’s gone, boots thundering down the stairs, and I scramble to gather all the empty bags and packaging. I shove everything into the closet and then pause in front of the mirror to check my reflection.
Hair’s a mess. Shirt’s half unbuttoned. Good. I flex experimentally. Okay. Acceptable.
I hear voices drifting up from downstairs, Carter’s easy laugh, June’s lighter response. They’re getting closer.
