My hands reach out across the blanket to find hers then squeeze it before motioning to the sky with my spare hand. “See that star there?”
I hold my breath, questioning whether my gift is something an omega would like. When I bought it, I thought it was a good idea. It’s something I think is cool, but will Kady think it’s too much?
“That one?” She follows my gaze. “Next to the super sparkly one?”
“It’s called Kady.”
“There is no way there’s a star called Kady.” She laughs. “Now I know you’re lying.”
I fish my cell phone out of my backpack, load up the constellations app, then hand it to her. “You can check if you don’t believe me.”
She takes a look, her eyes turning to saucers. “It really is called Kady.”
“I bought it for you.”
Her breath catches as she sits up. “You bought it for me?”
“Well, not bought exactly.” I sit up too. “You can’t buy stars. No one owns them. But I did name one after you.”
“Riven.” Her voice is thick with emotion. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Does that mean you like it?”
She launches herself at me like a cannonball. I’m winded for a second before wrapping my arms around her. It feels like she belongs here, nuzzled into my chest.
“Thank you.” Her warm breath tickles my neck as she snuggles in, tucking her head underneath my chin. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
“I hope it’s not too much,” I murmur. “I could have got you a blanket or perfume or?—”
“Shh. It’s perfect.” Her whispers quiet my doubts.
She pulls away, looking adorable in my beanie as she leans in. Our lips meet, softly at first. I stroke her hair, drawing her closer, my thoughts fixed on how I can make her feel good. She moans into my mouth as our tongues dance, the dusky sky backdrop making it feel like we’re the only two people in the world. When her hand accidentally brushes against my bulge over my pants, I instantly want to come, my entire body tensing.
She moves her hand away. “Sorry, I didn’t mean?—”
“No, it’s not that. I liked it.” I cradle her cheek. “You touching me felt good. So good. It’s just… I’ve never…”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen, realization setting in. “You’re a virgin?”
“Yes.” A flush of heat creeps up underneath my scarf. “But I liked you touching me,” I quickly add. “And I’d like you to do it again. Only if you want to.”
“Not here.” She smiles kindly, eyes softening as she takes my hand. “I’m not letting you lose your V-card in the middle of a freezing field. You should be somewhere comfortable. Somewhere where you can take your time.”
“So you don’t mind if we wait? I know you have…” My tongue feels too large for my mouth. “With Hale and Ezra. I?—”
“Of course, I don’t mind.” She snuggles against me. “It’s a big deal, and you have to be sure.”
“I’m sure I want it to be with you.” I tighten my arm around her, kissing her forehead.
While we look up at the stars again, I think about the impossible odds of finding my scent match and how my whole life has changed since we met…
TWENTY-NINE
Kady
“He bought you a freaking star?” I hold the phone away from my ear before Sabs’s squeal deafens me.
Faye’s back from Clover Hollow, and I am on speaker while she and the other Stellas have breakfast together to catch up. “Yeah, he kinda did.”
