“I remember,” I said, smirking as I pointed at her sundress. “But that? That’s what I want you to buy more of.”
She blinked. “This?”
I nodded slowly, eyes dragging over her. “Exactly that. Because you look so fucking beautiful, Princess.”
Her cheeks flushed immediately, just the way I liked them.
“Joshua,” she muttered, trying not to smile, and I shrugged, closing my laptop and standing up.
“What? You do,” I said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “You’re going to the mall with Aly, right?”
She nodded.
“Good. Spend it,” I said, brushing my thumb along her jaw. “Everything and anything you want, okay? Treat yourself.”
I gave her a kiss.
“Don’t look at the price, justswipe.”
That got a laugh out of her, soft and bright, the sound that filled every empty space I used to have.
She slipped the black card back into her purse, still smiling. “Fine. But only because you said so.”
I grinned. “That’s my girl.”
—
I parked across the entrance and killed the engine, but I didn’t step out. I just sat there with my hands loose on the wheel, watching the steady stream of people spill out of the mall doors.
Then I saw her.
Aurora walked out with her head dipped slightly, eyes glued to her phone, sunlight catching in her hair as if it was trying to keep her for itself. My chest did that stupid, familiar tightening thing it only ever did around her.
Beautiful girl.
I reached for my phone before I could overthink it and hit her contact.
Through the windshield, I watched her slow down. Her brows pulled together in that tiny crease she got when she was confused. Her lips curved when she saw my name; she answered, lifting the phone to her ear.
“Joshua?”
I smiled. “Look up,” I said. “Left.”
She turned immediately, scanning, and then she spotted the car.
Her entire face lit up.
Not a polite smile. Not a small one. A full, unguarded grin that hit me square in the ribs. She started toward me without hesitation, half walking, half jogging, tote bag bouncing against her side as if she couldn’t get there fast enough.
I unlocked the door just before she reached it. She slid into the seat, bringing summer air with her.
“You’re so early,” she said.
“I missed you,” I replied simply, pulling back into traffic
Her finger toyed with the edge of her tote. I glanced down at it.
“That’s all you got?”
