“I just gotta be patient, buddy,” I mutter, scratching him behind the ears. “She’ll forgive me. Won’t she?”
Gizmo looks up at me and tilts his head to the side, but offers no words of encouragement.
Damn. If ever there was a time to find out this fuzzball can really understand me, now would be a good time.
He hops up into my lap and rubs against my chest, purring as I pet him, and I feel strangely better. Maybe he can understand me, and this is his way of saying to hang in there, he’s on my side.
He’s rooting for me.
It feels good to have someone in my corner… even if it’s a little fur demon.
When Rylee comes back in her oversized t-shirt and little sleep shorts, I avert my gaze and tell myself not to stare at her ass.
She climbs into bed and curls up on her side.
“Goodnight,” she murmurs.
“Yeah, uh… goodnight.” Setting Gizmo on the bed, I get up and awkwardly make my way out of the room and to the bathroom to change and brush my teeth.
By the time I get back, Rylee is sound asleep.
I pause just inside the door and gaze down at her. Fuck, she’s so beautiful. Her face is softer in sleep, her hair spread out around her like a golden halo. I crawl into bed next to her, careful not to disturb her. Lying back, I stare at the ceiling as I fight against the urge to reach out and drag her onto my chest. It feels wrong, being this close to her but not being able to touch her, but I remind myself to be patient. She’s here, with me, and I have a chance to make things right.
Sighing, I grab my phone from the night stand and am surprised to see I have a text from Jayce. I didn’t even hear my phone buzz.
Jayce: Hey, man! Wanted to check in and see how it’s going with your family and Rylee. Is she warming back up to you at all?
I respond.
Zander: Hey, dude. Things are going all right so far. She’s really getting along with my family, and she’s not totally icing me out, so progress!
I glance over at her again and feel the ache in my chest as I fight my desire to reach out to her. Jayce replies quickly.
Jayce: Glad to hear that. I’m rooting for you, bro. I know you’ll work things out. Just gotta hang in there.
Zander: Thanks for the vote of confidence. It’s appreciated! How are things on your end? How’s the family?
Jayce: Tense. Awkward. Uncomfortable as hell. You know… the usual. I’ll probably take off and go to a club for the night to get away from it all.
Ooph, that sucks. Not surprising, given what he’s told me about his overbearing, controlling family. Still, I can’t imagine what it’s like to not want to be with my family on a holiday. I feel bad for Jayce. No matter how much he tries to shrug it off, I know it’s got to eat at him.
Zander: Well, don’t get into any trouble when you’re out. I’ll check in with you later.
Jayce: No promises Have fun with your family, and good luck with Rylee!
Zander: Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving
Jayce: Happy Thanksgiving.
I let out a long breath and move to set my phone aside when it buzzes again. Frowning, I wonder if Jayce forgot to tell me something, but then am pleasantly surprised to find a new message from Landon.
Landon: Yo, you home for Thanksgiving?
I chuckle softly, careful not to disturb Rylee.
Zander: I am, but I’ve got my girl with me and she’s meeting the fam, so not sure I’ll be able to meet up.
Landon: What? When did that happen? Damn it, does this mean there’s no chance of you leaving Denver? Am I going to have to join the Night Hawks?.
