Chocolates, hearts, teddy bears, and roses that will die within a week.
Yet, my mind is already formulating ideas to make the woman next to me happy.
Maybe chocolate hearts aren’t so bad. They can have caramel in them, right? Or even better, I can just lay them in a row on her body to eat my way up to her tits that are growing.
Suddenly, I’m freaking excited for Valentine’s Day.
CHAPTER 17
GRACIE
Popping a chocolate into my mouth, I moan from the taste of praline cream. The box on the counter at the boutique arrived perfectly wrapped, which has now been half destroyed. I have a knack for ignoring the guide of what each chocolate is and instead opt for biting into each one until I find a favorite.
I’ll give a point to Asher because I wasn’t expecting this. I just kind of figured he hates Valentine’s Day. In fact, I can imagine him grumbling at every red item at the grocery store. I bet he was not impressed when team marketing took photos of the players holding roses and stuffed bears.
Still nibbling on my chocolate, I see my mom proudly holding up a hanger with a maroon satin bra and a matching cover-up that has a slit that would fall along the valley between breasts. She gawks her eyes at me while I continue to casually nosh on my treat.
“It’s great for Valentine’s Day and perfect so you don’t need to worry about your growing belly.”
Her conviction causes me to stall mid-chew. “Are you serious right now?” We’re quite open with one another, onemajor reason for why women shop here. Still… “Can we end this conversation now?”
She sets her choice of apparel on a nearby railing. “What? I’m just trying to help. It’s not like you two are just co-parenting. There is a little more to that. I’m not blind, you two are sharing a bed.”
I cringe, absolutely cringe. “Geez, crossing boundaries.” My spine straightens, and I hold my palm up to stop her.
My mom gives me a knowing look. “Fine. I’m just presenting options should you choose to use them.” She crosses her arms and almost huffs. “The color really makes your eyes pop.”
I slowly shake my head. “Conversation ended ten seconds ago,” I warn her.
Undeniably, this is kind of funny, but also a little awkward.
“Okay, but you two are together, and it seems to be going well. What are your plans for today?”
I shrug a shoulder as I pick up a ribbon that I was using before to pair with a design I’m creating for a very appropriate, lines-not-crossed, spring dress. “Nothing. A box of chocolates is fine.”
My mom seems very unimpressed. “Even if a man hates the holiday, they will love it if you make them love it. Galentine’s day is fun and all, but now you have the man to give you the real thing. Just give him a little push.”
I roll my eyes at her. “Let me guess. Lingerie,” I deadpan.
She pretends to swipe something off the sleeve of her shirt. “If you think it’s a good idea, I have options.”
When I was younger, I felt as though my mom was a bit more reserved, but with age, she has become more outspoken. Right now proves that fact.
The sound of the bell ringing over the door brings ourattention to Lainey who just entered. “Hi, ladies.” She sounds cheery today.
“Good to see you. What brings you in today?” My mom smiles.
“Something new. I actually hate this holiday, and I’m sure Tyler will think it’s a normal day, but I kind of feel like reminding him later, and maybe he’ll feel a little guilty and then he is more eager to agree next time I request something.” She smiles and is already eyeing a nightie number on the wall. “Wearing his jersey only gets me so far.”
My mom seems to be in her glory right now. “See, daughter of mine. A smart move by your best friend.”
Ignoring them both, I search for another chocolate to be my next victim.
“Ooh, chocolates.” Lainey walks over and helps herself to one. “I love these. It’s great how everyone on the team found the same gift to send.”
I stop in the middle of my bite, drop the sweet in one thud, and draw my eyes up to my friend. “What?” My tone is sharp.
“Yeah. Apparently, it’s some tradition that all the guys send their other half the same chocolates. Least they remember it’s Valentine’s Day, right? Actually, it’s the marketing department sending on their behalf.” She searches for a chocolate that she must already be familiar with.
