Kevin gleams at my compliment while Wren introduces me to everyone else in the group. There are a few coworkers of theirs, some people from high school, and some who they’ve just known their whole life. I notice a guy about my age standing by Maisie and I’m usually not the type to get jealous or stake my claim—not that Maisie is mine to claim—but I feel the urge to let him know she won’t be his tonight.
Or ever.
Placing myself next to Maisie, I put my hand on her lower back and murmur in her ear, “Miss me?”
I hear a quick inhale from her before she turns her head to me. “Hi,” she says quietly.
I leave my hand on her back just long enough to show everyone that she’s mine.
“Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” Wren fans herself as she talks to Kevin, loud enough for everyone to hear. I immediately feel my nerves go away at the approval of her best friend.
“You guys really put together an amazing party, though I assume your mom picked out the tiara and sash herself?” I tease, bringing my beer to my lips. Maisie’s eyes following the movement.
“You know her so well already,” Wren responds.
“Now who isthisfine hunk of meat.” Kevin looks past my shoulder. “Sorry, that was objectifying." Clearing his throat, he says, “Now who isthisfine looking gentleman?”
A laugh escapes Maisie, causing her to look away from me and to whoever is behind me.
Jealousy consumes me.
I want her eyes back to me.
“That’s Miles,” she giggles, “Henry’s cousin.”
“That’sMiles? I’ve never been lucky enough to see him up close, only heard whispers and longing stares from afar.” Kevin fans himself once again as Miles starts walking over to us.
“He’s as straight as a ruler, unfortunately.” I laugh.
“A loss for gay men, but a win for my eyes!” He struts over to where Miles appears next to me, causing another laugh from Maisie—music to my ears. “Hello to you!”
“Hi, Kevin.” Miles chuckles and a gasp leaves Kevin’s mouth.
“Heknowsme.” He turns to me, slack jawed, fanning his face with his hand.
“I can’t forget the cook who makes my favorite breakfast, now could I?”
“If I had pearls, I would be clutching them right now.”
As I’m watching their hilarious interaction, I feel heat on my neck just as Maisie whispers, “I think Kevin just fell in love.” Her voice in my ear might’ve just made me fall in love too.
“He’s been a grump recently, it’s nice seeing him get out of the house,” I respond. “I’m not sure the last time I saw him genuinely smile at someone else.”
We both continue to watch the interaction and I take a sip of my drink in hand.
“I noticed that at the diner when you guys came in,” she sighs. “I’m happy you’re here.”
I try very hard to keep my heartbeat and breathing under control but it’s hard to do so.
“Was that a compliment, Winslow?”
Her embarrassed laughter causes her to laugh into the crook of my neck and I feel my heart pounding again. I wonder if she can feel it too.
“Oh!” She gasps. “I’m sorry, I?—”
“Laugh, lean, touch me all you want,” I quietly say for only her to hear. “I promise I don’t mind.” I really want to tell her I want her touching me at all times whether it’s her hand in mine, her head on my shoulder… I just want her near me.
I can sense the questioning in her gaze as she whispers, “Okay.” And as if she’s reading my mind, she puts her head back on my shoulder and her pinky grazes mine. I wrap my pinky around hers and in this moment I feel like I’m finally hers and she’s finally mine.
