I did.
Inside sat a sleek black watch with a matching leather band that was smooth to the touch.The clockface was minimalist even with the black background, and the golden strokes and tickers shimmered in the light.
I lifted it out slowly, turning it in my hands.Before, I threw the idea of a gift out there as a joke.I sure as hell wasn't expecting her to buy me anything.
“This is… incredible.”
She smiled then, small and pleased.“I figured maybe with that, you’d start showing up places on time.”
I huffed a laugh.“Low blow.”
Before she could react, I stepped forward and pulled her into a hug.My arm slid around her waist, pulling her flush against me.I felt it—felt the way her body went still before her arms came up, tentative at first, then wrapping around my waist.Her cheek was pressed against my chest while my head was buried in her hair.
That scent.
Cherries and vanilla had never smelled so good.
We stood there longer than necessary, my hand splayed across the small of her back, fingers skimming the exposed skin just at the edge of her top.
“Thank you,” I murmured into her hair.
She shivered.
Being here with her wasn't supposed to feel this easy—this good.In pulling away, my lips brushed against the base of her neck, and I felt her dig into my shoulders.When I pulled back, I didn’t let go right away.How could I?
The look she gave me was like she was searching my soul.I didn't dare look away, wanting her to see the heat threatening to claw through—just as I saw the heat blazing behind those dark irises of hers.My gaze dipped to her lips and my arm tightened around her waist when her lips parted.
“We—um,” she said, clearing her throat and pushing away from me, breaking whatever spell tugged at us.“We should probably head downstairs.To help.”
“Right.”
She took another pointed step back.
“And don't forget we have another appearance tomorrow.The wedding shower.”
I laughed.“What the hell is a wedding shower?”
Her mouth twitched.“It’s a stupid twist on a bridal shower, only this way, both the bride and groom get gifts.”
“Sounds like a scam.”
“If there's one thing Lori and Chase have in common, it's getting gifts.”
My eyes rolled.“Match made in heaven, clearly.”
Savannah blinked at me, and I winced.
“That's not what I meant.”
“No, I know.Doesn't matter, anyway.It's in the past.”
I ran a hand through my hair.“I’m actually heading out of town this weekend.”
Her brows shot up.“You are?Where are you…?”She paused, then shook her head.“No, it's none of my business.But you should’ve told me.”
I tilted my head.“You haven’t exactly been responding to my messages, trouble.”
Her cheeks warmed.“Those texts were different.”
