And like that, I cut the call.
My heart might be pounding double-time, but I whoosh out a breath of fresh air to export all the bad juju and import all the good vibes.
Man, that was a long time coming!
“That felt good to get out, huh?”
I blink at Zach. “You’ve no idea.”
His lips twitch. “I think I do. Thought you were going to have an anxiety attack partway through but damn, it shut him up.”
Elated, I grin at him. “What are we doing for Friendsgiving, huh?”
He flings his arm around my shoulders. “I guess we’re staying here.”
“Sounds fabulous to me. I think we should invite Callan.”
He rolls his eyes.
“What?! He’s Canadian. And he missed his Thanksgiving because of classes.”
“Pecan will get jealous.”
“Not you?”
“I’m coming around. Especially after he dropped everything to keep you company yesterday.” His shoulders slump even as he spreads the fingers of the hand he’s resting on my thigh. He grips me there. Not tightly, but enough to feel his hold. It’s possessive and tentative all at the same time. “Denny, you’ve been massively insulted because of me?—”
“Because of hockey. Don’t see me dissing on the sport of champions, do you?”
“I guess… part of my worry is that it’d be a lot easier with Callan.”
“Says who?”
“Says me. When Addison snuck in here, all the shit you’ve had to put up with because of me hit home.” His head bows. “Y-You literally just got insulted by your dad on the phone—because of me.”
Those puppy-dog eyes are the only reason I don’t get mad.
“Do you want me to stroke your ego or your dick?”
His eyes widen. “My d-dick.”
“That’s the best answer for sure,” I purr. “Zachary, if you were more trouble than you were worth, then I wouldn’t be sitting here. I’d be sitting on Callan’s knee?—”
“Reassuring.”
“—and I’d be making out with him.”
“Even more reassuring. NOT.”
“But I’m not because…”
He huffs. “Because I’m worth more than the trouble I bring.”
“Exactly!” I beam at him, then I dip my chin to hide my expression. “Anyway, I like how you make me feel.”
“Orgasms are?—”
“Not orgasms! Though, they are phenom. I mean… like I have value. For just being me.” My throat bobs. “My self-esteem’s fine, Zach. I didn’t need you to suddenly recognize that I was a chick to feel good about myself, but you keep doing stuff that shows what you feel for me.”
