“I don't need anything but you.”
“I’ll spoil my old man if I want to.” I repeat what he told them earlier as I step past him.
“Old man again?” he echoes.
I glance over my shoulder, feigning innocence. “Relax, you're still holding up alright.”
He lets out a quiet laugh, and I turn away to grab his present.
“Anyway, I’m not great at buying presents, and not all of us are rich.”
“Baby,” he says while watching me. “You could buy me a chocolate bar, and I would be happy.”
I pass him the gift. “Well, I’d like to think this is better than a chocolate bar.”
There's not much you can buy for a man, especially since I haven't really done it before; I mostly made things for my dadwhen I was growing up. Elijah has everything he needs, but there is one thing he hasn't upgraded yet.
He starts unwrapping it, and the moment the front of the box is revealed, he stills.
His eyes widened in surprise.
“This must have cost a fortune,” he says almost to himself. “I… I can't believe it.”
I catch my bottom lip between my teeth, trying to play it cool, but there's a giddy feeling bubbling up in my chest.
It did cost a lot.
Every shift at the coffee shop. Every tip I saved. Even dipping into Quinn's share once or twice because that girl does not deserve a single penny from the tip jar.
It was completely worth it to see his reaction.
I kind of understand why he spoils me now.
“I researched the camera you had, and it’s quite old. Your mum mentioned she hasn't seen you use it in ages, not until recently.” I take a pause. “So I thought… You deserved a new one. With better equipment, you can start capturing new memories, I mean—”
The words are knocked right out of me as he pulls me in, one arm wrapping around me and dragging me flush against his chest.
And then his lips are on mine.
Warm. Firm and a little desperate.
I melt into it instantly, hooking my arms around his shoulders.
Oh yeah, that reaction is totally worth it.
The rest of the day was… everything.
Elijah somehow managed to make my birthday special, even though it was my first without my dad.
I wouldn't change a single second of it.
We ate way too much chocolate cake, drank far too much prosecco, and made our way through the rest of the presents.
First, there were tiny jumpers for Sassy.
They are ridiculously cute, and I know for a fact she will hate them. I don't care; she will absolutely be wearing them, and I’m prepared for her wrath.
Secondly came the lingerie set, which, honestly, had less fabric than I think should legally count as clothing. Apparently, the design is for easy access for Elijah, who looked far too pleased with himself. That was quickly followed by body chocolate, which I immediately squirted at him.
