Page 37 of Trying Not to Need You

“What can I do to help?”

“Sit your pretty ass down, get comfortable.” She does as I ask, and I hand her the pizza box. “Beer, wine, water, sweet tea, and I got some of that cream soda you like.”

“Sweet tea, please.”

“I’ll be right back.” Rushing to the kitchen, I grab our drinks. I already had plates, napkins, and even a small trash can set up by the mound of pillows and blankets on the floor. Back in the living room, I sit next to her on the cloud I’ve created, hand her the remote, and serve us both up a slice of pizza.

We eat and talk about our days, not even bothering to choose a movie, just enjoying each other’s company. The night has barely begun, and I already know I never want it to end. One day, she’ll be here, and when the night is over, instead of going home or to my guest room, she’ll come to bed with me.

“I’m so full.” She groans, tossing her napkin on her empty plate.

“Good.” I move the pizza box and our trash to the side before leaning back against the pillows that are resting against the couch. “Ready for a movie? We’ll let this pizza settle before I make us our sundaes.”

“Yes.” She moves to settle next to me, and while I said I wouldn’t push her, I test the waters by wrapping my arm around her shoulders. She moves closer, resting against my chest.

I can’t stop myself from pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She tilts back to peer up at me. “What took you so long to ask me to dinner again?” Her tone is soft, and I can see the question in her eyes.

“It wasn’t because I didn’t want to. I showed restraint for two very long weeks,” I say dramatically, and she laughs. “I told you that I wouldn’t pressure you, but tonight, I had a reason to see you.”

“You did?” She wrinkles up her nose. “And not quite two weeks. Not until Monday. It’s Friday now, so you didn’t make it.” She giggles, and I wish I could record the sound to listen to on the nights when this house feels too empty without her in it.

“I did. I have to give you your Christmas gift.” Her eyes widen.

“You got me a Christmas gift?”

“Of course, I did.”

Her face falls. “I didn’t— Macklin,” she breathes.

“I didn’t buy you a gift because I wanted one in return. Honestly, Baylor, you being here, letting me hold you like this? That’s the best fucking present you could have ever given me.”

“I feel bad,” she says, her tone full of regret.

“Don’t feel bad. You said you needed time. I’ve been trying to respect that. I also told you I would prove I’m going to be there. Besides, I’ve waited years to be able to spoil you. I have to capitalize on that while I can.” I wink, and her frown evens out. “Do you want to open it now?”

“Even though I feel terribly guilty, I do. I really do,” she says, nodding.

“Be right back.” Reluctantly, I let go of her, climb to my feet, and make my way to the small tree on the table in the corner.

“No big tree?” she asks.

“Nah, but next year, if you want one, we’ll go all out.” I grab the gift and turn to hold it up, and see I’ve left her speechless. At least if the way her mouth is hanging open is any indication, she’s speechless.

“You really mean that, don’t you?” she asks, her head tilted slightly as she studies me.

“More than anything,” I say, taking my seat back. I put my arm around her and pull her closer before handing her the small box. “There’s another gift, but it’s one I’m not really sure about, and if you hate it, it’s not a big deal. I just saw it, and it made me think of you, but this one first.” I nod toward the small package in her hands.

A rare, shy smile tilts her lips as she begins to tear open the package. When she opens the square box, she gasps. Her eyes flash to mine before they go back to the box.

“Macklin, this is stunning.” She pulls the diamond horseshoe necklace out of the box and holds it up. It shimmers in the low light of the candles that I’ve lit around the room.

“When I saw it, I knew it would look perfect on you,” I tell her.

That earns me a radiant smile. “Will you put it on me?” she asks, handing me the necklace before I can answer, because she knows that there isn’t anything I wouldn’t give her if it’s within my reach.

“Turn,” I say, my voice gruff. She lifts her hair off her neck, and I make quick work of fastening the necklace. Unable to help myself, I bend and press a soft kiss to her nape. She shivers at the contact, and I pull back. I can’t be trusted not to keep going and strip her out of everything but this necklace. “Done,” I rasp.

She turns to face me. “I love it. Thank you so much, Mac.” She leans in and wraps her arms around me in a hug, and I lean into her embrace.