“You need to stay here and wait for your guests.” He’s right, but I’ve been finding excuses all day to drive my car. I drove us to our favourite pancake place for breakfast. I then drove to the shops to get some groceries. I even took the long route home because I wasn’t ready to get out of my car. It’s going to be great not having to get public transport everywhere. I’ll even be able to drive myself to school. I’ll miss travelling with Carter, but it’s probably for the best. He keeps reminding me that there is, and never will be anything between us. I wish that wasn’t the case, but I’m grateful he’s upfront and doesn’t lead me on. I’ve noticed the more I’m around him though, the more attached I’m becoming. I don’t seem to be able to control these feelings I’m developing.
Once my dad leaves to pick up dinner, I go about setting the table out back. I love it out here. The deck is raised high enough that you can see the view of the lake over the back fence. I’m lost in thought when Carter comes through the side gate. It’s only that Lassie bolts past me and down the back stairs, heading straight for him, that I even notice his arrival. Why does my heart race and stomach go into a flutter whenever he’s near?
He stops when he reaches the base of the steps. His eyes travel the length of my body before making their way to my face. The corners of his lips turn up into a smile. Why does the looks he gives me do funny things to my insides? He exhales before shaking his head.
“Well look at you. The kid’s all grown up,” he says smirking as he makes his way up the back stairs.
“Ha ha,” I reply narrowing my eyes at him. “You know, technically we’re the same age now, so if I’m a kid that means you are, too.” He throws back his head and laughs.
“Nice try. At least I look my age, if not older.” God he infuriates me. How can he turn me on with just a look, and piss me off the next. “Happy Birthday, Indiana,” he says with a teasing, cocky smile. Ugh! I can tell he gets pleasure out of getting under my skin.
“Oh you know my name?” I ask sarcastically, even though hearing him say it did make my heart skip a beat.
“Of course I do. It’s not the first time I’ve used it either,” he whispers, leaning forward. “Have you forgotten that already?” I feel my face heat up. How could I forget that? He called out my name when his dick was lodged in my throat as I made him come. As embarrassed as I am right now, memories of that night send desire coursing through my whole body. So much so I have to clench my thighs together to try and relieve the throbbing that’s now present.
“No,” I whisper as I drop my head.
“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” he says placing his finger under my chin and tilting my face upwards. When my eyes meet his, my heart starts to race again. He looks hurt. I don’t want him to think I regret what we did that night, because I don’t.
“I’m not embarrassed by what happened,” I tell him honestly.
“Good,” is all he says as his face inches towards mine. He places his lips softly against my mouth. “Happy birthday, beautiful.” Before I get the chance to take the kiss any further, he pulls back. “This is for you.”
I hadn’t even noticed he was carrying a gift bag in his hand. I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from his handsome face when he’s near. Unless he’s shirtless of course, then I’m all over that.
“You bought me a present?” I ask sceptically.
“I did. I bought you something, and I also made something for you,” he says with a smirk. That immediately has my suspicions rising.
“You made me something? It’s a bomb isn’t it?” He chuckles at my comment.
“No, it’s not a bomb.”
“Well, what is it?” I ask, holding the strings of the bag by my fingertips at arms-length.
“Open it and find out.”
“Okay,” I reply, still uncertain if this is a joke. Coming from him it’s liable to be anything. There are two things inside the bag. Something large wrapped in tissue paper. It looks like a picture frame or something like that, and a small gift-wrapped box. I pick up the smaller present first.
After I shake it and hold it to my ear, just to make sure it’s not ticking, my eyes meet his again. “It’s not a bomb,” he laughs. “I promise.”
Carefully unwrapping it, I open the small velvet box. I gasp when I see what’s inside. It’s a silver necklace with a dog charm pendant. It looks exactly like Lassie. I feel tears burn my eyes. This is the sweetest gift anyone has ever given me. Coming from someone who acts like he hates me most of the time makes it all the more special. I want him to like me. I want us to be friends. Maybe more, but I’ll settle for friends.