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“It’s time for your gift,” he says, his voice low and resigned, almost as if he’s not so sure he should be doing this.
Helping me from the kitchen stool, Leo drops my hand and motions for me to follow him. He doesn’t need to lead the way. Instantly, I know where we’re going.
Back to our room.
As we walk, I see Leo exchange texts on his phone.
The closer we get to the bedroom, the more anxious I become. I’m being torn apart from the inside out, completely uncertain about what I want to be greeted with.
But there’s no turning back. No running away.
No matter what happens, at least I’ll still have Leo… right?
I’m so anxious that I stop in my tracks just before we arrive at the open bedroom door. Leo stops too. But it’s only to look back at me with an intense curiosity.
“What’s the matter? Are you always this frightened of gifts?” he teases.
“I’m not frightened,’ I quickly lie.
“I think you are. And I think I know why.”
With a swiftness that I’ve only ever seen him move with, Leo reaches out and grabs my wrist. Then, he pulls me in close to his big hard body and kisses me with all of the tender care and assurance I could ever hope for.
“Then tell me,” I whisper, when our lips fall apart. “Why am I scared?”
“Because you know what my gift is.”
Before I can respond, Leo pulls me inside the bedroom.
But it’s empty; just how we left it.
… Wait.
It doesn’t take long for my eyes to land on the only thing standing in the room. That fucking tripod, with its blinking camera.
Was that there this morning? I can hardly remember.
If it wasn’t, when was it taken out of the room?
Fuck. It wouldn’t surprise me if it just bled into the décor. I’m getting far too used to this place.
Either way, I can see it clearly now. Hell, it’s all I can see.
“There’s nothing here,” I say, turning to face Leo.
“Not yet. Here, sit on the bed. I’ll bring the gift to you.”
With a reserved hesitation, I do as he says. But the bed we filled with so much heat last night feels cold right now. Or maybe it’s just me.
I’m nervous.
Maybe I made the wrong decision last night… why else would I be so filled with dread at the prospect of seeing my oldest friend and protector?
“Are you alright?” Leo asks, staring at me from the doorway.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I nod, but I can imagine I’m as pale as a ghost.
“I’ll be right back,” he says. Then before I can even blink, he’s disappeared into the hallway.
