Page 39 of Reed

LEXIE:

Hey, girl. Can I get another roll from you? I’m paying this time.

I hit send and take another hit before the chat bubble pops up, indicating that she’s typing.

A few seconds later, my phone dings with a message.

LAINEY:

Yeah, of course. And I already told you I’m not taking your money. I’ll be home all day tomorrow if you want to stop by then.

LEXIE:

Okay, that works perfectly. Let me at least grab you lunch.

LAINEY:

Sold. See you then.

I snub the joint out on the brick of the windowpane and close it.

As the high starts to settle in, I’m hit with the urge to snack.

Some of my mawmaw’s chocolate chip cookies and some spiced chai tea sound amazing right now. My stomach starts to growl as the thought crosses my mind.

I make my way to the kitchen and check to see if I have all of the ingredients.

I hit shuffle on my Mix playlist and oops! By Yung Gravy filters out of my kitchen speaker. I sing along as I start to set everything up.

After what feels like a few long minutes, I have everything lined up on the counter and the oven preheating.

I take my time mixing everything up then roll the dough into decent-sized balls before placing them on the parchment paper and sticking them in the oven.

When London Bridge starts to play I turn it up and grab a wooden spoon, close my eyes, pretending it’s a microphone.

After the first chorus, I open my eyes and screech, clutching my chest.

Perched on top of my island, Reed sits back on his hands watching me with a slight smirk.

I pause the music. “You really have to stop doing that. You’re going to make me have a heart attack. How did you even get in here?”

He bites his bottom lip and lifts up a silver key.

I raise my brows, “Is that a key to my apartment?” I ask even though I already know the answer.

He tilts his head slightly before pocketing it. “I brought you something.” He ignores my question and nods towards an open cardboard box on the counter beside him.

I glance at the stove to see how much longer I have until the cookies are done. Ten more minutes.

I walk to the box and peek over the edge.

In it is a beautiful plant that has a cluster of bright pink flowers on top in a pink terracotta pot with a wooden stand underneath it. Reaching in to grab it I quickly retrieve my hand when it pricks me. “Shit.” I say looking at the drop of blood starting to bead up on my finger.

“Let me see it.” Reed says from next to me, still sitting on the counter.

I turn towards him and hold my hand out to him. His warm hand clasps around mine as he gently tugs me closer to him. Locking eyes with me, he wraps his lips around my finger, sucking hard as the metal of his tongue ring massages the tender flesh.

The quiet intimacy of it makes my thighs clench and a shiver runs through me, leaving me dizzy at the euphoric gesture.