Page 72 of Love You Like This

Deep down, I knew that. I erased his number from my phone when I blocked him so that even if I undid the block, I wouldn’t still have his number. Stephen would have given it to me, of course, but I didn’t want to risk the fragile relationship I still had with him after Mom served him divorce papers. Especially after he told me that he still wanted to be in my life and help take care of me. It was the first time I’d had that.

“As you process what I just told you, I understand if your mind changes and you feel anger or sadness. I worked through a lot of feelings about everything through years of therapy.”

Twenty-Seven

XANDER

A knock at the door startles both of us. Jade moves off my lap, leaving a void only she can fill. Her eyes flick to mine in confusion when I stand.

“I ordered room service while you were in the shower. Figured you were probably as hungry as I was.”

The attendant sets the tray on the desk and thanks me when I slip him a hundred-dollar bill. After closing the door behind him, I turn to find Jade lifting the lids to see what I ordered for us. She looks over at me, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

“Did you order enough?” She gives the five plates a pointed look.

“I wasn’t sure what you would want.”

“So you opted to go full buffet?”

I shrug. “Better to have options.”

She grabs the chicken quesadilla and the Diet Coke which I ordered for her specifically. I opt for the burger and fries. We each settle onto one of the chairs at the small table tucked in the corner of the room and dig in.

I watch as she pulls the towel off her head, her hair falling over her shoulders in a cascade of damp, red waves. The scent of her shampoo hits me like a gut punch. I haven’t smelled it in years, usually her scent is from the jasmine perfume she wears. But now I’m awash in nostalgia, memories of nights spent wanting her from afar and then finally having her.

Our time together was short in hindsight. We gave into our attraction in June and were torn apart by August. That doesn’t change the intensity though. She’s the closest I’ve been to having a girlfriend, despite many trying for the role.

Her eyes close as she does her Diet Coke happy shimmy dance. I can’t fight the smile that lifts my lips. When she opens her eyes and looks up, her cheeks turn pink.

“Don’t.” She points a finger at me.

I hold my hands up. “I can’t help it.”

“Ugh.” She rolls her eyes. “You wouldn’t understand the joy those bubbles bring me.”

“Maybe not, but it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate watching you.”

She holds my gaze for a second and then looks down, biting into her quesadilla. I wish I could hear her thoughts. Is the air clear between us for her, too? Is she willing to entertain being open to us?

We’re both lost to our own thoughts as we eat. I don’t want to leave her when I’m finished. Or ever, for that matter. Sleeping beside her was the best feeling. I’ll take anything she wants to give me, even crumbs. I’d sleep on the floor if she’d let me. But especially tonight, after tearing open all our wounds. I can’t think of a better way to start healing than holding her in my arms all night.

She grabs the slice of chocolate cake after she finishes her meal and looks at me. “I’m not sharing.”

“Fair enough.”

Watching her eat the confection is just as delicious as tasting it myself would be. She’s always had a sweet tooth. I know better than to think she’ll share with me, but as she works her way through the piece, she glances up and offers me a bite.

“It’s really good.” She holds the fork out to me.

Instead of taking the handle and feeding myself, I grab her hand and guide it to feed me the bite. She wasn’t lying. The chocolate flavor bursts on my tongue, enhanced by the rich ganache between layers and silky frosting.

“Holy shit.” I release her hand. “Can I have another bite?”

She surprises me by pushing the plate over.

“Really?” My eyebrows lift.

“Yeah.” She rolls her eyes. “In honor of our truce.”