Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
There’s a long pause, so fucking long I start freaking out a little before she says, “No, mijo. It’s not weird at all. Not if you want him there.”
“Never mind.” What the fuck is wrong with me? I shouldn’t bring my friend to a strange sort of celebration that my family and I do each year on the day my dad hurt my mom. It’s a little fucked when you think of it on those terms, but it had been Randall’s idea. In his eyes, it marks the day of our freedom.
“No, not never mind. Bring him. You know I want to meet him. You just took me by surprise is all.”
“I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable because of what it is…what the day is.”
“I won’t. I’m proud of that day. We survived, Frankie. That’s what you have to remember, we survived and that’s the day you saved me, and our lives really began. Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah…yeah, okay. I’ll think about it.”
Mom changes the subject, which I know she does for my benefit. I’m pretty good about talking to her. I’m not the type that keeps quiet about a lot but especially not with her or Evan, but I think they both know when I need a little break. The conversation ends after that.
I set my phone on the mattress beside me and close my eyes. Sleep had been a little hard to come by last night because Evan and I had stayed up late watching movies.
It feels as though I just closed my eyes when I feel soft fingers brushing against my face. “Frankie…wake up, sleepy head.” My eyes flutter. I open them to see Evan standing above me. “There you are. You were out.” He smiles down at me and I grab his wrist, tug him until he lies down beside me. Rolling to my side, I pull him close, his jean-covered ass tucked against my crotch, making me wish I hadn’t put on these basketball shorts after my shower.
“I’m sleepy,” I say and nuzzle him.
“I’m sweaty. I didn’t take a shower.” He tries to pull away, but I don’t let him.
“I don’t care. Let’s take a nap.”
He trembles when I rub my stubbled cheek against his smooth one.
“Someone’s feeling awfully affectionate today,” he tells me.
“Just today? I’m always affectionate.” I always have been. I’m a toucher, even when I talk to people, but it’s never bothered Evan. He likes it too.
“I know. It’s one of my favorite things about you.”
“You like my snuggles?” I tease and he laughs. He fits nicely in my arms, I realize. His body fits well against mine.
“Yes. And your scritches, your belly rubs, and how warm you always are. Not too hot, but just right.”
Those words sort of make my pulse stumble. “Not too hot? I think I have my feelings hurt.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Did you have a good day?” I change the subject.
“I did. It was nice…relaxing. I enjoyed hanging with the guys, but it’s funny…as much as I’ve always enjoyed the spa, as relaxing as I’ve always thought it was, it doesn’t set me free the same way this does…the puppy stuff with you.”
“We’re not doing puppy stuff right now,” I reply.
“You know what I mean,” he says again, and I chuckle. “What do you wanna do tonight? I mean, if you don’t have plans. I’m not trying to spy, but I see Grindr notifications on your phone. If you want to do something else or go out, I get it. I don’t want you to feel like you have to be home with me every night.”
“I don’t feel like I have to do anything, and I don’t have plans. I don’t care what we do. I’m up for anything but…I do have a question for you.”
As if he can tell by the sound of my voice that this is important to me, he rolls over and faces me. “What is it?”
“Do you wanna hang out with me and my family on Saturday? Go to my mom’s? We always try to spend the day doing something—the park or volunteering or…I don’t know. Something that means something to her or that helps others. Then Randall cooks dinner, which is sort of a mess but sweet too. He’s not the best cook but considers it spoiling Mom. It’s the anniversary of…yeah…” I can’t even say the words, so I don’t. Evan gets it, though. Kindness fills his hazel eyes, mixed with something else that I can’t read.
He reaches up and fingers my hair. “You know I always want to support you, but are you sure I belong there? I don’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be intruding,” I tell him. “I already spoke to Mom about it. She wants to meet you. She’s excited to meet my bestie.” I grin, playing it off lightly and he smiles.