“What do you want to watch?” He hands me the remote.
I refuse it, taking a piece of toast instead. “Whatever you want.”
“So Halloween?”
I give him my best “not impressed” look. He laughs. God, I missed his laugh.
“How about The Waterboy?”
“I love Adam Sandler,” I gush.
“I know you do.” He shoots me a wink before turning on the movie.
Halfway through the movie, I shiver. Keaton gets up to grab me a blanket and spreads it out over me.
“Thank you,” I whisper, even though we are the only two in the room.
He puts his arm around me, pulling me into his side. “Anytime.”
I lay my head on his shoulder and fold my feet up onto the couch beside me, enjoying the comfort of being in his arms. I know I shouldn’t read more into this, but I can’t help it. With each lingering touch and all the flirting, I’m head over heels falling in love with Keaton. Which is crazy considering I loved him once, but back then it was puppy love. It didn’t come close to the way he makes me feel now.
Maybe my mom is right and the world relies on fate. Maybe I was supposed to leave because it wasn’t our time. Maybe this is our time.
“What are you thinking about?” His husky whisper draws me out of my mind.
Looking up at him, I’m struck by how gorgeous he is. Those hazel eyes can see right into my soul, I feel.
“Nothing.” My voice is barely above a whisper.
A slow smirk covers his face. “Tell me.”
I shake my head, my eyes transfixed on that smile. On his lips.
“Tell me or else,” he playfully threatens.
“Or else what?” I’m still distracted by the thought of his lips on mine.
“You asked for it.”
The next thing I know, I’m flat on my back with Keaton hovering over me. My breath catches in my throat.
“Last chance,” he warns.
Last chance for what? I think to myself.
When I don’t speak, he captures both of my hands in his, bringing them up above my head. I can’t help the tingles spreading across my body. He leans his face in closer to mine. My eyes close as I wait for his lips to meet mine.
He holds both my hands in his left hand as his right hand glides down my body, causing an overwhelming sensation to spread through me. Heat pools in my core as I concentrate on the feeling of his hands sliding across my body. Once his hand reaches my ribs, he caresses once before digging in to tickle me.
My eyes pop open as the sensations from before are now replaced with my uncontrollable giggling.
“Keaton, stop,” I breathe out between laughs.
“Tell me,” he demands, not slowing his assault.
I try to arch up to push him off me while squeezing my legs around his waist.
We both freeze.
I feel the rock-hard proof that he’s into this as much as I am. That warm feeling in my center ramps back up.
“Keat,” I whisper.
“Red.” He presses more firmly into me, making me gasp. He leans in, bringing his lips closer to mine. Suddenly the lights turn on.
He jumps up from me as I push as far away from him as possible.
“What are you guys up to?” Sage’s voice holds a hint of humor.
“Watching a movie.” Keaton’s voice is strong and unaffected.
I take a look in his direction, but he’s focused on the screen.
“Oh. The Waterboy. My favorite. Mind if I join?”
She takes a seat on the chair next to us, but her presence is like a bucket of cold water.
Whatever almost just happened, it probably shouldn't have been happening.
Friends. Just friends.
✽✽✽
Keaton
I’m sitting in my last class of the day when what today is hits me.
It’s Morgan’s 18th birthday.
Fuck!
How could I forget? Even with her being gone, I still remembered every year. Today’s the day that one of the most important people in my life was brought into this world. I can’t deny that, even when she was gone, this day meant something to me. That’s why I often got drunk and went to bed alone. I couldn’t handle what it meant.
This year is different.
I slide my phone out of my pocket.
Me: So, if today was your 18th birthday and you weren’t one to really celebrate, what would you want? What could Reed do that honors your wishes but also gives him the satisfaction of knowing he did something for you?
Sage: I’m assuming this is for Morgan?
Me: Yes.
Sage: You realize you’d be better off asking Victoria, right?
Me: I asked you, Momma Sage…
Sage: What’s something you guys used to do that you know she loved? Whatever it is, do that, but dress it up. If you want the girl, set the mood.
I think about it for a few minutes and come up with an idea.
Me: I think I got it. Thanks.
Sage: Remember condoms…
Me: Sage…
Sage: Just saying… no babies.
I back out of my text thread with Sage and start one with Mrs. Wright. Her number hasn’t changed over the years, and she often texted me to check in.
Me: Hey, it’s Keaton. I know today's Morgan’s birthday, and I was wondering if you guys had any plans to celebrate tonight.
Mrs. Wright: Shouldn’t you be in class? *wink face* We have early dinner reservations at Noble. Why, would you like to do something with Morgan?
Me: This is what I was thinking…
Once the bell rings, I rush out of class and straight to my Senna.
“Hey, where are you going in a hurry?” Finley yells from behind me.
I don’t respond verbally but pull out my phone and send him a text.
Me: Can you take Tins home? I have somewhere I need to be.
Fin: Can do, but you owe me.
I jump in my car and slide my phone into its holder on the dash before starting her up. I run from store to store, getting everything I need to make
