Page 111 of Consumed By You

Benjamin kisses Doris’s cheek and heads our way.

“I need to get going,” he says.

Kevin lets me go. “I’ll see you later, Benjamin.”

“See ya.”

Speak, Darcy!

“Thank you for coming to check up on me, and for the gift.”

He smiles. “I just hope you had a good day.”

“It’s been the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

He shuffles in place, holding an expensive pair of leather gloves. I perspire profusely under his scrutiny, my naturally rosy cheeks heating. Months apart and it’s still there.

“I don’t know what’s going on with that guy and you, but I’d really like to keep in touch. I hate when we don’t speak.”

“I hate it too,” I whisper, knowing I shouldn’t even be answering him.

“So, I’ll call you?”

“Okay.” I’m looking down at my feet when he kisses my cheek. Gasping softly at the unexpected gesture, I glance up at him. His hair is falling delicately over his eyes so perfectly.

“Happy birthday, Darcy.”

“Good night,” I say, stepping aside for him to leave.

***

I’m helping Kevin clean up the living room silently despite his nonstop chatter. Hard liquor does that to him.

I’m still trying to get over the sudden change in circumstances tonight. Luke is no longer in my life and Benjamin is back. I had sworn him off for good, but somehow he’s planted himself firmly back in place. I can’t get him out of my mind. My gaze shifts over to the hardcover book on my table. He must have been planning to get that for me for a while. There’s no way he could acquire a first edition Austen novel overnight.

He’s thought about me. Hewasn’tlying.

“Where are you?” Kevin asks.

“I don’t even know,” I lie.

“You know, I have this covered. You can go to him.”

That makes me look up from the trash bag. “What? Why do you say that?”

“It’s been clear as day since he planted those luscious lips on your cheek and walked out that door.” He takes the trash bag from my hands. “It’s your birthday. Go have fun.”

“It’s not just fun with us. Ilovehim, Kevin.”

“And he loves you. I had doubts before, but they’re long gone after tonight.”

I stare at him silently.

“He does. You know it, I know it, heck, everyoneknows it.” Kevin smirks. “Who cares if he can’t tell you right now? He definitely let you know for sure tonight.”

“Kevin…”

“I’m about to throttle you!” he exclaims, pointing to my front door with his index finger. “If you don’t want him, give him to me! I’ll happily take a billionaire that makes me come repeatedly and buys me first editions of my favorite books.”