Page 31 of Gin & Jewels

“You’re welcome.”

“Want half?”

“No way. This is your special day, and you get the entire cupcake.”

“You ate one already, huh?” I teased.

Brad grinned. “Maybe.”

We went back to watching the movie as I ate my chocolate cupcake. Occasionally I would look over at him and feel warm and fuzzy inside. I knew he was right.

Wewerebrought together for a reason.

Brad pulledhis truck up to the curb in front of my house and cut the engine. “Thank you for tonight. I had fun,” I stated.

“Me too.” He beamed. “Tomorrow we’ll have more fun.”

“You mean later today?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll pick you up around two.”

“I’ll be waiting.” I hesitated for a second, wanting to see if he’d lean it—wishinghe would lean in. He didn’t, so I opened the door and slid down out of the truck. “See you soon.”

“Night, princess.”

“Night.”

I walked up the driveway and into the well-lit house. The moment the door shut behind me, Micky was walking toward me.

“Where have you been?” he inquired.

“The drive-in.”

“With who?”

I furrowed my brows and started for the stairs. “None of your business.”

He grabbed my wrist. “I was worried about you.”

I wiggled out of his grasp. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

He grabbed me again. “Who drives the truck, Cass?”

I got out of his hold again and took the stairs two at a time. “None of your fucking business.”

“Are you dating someone?”

I spun around, my hand on my bedroom doorknob. “Were you spying on me?”

“I just saw someone drop you off, and I want to know who it was.”

“You don’t get to ask me that. You’re not my dad.”

“Your dad is dead—”

“You don’t think I know that?” I yelled.

“Of course I do.”