Page 131 of Hate You Up Close

“I think I do,” he rasps. “If you feel even an ounce of what I feel for you, then I do. Trust me.”

I press my lips to his, skimming my thumbs along his cheeks.

“Let’s get out of here,” he groans as I feel his length begin to harden against my thigh.

I smile against his lips.

Time for the big surprise.

TWENTY-SIX

Elliot

The second we walk through the door of Roxanne’s apartment, I’m reaching for her. Before I can wrap my hands around her waist, she takes a step back until she’s out of reach and shakes her head. A devious grin stretches across her face.

When we left Retrocade, I offered to go back to my condo since it has more room. But Roxanne insisted that we come here for some reason. I caught myself off guard by asking her to come to my condo because ever since Skylar, I have refused to bring anyone of the opposite sex to my place. But I asked Roxanne subconsciously…without a care in the world.

She’s been teasing me all night about a big birthday surprise. Apparently, we need to be at her apartment for that surprise to happen. Whatever that means.

“Come here,” I groan, lunging for her. She steps away again.

“Not yet.” She flashes me a seductive smile and waggles afinger. “No touching. Not until you’ve had your last birthday gift.”

“Then give it to me already,” I plead. “I need to get my hands on you.”

What else could she possibly give me?This has been the best birthday of my life.

Everything about tonight has been fucking perfect. Nobody has put this much thought into my birthday since I was a kid and my parents threw me parties. Of course, I still get the annualhappy birthdaytexts and cards, but what Roxanne planned tonight was personal, special, and meaningful.

For a few hours, I actually let loose and felt like a kid again. I haven’t felt like a kid since I was sixteen years old, standing feet away from the dead body of another teenager. My youth fleeted me that night.

It’s been so long since I laughed until my stomach hurt. Watching Roxanne’s cute scowl every time she rolled a ball into the gutter had me howling with laughter. She would stomp over to me, shove me aside, cross her arms over her chest, and sulk until it was her turn again. I also can’t remember the last time I drank cheap beer and enjoyed it.

After tonight, I think Bud Light is my new favorite. Don’t get me wrong, it still tastes like complete ass. But it reminds me of her. Her cheeky smile…Her contagious laughter…Her graceful heart. Strawberries. Vanilla. Emerald pools and midnight skies. Roxanne.

I’m distracted from my thoughts as Roxanne clasps her hands behind her back, dawning a nervous smile. She walks backward, her eyes never leaving mine and she steps further into her apartment.

“I’m uh…I’m going to my room for a few minutes,” she mutters. “I need to get your surprise ready. Do you mind waiting out here?”

What the hell does she have planned?

“No,” I shake my head. “I’m good.”

“Great,” she grins. “Then just have a seat on the couch, and I’ll be out in five. Do you need anything to drink?”

I shake my head.

“Nah,” I reply. “I’m fine for now.”

“Okay, five minutes,” she rushes out before hurriedly spinning around and disappearing into her room.

Seconds after I take a seat on the couch, Roxanne’s black cat peeks his head out from beneath the coffee table.

What was his name again? Scary? Scooby?

The overhead light flashes against his collar, and I squint my eyes to get a better look at the name.

Spooky.