Page 34 of How You See Me (You and Me Duology #2)

Hayes

A fter thanking the B&B staff for the most memorable morning, we pile into the van, and point it toward Albuquerque. We’re behind schedule, sure—but with everything Josie’s been through, I couldn’t bring myself to rush her. Or us.

Today isn’t about the route. It’s about her. About giving her space to recover and showing her that she owns every last piece of me.

“I should’ve eaten more of that delicious lunch,” Josie says, rubbing her stomach.

“We did get sidetracked.”

She shoots me a sultry wink, reminding me of the last few hours I spent in her arms as a new man. “You were way more appetizing.”

“Can’t help myself when you look at me like I’m dessert.”

She giggles, then it trails off. “Has this ever happened to you?”

I know what she’s asking. Have I ever felt this connection with someone else? I don’t even need to think about it.

“Never.”

She lets out a deliberate exhale and relaxes. She may be satisfied with my answer, but it’s not enough.

“I got you something.”

“You did?” She sits up straighter in her seat, her hand squeezing mine in the process.

“Behind your seat.”

With a squeal, she dives into the back, then sets the large white box on her lap. “What is it?”

“Open it.”

“Don’t rush me,” she teases, her fingers tracing the edges. “I’m savoring the experience. I can’t remember the last time I got a gift that wasn’t for my birthday or Christmas. And those were usually from Jordan.”

“No one else?”

How can anyone spend five minutes with this woman and not want to give her the world? Bunch of assholes.

“My ex wasn’t exactly the thoughtful type, and you’ll understand when you meet Grant. He’s the only one who’s ever tried.”

“You want me to meet your friend?”

Her face whips toward me like she’s surprised I’d even ask. “Of course. He already thinks you’re hot, so he’ll be proud of me for locking you down.”

A laugh bursts out of me. “What?”

“Remember when he dared me to ask you to dance?”

“Yeah.”

“He said you reminded him of a sexy lumberjack and that I could use a little something woodsy in my life.” Pink blooms on her cheeks. “If you catch the meaning.”

“Wow. I’m speechless. What kind of friend is this?”

“The best kind. Loud, inappropriate, loyal. It’s just hard to recognize it if you don’t know him. He called me ‘Queen Josie’ after our dance since I conquered your entire table of admirers.”

“I think I could have done without that story.”

She laughs, lifting the box top, but it’s cut off by a gasp. “Don’t tell me it’s—”

“Red velvet cake with rainbow sprinkles and cream cheese icing.”

“Where—how?”

“The B&B staff whipped it up while we . . .” I clear my throat. “Cleaned up.”

Her jaw drops open.

“I wanted to do something to put a smile back on your face.”

“Oh, Hayes, my sexy lumberjack.” She bats her lashes at me. “You had already done that in the shower and in the bedroom and on the couch. This gift is the sprinkles on top of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. The icing on the most perfect red velvet cake.”

“Are you saying I’m both the ice cream and the cake?”

“Of course. You’re the best part.”

Her words touch something deep inside me, and as our eyes meet, desire snaps into the air.

I yank the van off the side of the road and kill the engine. “Come here.”

She doesn’t ask why. Just sets the box on the floor and climbs into my lap. “I never knew I could be this happy.”

Her fingers weave through my hair as I gently trail my hands up her back, mindful of her bruises. After kissing each one this morning and observing how they moved with her above me, I’ve memorized them all.

I know which ones hurt the most and which look worse than they feel. They’re reminders of her grace, her fire, her strength, and they’ve only deepened my admiration for her. She is unstoppable, and I am completely in awe.

“I'm happy to.” Tightening one arm around her, I rise off the seat and drop us both onto the mattress. “Let me show you how much.”

◆◆◆

After the unplanned detour to the B&B—and the more than worth-it pit stop on the side of the road—we arrive in Albuquerque right before sunset. Too late for the hot air balloon ride I’d hoped to check off the list, but that’s okay. We’ll catch it in the morning.

Tonight, we’ve got time and each other.

We grab dinner downtown, tucked into the corner of a lively Italian restaurant that hits all the senses. Josie’s laughter blends with the warm spice in the air, and for a moment, it’s easy to forget everything else .

On our walk after dinner, I check my phone.

“Anything important?” Josie asks, nudging my arm.

“Yes. This way.” We detour off the main road and take the next left courtesy of the directions I found online.

She raises a brow but follows me down the quiet street. “Where are you taking me?”

“You’ll see.”

I check the directions again, and the store should be up ahead. As the sign comes into view, I lean in and kiss her. She melts into it without hesitation.

“Ready for your next surprise?”

“Next? I already feel spoiled with everything that’s happened today.”

“That was only the beginning.” With a peck to her forehead, I lead her the few feet to the door and let her enter first.

She freezes to take in the small camera shop, her hand pressed against her chest. “Hayes.”

“Whichever one you want. It’s yours.”

Spinning like she wants to retreat, she bumps into me. I hold her there with my arms around her.

“I can’t let you spend that much on me. I’ll get a new camera after my Vegas sales.”

“How about a compromise? I’ll get the camera. You get any additional equipment you need or want later.”

Her lips purse in disapproval. “That’s basically the same thing since I’ll probably be able to use all my previous accessories. ”

A guilty smirk emerges, telling her I’d already thought of that. “I want to do this for you.”

Her gaze sweeps my face, landing on my mouth last before planting a kiss there. “You’re amazing. You know that, right?”

“That’s how I feel when you kiss me.”

“Then, I’ll be sure to do it often.”

She gives me another before diving into talks about lenses and specs with a salesman. It sounds like a foreign language I’ll never understand. To give me something to do, I stop by the main counter.

“Do you offer photo printing here?” I ask the staff.

“Yes, we do. Would you like to place an order? Depending on what you need, I can probably get them to you before you leave.”

“Perfect.” I pull out the storage card Josie used in the damaged camera. “Two of everything that’s on here. Whatever is the standard size.”

While I wait, I grab a seat by the windows and text Mom.

Me: Checking in. We’re in New Mexico.

Mom: Hi, honey. You’re almost there! We’re okay. Ava loved your photos. She showed them off to every nurse like she went with you .

Me: I wish she had. Is she awake?

Mom: No. Chemo wiped her out.

Mom: Although, all the talking she did might have been the culprit. You were the preferred topic of conversation today. If needed, she has a few nurses lined up for you when you get back.

Me: Not necessary.

Mom: Does that mean your talk with Josie’s brother went well?

Me: It did. Apparently, we were stupid to worry.

Mom: And . . .

Me: I think Josie and I are officially together.

Mom: Think?

Me: We haven’t exactly said the words.

Mom: Young people these days. If you’re not seeing other people, you’re together. Simple as that.

Me: Some stuff happened recently, and I don’t want to push her.

Mom: Ah. “Stuff.” I know what that means. Say no more.

I’m so glad this is a text conversation, so I can detour without backlash.

Me: Any idea when Ava will be discharged?

Mom: Doctors say maybe tomorrow if she doesn’t have any unusual side effects.

Me: That’s good. Keep me posted.

When Josie makes her selection, we meet at the register. The cashier bags the camera and a thick envelope, handing it all to me.

“What was that?” Josie asks, eyeing the envelope.

“Your pictures.”

“You brought the card?” Tears swim but don’t spill. “Thank you.”

“Now, you can finish the waterfall painting.”

Once we hit the sidewalk outside, she rises to her toes, planting a kiss on me to rival the one I got in the tub.

“Take me home, Hot Stuff. I’d like to thank you properly.”

◆◆◆

Lying in bed next to Josie might be the best kind of peace I’ve ever known.

“Do you feel appreciated?” she purrs, draping one leg over mine, her fingertips trailing over my jaw.

“Thoroughly. But as much as I’d like to stay here, I’ve got one more thing to show you. ”

She groans. “Another surprise? I swear, my heart’s going to explode.”

“Today was about you, and it’s not over.” I check the time. “Get dressed.”

“Wow. That’s something I didn’t expect you to say.”

I grimace. “It was painful.”

After dressing in the clothes we left piled on the floor, I climb up to the roof, then help her do the same. Once she’s snug between my legs, leaning back against my chest, she goes still.

The view is even better than I imagined.

The desert stretches out endlessly before us, washed in silver from the full moon. The Sandia Mountains stand in silhouette against a twinkling night sky.

Everything slows.

It’s the kind of stillness that settles deep in my bones and presses pause on the world. The kind that lets you take a full breath. I brought Josie up here thinking it would be a gift for her—but I hadn’t expected it to land in my chest too.

The silence is interrupted only by the faint call of a coyote or a breeze, carrying the crisp, earthy scent of sage and dust. Out here, with her, I could lose myself—or maybe, finally, find what I’ve been searching for.

She breathes in sharply, and I pull her closer.

“Thank you for this,” she whispers. “No picture could ever do this justice, but I want to try.”

“I’ll get it.” I climb over her, pecking her cheek along the way .