Page 97 of King of Pain

I straighten, wiping sweat off my forehead. “There’s more?”

He just grins. “Of course there’s more.”

As we walk toward the exit, I glance at him, feeling this overwhelming warmth spread through my chest. This is already the best birthday I’ve ever had, and I can’t believe he still has more planned.

But beyond that, beyond the fun and the surprises, I realize something else.

There will never be enough time with him.

Every moment I get to be with him feels like a gift.

I can’t wait to have a night out with this beautiful man.

TRACK THIRTY•SEVEN

When Doves Cry

Anthony

When we get back to the apartment complex and swing by Lexi’s to pick up Little G, he’s zooming between our legs the second she opens the door.

“Alright, alright, calm down, little dude,” Chance laughs, bending down to scratch behind the pup’s ears. “You ready for a walk?”

Little G barks, spinning in a circle, his whole butt wiggling.

“Guess that's a yes,” I chuckle, grabbing his leash.

“Did you boys have fun?” Lexi asks, mischief lacing her voice.

“We did. Thanks for taking Little G for the day. We hate crating him,” Chance says.

“It’s honestly a pleasure,” she replies with a smile. “Bring him by after your walk so you can get ready for dinner.”

“Thanks again, Lex. We owe you one.”

“It’s nothing, really. See you soon,” she says, waving us off.

We take him on a long loop around the block, letting him sniff every single blade of grass like it holds the secrets of the universe. As we walk, I can feel Chance's presence beside me—solid, warm, familiar. Every now and then, our arms brush, and I have to keep myself from reaching for his hand like I did at the museum. It’s getting harder to find reasonsnot to.

When we take Little G back to Lexi, she greets us at the door. “What a cute little family.”

Chance just rolls his eyes and rubs Little G’s head before handing over the leash. “Thanks again, Lex.”

“Of course,” she says. “Have fun tonight.”

We assure her we will, then head back to the apartment.

Since we have time before we need to get ready, we collapse onto the couch and throw on a trashy reality series on Netflix. It’s one of those ridiculous dating shows where people make terrible decisions, and it’s the perfect mindless distraction. This one has a mixed bag of couples who have broken up. Straight, gay, bi, and they’ve thrown them all together on an island.

“You’re telling me this guy came on here just to get dumpedtwicein the first episode?” Chance scoffs, popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

“That's what he gets for trying to date a girl and her ex-boyfriend at the same time,” I say dryly.

Chance side-eyes me. “Taking notes, Pacini?”

I snort. “Please. Like I’d ever share you.”

The words slip out before I can stop them, and when I look over at Chance, his lips are parted slightly, his eyes searching mine. Something thick and unspoken crackles between us, and I have to tear my gaze away before I combust right here on the couch.