“We got our pedicures together last week, and then he came to pick me up, remember? We showed him our toes with that flowery nail art. The guy has the memory of an elephant.” She humorously shakes her head and then takes a seat at the table with the girls, pulling out a crayon and helping Tara.

“I’d say. What kind of a guy pays attention to that much detail?” I ask.

“My guy does.” Her smile shining, purely elated that Trey is hers.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell them and venture into the living room. Unsure of how this whole thing with Dex and I will be received, I go the long way. Down the hallway by the front door and then behind the couch. Leaning over, I hand the bowl of chips to Dex, and he pulls my arm down so my face is right by his. “You’re beautiful,” he whispers in my ear and kisses the corner of my lips. To think not even twenty-four hours ago I was desperate to hear those words leave his mouth. Hearing them now brings a smile to my face that I’m certain no one could shatter.

I’m surprised the guys remain silent, as though they missed the whole kiss and closeness of Dex and me. Feeling more at ease with the situation, I confidently strut across the room, back to the confines of the kitchen to hang out with the girls. “So you nailed her, right?” Rob asks Dex, and I’m about to turn around until, “OUCH! Hey, I deserve some fucking credit,” he adds and a smile turns up my lips as I disappear through the doorway.

“Girls, why don’t you go show the boys your drawings,” Kailey suggests. Chloe and Tara jump out of their chairs and rush into the room, right as the boys roar to life. “You,” she points to me, “sit and talk,” she demands, and Sadie smirks up at me while cutting a brick of cheese.

“Does Brady have a reprieve today?” I tease.

“When the Browns play, he does nothing but sit on that couch the entire game. I made breakfast this morning.”

“So, I made the right decision in staying in bed?” I joke, and she throws a piece of cheese at me.

Then her shoulders shrug. “Probably though. Even Rob passed,” she comments and begins positioning it all on the tray. “Stop avoiding the conversation. Let’s hear it.” She leans back in her chair, giving me all of her attention.

“The big man finally came around to his senses, huh?” Kailey adds, mimicking Sadie’s position in the chair. I bite my lip, not wanting to give every moment of my alone time with Dex, but excitement to share my happiness boils inside of me at the same time.

“I guess so. I’m pretty sure I have Ryland Davis to thank.” My stomach clinches, thinking how I have to tell him that our date for Saturday night is off.

“Whatever worked, hallelujah! That boy couldn’t figure out which way was up lately. He came over to the house every day last week. He and Trey would talk for a bit, nothing important. He’d spin the girls around and then leave.”

“Huh?” I question. “I wonder why?”

She shrugs. “I have no idea. Trey said he didn’t bring anything up. Just asked Trey how life was for us.”

“I think Dex has a hard time with fully committing,” Sadie adds, and Kailey tosses a chip at her. “I mean before. Like he had a hard time figuring out how to accept his feelings—”

“Stop, Sadie. I understand what you’re saying.” Truth is, I do. It’s hard to accept the turnaround Dex has done in such a small amount of time. But, I’ve always trusted Dex, and this time is no different. For some reason, in my bones, I know he’s ready. He’s accepted his feelings, and a selfish part of me believes he’s enjoying the excitement I bring to his life.

“Yeah, I didn’t mean that he doesn’t love—have you guys said it yet?” Sadie leans forward, her eyes bulging with curiosity.

I nod, and they gush, both moving forward in their chairs, eager for the nitty-gritty details. I feel like a fog has come over me because I’m finally able to share with my friends that the one thing I’ve dreamed of for years came true last night.

“Who said it first?” Kailey asks.

“Did he?” Sadie chimes in before I can even answer.

“He did,” I confirm, and they both ohh and awe over my answer.

“We’ll be right back,” Brady screams from the front door, and we all stand.

Trey walks in, hands Drew to Kailey, and the girls stand by her legs. “What’s going on?” she asks him when his lips peck her cheek.

“Mrs. Fletcher needs our help for a second,” he informs her and jogs down the hall.

All of us girls look out the window and admire the boys helping their elderly neighbor by putting garbage bags over her plants and flowers, protecting them from the frost that’s due in tonight. My heart bursts for Dex a little more, if that’s possible, when I see him giving her some extra attention. A half hour later, the boys are jogging back over, and we all sigh at the sight of our knights in shining armor. The same guys who are willing to miss their football game to help their elderly neighbor.

THE NEXT MORNING, I climb out of the happy restraints of Dex’s sheets. His light snores continue as I wander into the bathroom to start my day. Awoken from sleep two hours prior, I lay in bed, debating on how I would break the news to Ryland. I hate that the anxiety of what I have to do overtakes my time with Dex. He hasn’t asked me any questions, and I haven’t divulged that I had agreed on another date. I guess there’s no need to either worry or bring out alpha Dex when I’m squashing it today.

A heavy weight sits in my stomach the whole time I take a shower, blow dry my hair, and put on my make-up. I leave the bathroom after a pep talk to myself on what I would tell Ryland. He’ll have to understand, after all, he saw Dex’s reaction. “Ready?” I jolt, noticing Dex standing in his doorway in a pair of jogging pants and a sweatshirt.

I smile and tilt my head. Walking toward him, my hands land on his shoulders and then slowly lower until I grab both strings of his hoodie and pull down. His face meets mine, and I kiss his lips. “What are you doing up?” I ask.

“I’m always up for you,” he jokes, and I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Seriously, though, boyfriends drive their girlfriends to work.” He smirks, and I wrap my arms around his waist. The fact he’s trying so hard to please me, confirms I’m making the right decision today.

“You don’t have to. I know you have class.” I give him an out.

“Nah, I only have one, and then I’ll go work out and be primped and ready to pick you up.” He chuckles lightly. This more carefree side of Dex is nice; it reminds me of a younger side of him, when I knew him best.

I inch up on my toes and allow my lips to press against his for a second before starting to pull back.

“Too short,” he says, his hand cradling my head in his palm to keep me where I am. His tongue sneaks in, and I open with a tongue waiting to mingle together in the wet and warmth of our mouths. Abruptly, he ends the kiss by letting my hair out of his grip and then closing his mouth. Leaving me craving more, like always. I can guarantee there may never be a time that my thirst for Dex will be quenched.

As I turn on my heels, he smacks my ass, and I venture across the bathroom tile floor into my room. “God, I love that ass,” he says, and I giggle the most flirtatious sound.

DEX PULLS UP to the curb. The bakery has already been open for a few hours, but the insurance company, Lily’s florist, the bank, and other shops around this strip of downtown are all just now unlocking their doors and flipping their closed signs to open. “I’ll pick you up at five,” he informs me, and I have no idea how I’ll make it through eight hours without his hands, his lips, and his embrace. “It will go by fast,” he says, as though he heard my thoughts. I guess he has always been able to read my facial expressions.