She nods. “And what about your mom?”
A small smile tugs at my lips. “She was the best part of it all. Worked two jobs, came home late, and still managed to cook dinner and hang out with my sisters and me. She’s the reason I made it out of that mess. I owe her everything.”
My grin widens. “Now, she calls me every day, asking me when I’m going to knock someone up and give her a grandkid.Doesn’t even care who it is anymore. A girlfriend, a coworker, the mail lady. She’s not picky.”
Her eyes sparkle with amusement. “Single moms, I get it. They’re the best. I’m sure one of your many girlfriends could help her out and make a baby with you.”
“Many girlfriends?” I smirk. “I take offense. I’ll have you know, none of the women I date get that title. It’s strictly no-strings.”
She laughs, the sound raspy and warm. It makes me feel lighter. Makes me want to keep talking, even if I should probably back off. But the truth is, she’s not like anyone I’ve met before. And I’m not sure I’ll ever stop wanting to learn more about her.
“So,” I lean back. “Surprise me with something I’d never guess about you.”
“It’s my birthday,” she blurts out. “And I kinda hate parties.”
I scrunch my face. “No way. You wrecked your car on your birthday, and now you’re stuck here… with me?” I shake my head, half grinning. “That’s absolutely… tragic.”
She laughs even harder. “You’re definitely the last person I expected on my birthday guest list. And shit, you’re not exactly easy to look at… or talk to.” She bites her lip, and looks away flustered, like she didn’t mean to flirt but couldn’t help it.
I chuckle, feeling the tension between us shift—lighter now, easier. “Well, happy birthday. That makes you a Libra, right?”
She nods, and for some reason, that makes us both smile.
“My sister Gabriella’s a Libra too. She’s convinced Geminis and Libras are cosmic soulmates. Says that's why we get along so well, though she mostly drives me nuts.” I grin, raising my brow. “So, this jinxed thing… is that what you’re blaming the car trouble on?”
“Jinxed is my whole life,” she says, something shifting in her voice. “Every year, it’s the same—surprise parties, forced celebrations, and another reminder that my dad won’t call.” Shehesitates, her walls slightly slipping. “I guess I’m not in the mood to fake it again this year.”
“You’re right. Sometimes, life’s an asshole. Kind of like both of our fathers.” I pause, not sure what else to say. “Anyways, what’s the deal with surprise parties? Why do you hate them?”
Her eyes glisten, her gaze more playful. “Well, someone's interested in my life. I don’t think I’ve had this much attention from a man since I flipped off my ATV in Cancun and lost my bikini top in the process.”
I laugh, imagining the hot mess. “Seems like your, uh, breasts like to be free. If I had them, I wouldn’t bother covering up either.”
She shakes her head, her cheeks turning red. Am I getting under her skin? Why can’t I stop asking her questions? Stop sharing. Stop wanting to know everything about her. Stop wanting to make her smile.
“That laugh of yours… it really should be illegal.”
“Right back at you.” I wink, leaning in enough to make the tension rise. “Seriously, what’s the story with the parties, and this whole jinx thing?”
“You got popcorn and M&Ms? It’s a long story.” Her voice is light, but something feels heavier.
“Wait here,” I mutter, and stand up to leave as an idea hits me.
Shortly after, I’m back with a bag from a little shop down the street—popcorn, M&Ms, and plastic eyeglasses with tiny ghost decals. I even found a pumpkin spice candle and a miniature pumpkin that reads,“If you’ve got it, haunt it.”
“Happy birthday, Jenna.” I hand her the bag, keeping my voice casual. I can be friends with a beautiful woman. I’ll just call Amber or Annabelle later to meet my non-friendly needs.
Her face lights up. “What… what is all this?”
“You love Halloween. You said you needed snacks to share your story.” I nod toward the glasses. “And consider these protection… so you can avoid that damn pole next time.”
She tilts her head back, laughing, light and unrestrained. For a split second, I have to fight the insane urge to kiss her. She slides the glasses on, looking ridiculous and even more adorable.
“I’m not going to say you didn’t have to do this—” she says, with a big smile plastered on her pretty face that tugs at something inside me. “Because you absolutely should have,” she teases. “But this is so sweet. Very thoughtful. It’s going straight on my desk at work—right next to my‘Dis is boo sheet’pumpkin.”
I sink into my seat as she wraps her arms around me, thanking me for the car, the talk—for everything. Her hair brushes my cheek, the scent of strawberries filling the air, making me crave more. Fuck. I should pull away. But I don’t. I wait for her to let go.
This woman deserves so much more… more than I could ever give her.
