Page 102 of Always Love You More

I look down at the packages. They’re wrapped neatly in what looks to be a brown paper grocery bag.

Sam twists her lips. “Sorry, I didn’t have any wrapping paper.”

I shake my head. “It looks great.”

Carefully, I begin to unwrap the first one. She holds out her hand, and I pass her the paper, watching as she crumples it up and tucks it into her purse.

Before unwrapping it, I could immediately tell it’s a DVD, but when I flip it over, my eyes shoot up, glancing between the two of them. “You got meTaxi Driver?”

“Well, you said Scorsese was your favorite—”

“And I remember we saw it when they were doing that summer classics series last year at the drive-in and you said you liked it,” Billy finishes.

Sam motions to the DVD. “You don’t already have it, do you?”

“No. This is … Thanks.”

“All right, open the other one,” Billy says.

I tear away the brown paper and find a box with headphones inside.

“When I was over, I noticed the cord on yours is all messed up,” Sam explains. “Figured they must not work that well anymore.”

“They don’t,” I answer. The sound cuts out unless I hold it at a certain angle.

I stare down at the gifts, feeling oddly emotional. They’re so … thoughtful.

With my free hand, I pull Sam into me and kiss her. “Thank you, baby.”

“You’re welcome,” she breathes against me.

I look over at Billy, tipping my head up. “Thanks, man.”

“Of course,” he answers.

“Seriously,” I say to the two of them. “These are … These are some of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten.”

“Glad you like ’em.” Billy grins, spinning and starting back down the road.

I keep Sam tucked under my arm as we follow behind him, needing to have her close.

Her and Billy are talking about something, but I’m not really listening. Instead, I’m watching her. I watch as she laughs, the sound pouring from her as her head drops back. I trace her lips with my gaze as they spread into a wide smile, and I realize how beautiful she looks when she’s happy. That I’d do just about anything to keep her smiling like this.

I watch her, and it hits me.

I think I’m in love with this girl.

Chapter 25

Jameson

Oncethesunsets,people start showing up for the party. Some of them I know. Most of them I don’t. I’ve maybe seen them hanging around, but I couldn’t tell you more than their name.

My father’s always liked a lot of people around. I think it makes him feel important. These parties are always more for him than me, anyway. But this time, it’s better because Sam hasn’t left my side since it started.

I’m careful to watch the people who pass us, keeping extra close to her to make it clear she’s not here alone. It’s not that I don’t trust her; it’s that I don’t trust anyone here.

We’ve each got a drink in hand when Billy comes up to us, a girl I don’t recognize trailing closely behind him.