Page 109 of Always Love You More

Billy takes a bite of his burger. “Sorry,” he says, “but I’ve gotta side with Jameson on this one.”

“Whatever,” I grumble. “You guys don’t know what you’re missing.”

I pull my own burger from the bag, unwrap it, and stifle a yawn.

“You’re tired,” Jameson says.

“I’m fine,” I answer, not wanting to be the reason the night ends, but my body betrays me, and I yawn again.

“Let me take you home,” he says softly. “Let you get some sleep.”

Reluctantly, I nod.

We start toward my neighborhood, but this time Jameson drives slowly, like he’s dragging out our time together.

I relax back in the seat as the low rumble of the engine calms me. Letting my eyes close, I feel Jameson trace slow patterns on my leg, his callused finger gently skimming over my skin.

Eventually, the car slows, and I blink my eyes open. We’re idling on the street, a few houses down from mine. When I look over at Jameson, he explains, “Figured you were sneaking in, and with the engine being so loud, I didn’t want—”

I drop my hand on top of his. “Thank you.”

He nods as I collect my purse from my feet, handing him the presents Billy and I got him.

“Was it a good birthday?” I ask.

“Best one I’ve had.”

I smile at that.

“Text me when you get in, okay?”

“I will,” I tell him before leaning in and sweeping my lips against his.

I push out of the car, and Billy swaps seats with me. “See ya later,” he says through the open window.

I give them both a small wave then turn to walk home. When I get to my driveway, I look back and see the car still sitting in the same spot.

I climb up and through my bedroom window, but it isn’t until I send Jameson a text that I finally hear his car drive past my house and down the street.

By the time I wake up, it’s already close to noon. I stretch my arms overhead and squint my eyes against the brightness filtering through my window.

I’m surprised nobody woke me.

I move through the motions of showering and getting ready before padding downstairs.

Everyone is in the living room, watching TV, and their eyes all flick up to me when I walk in.

My father looks me over. “What’s wrong with you?” he asks. “Slept half the day away.”

I quickly shift my gaze to Johnny, who subtly shakes his head. He hasn’t told them anything, so there’s no story for me to contradict.

“Sorry,” I mutter. “I couldn’t sleep.” I clear my throat, trying to look embarrassed. “Woman troubles.”

My father drops his eyes as Carson groans, “Jesus, we don’t need to be hearing about that shit.”

They make it so easy. All I have to do to get them to stop asking questions is bring up my period.

I move into the kitchen and start another pot of coffee. I’ve just poured myself some when Johnny walks in.