Page 128 of The Path to Loving Him
“A little.” She smirks. “But it’s not anything I don’t already know.” She glances down at my legs, then up at me. “How are you getting around?”
“Better,” I say. “Taking it slow.”
“Probably smart. You don’t want Ryland carrying you around school tomorrow.” She winks. “Or maybe you do.”
“I think she does,” Bower whispers, leaning in.
“Oh my God, both of you,” I say, making them laugh. “Change of subject.” I glance at Hattie’s puzzle. “Is that a pickle puzzle?”
“Yes.” Hattie beams. “Word around the street was some new puzzles came in, and one of them was a pickle puzzle. Those are two of my favorite things combined into one. So I had to come down before it was taken.”
“I’m glad you secured it,” I say just as Hayes walks up to us.
I remember when Hayes Farrow’sBlackalbum came out, and I was enamored with his voice. Seeing him in person and trying to act all normal, as if I haven’t cried to his lyrics, is pretty hard. I had to warn Bower to be as normal as possible. Thankfully, she listened. But still, he’s a god.
And the way he’s so protective over Hattie? It lowers the wall I have up around the need for a relationship. Just look at him, at the way he always has to touch Hattie, be near her, and see the sparkle in his eyes when he looks down at her. It’s hard not to be jealous. He used to be such a playboy and never into relationships at all. But he’s so protective of Hattie, which makes me think I’m right. Sometimes it only takes the right person to come along to beyourperson. It makes the idea of a relationship less objectionable.
And he has written songs about her too . . . he has a new album releasing later this year, from what I’ve been told. He’s a swoon-worthy man.
“You found it,” he says, staring at the puzzle.
“I did. And look.” She shows him the box and points. “It has my favorite pickles on it.”
He smiles down at her as if she’s the world. “Meant to be.”
She lifts and presses a quick kiss to his lips before turning back to us. “Well, we’re going to head out. We have a day of puzzling and watching movies. Did you pick out your puzzle?”
He shakes his head. “Stuck between two choices.”
“Well, let me decide,” Hattie says. “Catch you guys later.”
“Bye,” we both say, watching them walk away. Hayes has his arm draped over Hattie’s shoulders.
“Who would have freaking guessed that the man whose music can make you come with one single strum of the guitar enjoys puzzling on the weekends with his girlfriend?”
“I would have told you, you were crazy,” I say.
Bower shakes her head and goes back to the romance books. “Now I’m going to be searching for a rock star romance. Seeing them together has me all hot and bothered.”
I stare at my friend. “You really have grown hornier.”
“Not even ashamed. Remind me to share with you my list of vibrators that are absolute must-haves.”
“This freaking burger,” Bower says, mouth full of meat as she stares at the cheeseburger in her hand. “The best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth, and that includes Danny Frankton’s dick.”
“Jesus, Bower,” I say. “Danny Frankton?”
She swallows. “Gabby, I’ve never seen a more dignified rod in my life. A perfectly proportioned head, girth, and length all in one, bulging veins, taut skin that made you truly believe you were the one stretching that cock to the limits. Just magnificent.”
“You have serious issues.”
“Please, do you not sit back and look through your rolodex of cocks and think, wow, that one was just a sight to behold?”
“I haven’t known the men long enough to remember.”
She eyes me. “That is somewhat true. Nathan had a horrible dick, though, probably to go along with his horrible personality.”She grows quiet for a second. “Has he contacted you since that night?”
I shake my head. “Nope.” It’s a lie because I don’t want to worry her. Yes, he’s texted me. No, I have not responded. Simple as that. No need to discuss.
