Page 139 of Forbidden Fruit
“But seriously,” he adds, “thanks. For bringing that out of him.”
The words wrap around my heart like a hug. I swallow hard, trying to push past the lump forming in my throat. “That means a lot. Thank you.”
Desmond gives me a lopsided grin. “Yeah, well… don’t tell him I said any of this. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
I laugh, the warmth between us replacing all the earlier awkwardness.
When Calvin returns, he’s holding a large, wrapped box. He sets it on the dining table with a knowing grin that instantly piques my curiosity.
“Oh my god, what is it?” I gasp, my excitement bubbling over as I bounce on my toes.
“Open it,” he says, his grin widening.
I tear into the wrapping like a kid on Christmas morning, my hands trembling with excitement. The paper falls away, and I freeze, utterly speechless.
It’s a PFAFF Creative Icon sewing and embroidery machine, the exact one I’ve spent years dreaming of but could never afford.
“No way. No way!” I squeal, turning to him, my voice nearly a scream. “Calvin! Are you kidding me? This is insane. I love it. I love you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
I throw my arms around him, hugging him so tightly he lets out a soft laugh, his chest rumbling against mine. Myexcitement can’t be contained as I pepper his face with kisses, leaving him grinning from ear to ear.
“You deserve the world, baby.” His hands cup my cheeks as he pulls me into a deep, lingering kiss that leaves my heart fluttering.
From across the room, Desmond groans dramatically. “You two are disgusting.”
“Then don’t watch,” Calvin quips, shooting his brother a smug grin.
“I’m trying not to,” Desmond fires back. “You’re just making it impossible.”
I laugh, shaking my head, but there’s something I need to say, a weight pressing on my chest. I glance up at Calvin. “Hey, can we go to my room for a second? I need to tell you something.”
“Of course,” he replies, his smile slipping into something more serious. He points at Desmond on his way out. “Don’t touch anything.”
Desmond scoffs, leaning back lazily. “Man, get out of here with that nonsense.”
The moment we step into my room, the atmosphere shifts. I can sense Calvin’s unease before I even speak. His brows knit together as he closes the door behind him.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself.
“I’m only telling you this now because it’s my birthday, and I’m hoping you won’t be too mad at me today.”
Calvin’s frown deepens, but he stays quiet. That silence is sharper than any outburst. He’s waiting. Listening.
“Dylan moved back in with me,” I blurt, the words tumbling out like they’ve been shoved off a cliff. My pulse pounds in my ears as I brace myself.
I see the moment his jaw tightens, a flicker of somethingdangerous flaring in his eyes. “What do you mean,moved back in? Since when?”
“Since last week,” I say quietly.
“A wholeweek?” His voice is calm, too calm. “And you didn’t think to tell me?”
“I wanted to.” I rush the words, stumbling over them. “But we’ve both been so busy with school and work and… I thought I’d just tell you in person. It’s not a big deal, we were roommates before, remember?”
“Don’t play dumb, Blair. You had casual sex with him. And now he’s living in your apartment again.That’snot a big deal?”
I flinch, guilt rising hot in my chest.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I needed help with the rent. That’s all.”
