Page 115 of When In Doubt

“Oh, yeah, that’s not ideal.”

“I can’t give him that! My sister would kill me!”

“What’s it supposed to be?”

“A lion.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes,” she groans.

“I mean, I guess I can see a mane?” Or something like it, but honestly it looks more like a misshapen donkey with a mullet.

“It’s a disaster,” she groans.

“I’m sure we can salvage it.” She raises a self-deprecating eyebrow and I have an idea. I straighten my shoulders. “You know, if you have time this week we could always have a little craft night, just the two of us?” I knot my fingers together, feeling like a nervous kid asking someone for a playdate.

“For real?” she asks brightly.

“Yeah, you could come to my apartment if you want?”

“I would love that!”

My stomach swoops with relief. “Awesome.” I grab my phone out of my pocket. “Here, why don’t you give me your number and I’ll text you to make a plan.”

She takes the device with a smile and puts her number in. “Sounds perfect.”

I wave off Becca as she drives away. She had to get home as soon as she was done at the diner. I can’t stop smiling as I look at her contact. I can’t remember the last time I really made a new friend, it’s always just been me and Luci.

Shit, Luci’s going to be so excited when I tell her.

A hand snakes around my waist and I almost jump out of my skin, before one inhale of Oscar’s clean scent gives him away. I can’t stop the grin that spreads over my face as he presses a kiss to my cheek, his happy little hum vibrating against my skin.

I spin in his arms and he leans in for another kiss, but at the last second I twist my face to the side, dodging him.

“You’re gonna mess up my lipstick.” I giggle as he buries his face in my neck.

“I don’t care,” he growls.

“We’ll both end up looking like clowns.”

“I’ll buy us some rubber noses, just let me kiss you, dammit.”

“I’m not making out with you on the street! Anyone could see us!”

He pulls back with a final nip to my earlobe. “You have a good day?”

“Yeah.” I smile. “Busy, though. I’m ready for pajama time.”

I start to walk back to my apartment, expecting him to follow, but he stops me with a tug. I turn and frown up at him in question.

“I actually wondered if you wanted to do something else tonight?”

“Oh?” I can’t help the nervous energy that zaps through me.

“I know we were planning to order takeout, but Mack’s actually having a party?”

“A party?” With Oscar’s friends? Oscar wants me to meet his friends?