Page 16 of Reed

Standing upright, I look around to see if there is anyone in the hall, but come up empty.

I quickly unlock the door and shuffle both boxes to my kitchen island, before crossing my arms and examining them. I should probably open them.

Grabbing a knife out the drawer, I slice the tape on the bigger box.

Lifting the lid, my jaw drops. Inside is a comforter that is the same color, but not the same pattern as the one that got ruined, with two matching decorative pillows.

Damnit, there’s no question who this is from because the box smells like him.

An envelope lays on top with my name.

I open it up and read it out loud, under my breath.

Lexie, I couldn’t find the exact comforter that got ruined. But I found something similar. Hope you like it, if not find another one you like and I’ll get it for you. -Reed

When I told him he was going to buy me another one, I didn’t actually think he would do it. I open the plastic that the comforter is in and pull it out. It’s so soft and perfect. I’ll have to admit, he did a damn good job of getting a similar one.

Before I text him to thank him, I open the other box.

Inside is a new box of my favorite perfume that mysteriously went missing, and two boxes of four wine glasses. “What the fuck. Why does he think I need that many?”

I examine them and notice they are both shatterproof glasses, one box stemless.

I smile to myself and shake my head and notice that there is another black box inside with a sticky note on top. “Lexie, figured you could use these for your wooden tables. I made them myself. -Reed”

My hands shakily opens the box. Inside are four wooden coasters with a floral pattern carved into them.

My breath hitches at the thoughtful gift. They are absolutely gorgeous. I pull my phone out of my pocket and hoist myself up on the counter, thinking of what I should say.

I write and erase the message at least five times before I finally have something.

LEXIE:

Thank you for the gifts. I wasn’t being serious when I said you had to get me a new comforter, but it is greatly appreciated. The handmade coasters are gorgeous. I would’ve never guessed you’d be handy like that. Also, shatterproof wine glasses… funny. And I don’t even want to know how you knew I lost my perfume.

I nervously hit send and throw the phone down on the counter. I watch the screen waiting for a response and after about five minutes I decide to go set up my new bed stuff.

I go back and forth with myself for a moment on if I should wash them. Would it be gross if I didn’t because I want to keep his scent?

Normally, I’m super anal about it but I decide to not wash them.

As soon as I get it on my bed and situate the pillows where I want them, my phone dings, waking the butterflies in my stomach.

I jog into the kitchen and open my phone. It’s him.

REED:

There’s a lot I can do with these hands.

I roll my eyes. Of course, that was the only thing he’d make a comment on. I go to respond but another text comes through, followed by a third.

REED:

You’re welcome.

REED:

I already washed the comforter and pillow cases, so you don’t have to. I spent hours looking for the same brand you had, but that pattern is discontinued.