“That sounds wonderful.”
“Maybe you can drive us in your new car.” Dad hands me a rectangular black box. His hazel eyes—so similar to my own—sparkle with happiness and excitement.
My heart is pounding as I open the box, squealing when I see the Mercedes-Benz keyring. “No way!” I lift excited eyes to my parents. “You didn’t get me a Mercedes AMG GT!”
Mom winks, and her green eyes are tearing up again. “We did.”
I clamp a hand over my mouth. “Oh my God. This is too much.” We have a garage full of cars and SUVs outside, but my parents know I’ve been salivating for an AMG since I got my first permit. I never thought in a million years they would get me one, because they are careful not to spoil me too much. They have instilled in me the value of money, and I know how fortunate I am to have grown up not wanting for anything. “So much for not spoiling me,” I murmur, unable to contain my grin.
“It’s a special occasion, and we figure if you enjoy driving it we’ll see more of you once you leave for UCLA.” UCLA isn’t far from my parents’ house, and even with the shitty L.A. traffic, the daily commute would be manageable. However, Reeve and I want the full student experience, including living away from home. We plan on finding accommodations close to the campus, and we’ll start actively looking as soon as Reeve is back home.
“You guys are the best.” I squeeze my parents before jumping up to get dressed.
My sadness at Reeve’s absence is relegated to the sidelines as I drive my parents to breakfast in my brand-new car.
My heart is swollen with emotion, and my hand shakes as I hold my cell, watching Reeve’s very public, very romantic, birthday message for the umpteenth time. He posted it four hours ago, and it’s already had over two million views. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve watched it, and my eyes turn watery every single time.
As well as flowers, he sent me a massive box filled with gifts, including a diamond-encrusted heart bracelet to match my locket, a stunning black and gold Chanel purse, a bunch of Victoria’s Secret lingerie that made me blush, and a stunning Charlotte Tilbury makeup set. I nearly keeled over when I opened the box, and I’m blown away by how much thought and effort he went to for my birthday.
I would trade every gift just to have him in my arms for the night, but he has still managed to make me feel like the most treasured woman on the planet, and it goes a long way toward dispelling the jealous doubts I’ve been harboring.
“Man, Reeve’s so pussy-whipped I’m embarrassed for him,” Nate supplies from somewhere behind me.
“Shut the fuck up.” Audrey flips him the bird. “I’m trying to listen.”
“Babe, you’re starting to give me a complex.” Alex props his butt on the edge of the couch in our living room. Outside, the band is getting set up in the massive marquee Mom had erected on the grounds of our house. I had considered renting a club in downtown L.A. for my party, but I don’t want any paparazzi sniffing around. Plus, if we had the party in a club, we’d be forced to drink soda all night. We have stashed a supply of beer and vodka in the garden, and the rents have promised to leave us to our own devices once the music starts, so that’s when the party will really start.
“If it means you raise your game, I’m not sorry I’m obsessed with Reeve’s message.” Audrey winks at her boyfriend, moving the recording back to the start so we can watch it again.
Reeve is shirtless, sitting cross-legged in gray sweatpants on his hotel bed, looking so fucking gorgeous, I wish I could transport there through my cell and jump his bones. His hair is damp, and a few beads of water cling to his ripped upper torso confirming he’s not long out of the shower.
Is it weird to be envious of those little water droplets? Because I am.
I can almost hear the collective drooling of females as he flashes a wide grin at the camera, showcasing his perfect set of teeth as he talks.
“Hey, guys. Today is a very special day, because on this day eighteen years ago, the most important person in my life was born.” He holds up a baby picture of me, and if it wasn’t so cute, I’d yell at my mom for sending him that. Audrey grips my hand as we watch and listen together. “I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for this gorgeous, smart, funny, compassionate, loving woman,” he adds, replacing the baby picture with a picture of us from his birthday in January. Our arms are around one another, and we’re smiling at the camera. “Have you ever loved someone so much it physically pains you to be apart from them?” he asks, rubbing a hand across his impressive chest. “As much as I am loving bringing Camden Marshall to life, I am missing my baby so much.”