Chapter 10

“Dude, the shoes are killing me!” Allie giggled as she made her way up the stairs.

“You were drooling over those things just last week.” Vince reached down to take them off her feet.

“Yeah, because they’re awesome. Oh, that’s nice.” She wiggled her toes. “They’re so much more comfortable in the box.”

“You’re sleeping in McBrien’s room?” He frowned. “Bet he loves that.” He followed her into the messy bedroom.

“He’s certainly not going to be here.” She flipped on the music, and the room filled with Aidan’s favorite late-night songs. “We’re doing some early morning birthday thing they’ve been all secretive about.”

“Well, if I had a chance to get my sheets smelling like you, I’d offer you my bed too. You always smell incredible.”

“No more interruptions?” she asked when he locked the door behind them.

“Nope.” He moved to capture her mouth in a slow, lazy kiss. “I’ve been trying to do that all night. You look smoking hot in that dress, if I’ve failed to mention it.”

“Thanks, but I have to get this thing off. It’s killing me.”

“Seriously? There’s not much to it.” He nipped at her earlobe.

“The only thing holding this dress up is tape and prayer.”

“Well, I’d be ever so glad to help you out of it.” He grinned.

“Nice try.”

“Had to give it a shot.”

She closed her eyes, rubbing her temples absently.

“Headache?”

“Yeah, it’s the pins.”

“All right, let’s get you out of that dress and those pins out of your hair. I promise I’ll behave.”

“Fine.” She gestured with a twirl of her finger for him to turn around.

With Vince’s back to her, she turned away and quickly slipped into a silky black tank and her favorite worn jeans. She felt his arms slid around her waist and she turned, tilting her head up to meet his kiss. Allie’s heart raced as his lips moved slowly with hers.

Complicated, no. Exciting, yes!

Vince pulled away, carefully running his hands down the length of her arms. He frowned at the nude bandages still covering the worst of her burns.

She flinched. For a moment, she’d forgotten about them.

“You’re gorgeous, Allie. Scars and all, inside and out. Don’t ever forget that. Besides, they make you look bad ass. Now, let’s take care of those pins.” He sat on the chair by the bed and pulled her onto his lap. She felt a surge of guilt. It felt so wrong to be with him like this in Aidan’s domain, listening to his music.

She moaned when he pulled the first sharp pin from her hair and ran his fingers through her curls, hunting for the next one. She melted against his chest, enjoying how easy and effortless it was with them.

“Mmmm, that feels nice,” she sighed drowsily, curling up against him.

“Better?”

“Much, thanks.” She felt his warm hands slide up the back of her shirt and enjoyed his deep growl of appreciation at the softness of her skin.

“Allie?” Sasha called. “You up here?”

“I’m going to start throwing punches,” Vince growled.

Allie scrambled up to unlock the door.

“Sorry to interrupt, but we need you downstairs for your real party.”

“My real party? Where were you during all the club hopping ridiculousness?” She zipped her Cliffton basketball hoody over her tank.

“Time for presents and cupcakes!”

“I never say no to a cupcake,” Allie said as they joined the others in the living room. She sorted through her presents, shocked and amused by the expensive Marchesa bag stuffed with a package of toasted coconut from Kayla, who was still in the hospital but in good humor.

“This one next.” Graham tossed her a small package.

Allie read the card from the boys and her parents. “You guys! My gift from you was the party.”

She tore the wrapping paper off and scowled. “Funny, you’re giving me the phone I’ve been looking for all freaking day? I thought I lost it.”

“Lex, I picked your pocket earlier so we could pass your phone around for everyone to take pictures and add their favorite music to your Spotify.”

“Quinn and I added some cool features I’ll show you later,” Graham said.

“Aw, that’s an awesome gift.”

“All right, this one’s from Chloe and me,” Sasha said.

With a huge smile, Chloe set a long rectangular package on the coffee table. Allie tugged at the ribbon and stared at the white box with the iconic black label before she finally peeked.

“You. Did. Not!” She shook her head. “Jimmy Choo boots?”

“You maybe want to take the lid off so you can see them?” Sasha said.

“In a minute. I’m trying to think of a reason for you to take them back.”

“Well you better stop trying because we bought them on sale and they’re non-refundable, Allie-sized boots.” Chloe said.

“I hoped you’d say something like that.” Allie pulled on the gorgeous black boots.

“How are shoes better than a pimped-out iPhone?” Graham asked.

“Girls and shoes, man.” Quinn shrugged.

“Well, she looks hot. Other than that, I got nothing,” Vince said.

“Oh, honey, these are Jimmy Choo boots.” She pointed at her feet as if the boys were slow.

“Yeah, we don’t get it, Lex.” Aidan winked.

“Dude, stop winking at my girlfriend,” Vince said.

Allie rolled her eyes and reached for another cupcake. She settled back with the people she loved, realizing she was happier in that moment than she’d ever been. She was finally right where she belonged.

“Ouch.” She flinched, reaching to rub her temple.

“Time for the birthday girl to get some sleep.” Aidan sounded apprehensive as he checked the time.

“Yeah, I suppose I should get going.” Vince yawned.

“I’ll walk you out,” Allie said.

They stepped into the cool night, walking hand in hand toward his car, a seventy-six Dodge Challenger that totally complemented her Impala.

“Happy birthday, Allie.” He pulled her close, and she inhaled the scent of him.

“Thank you for my bracelet; it’s my favorite.”

“Well, it’s no iPhone or Jimmy boots. Or achingly sweet Impalas I’m itching to drive.”

“Jealous?” She tilted her head back with a grin.

“Absolutely green with envy.”

“All right, you two,” Chloe called, “time for the birthday girl to get some rest.”

“Chloe, you could hire yourself out as highly effective birth control,” Vince said.