Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
MELLIE
As I pull up to Ronin’s house, I go over my mental list for his birthday surprise one last time, confident I haven’t missed anything.
My car’s headlights illuminate Ronin where he’s sprawled on his front porch, long legs stretched out in front of him, red Converse sneakers crossed at his ankles.
He stands as I park, gathering up his tall frame.
He’s wearing jeans and an old vintage Godzilla shirt underneath an open, navy blue zip-up hoodie.
I’m pleased to see he took his contacts out, and the sight of his familiar black frames has my heart doing somersaults.
He climbs into my car, leaning over to greet me with a kiss, grabbing my head to get a deeper angle. After a moment, I pull away, laughing.
“Okay, plenty of time for that later, birthday boy. You ready?”
Ronin grins. “I think so? Should I be scared by how excited you look?”
I shrug, letting a smirk play around my mouth. “I don’t know, should you be?”
I drive the short distance to our destination, and when I park the car in front of The Reading Nook, I can feel the confusion radiating off of Ronin.
“I know that we hang out at my job all the time, but at least there’s food and booze there, Mel,” he teases. “I’ll admit this is not where I thought this night was taking us.”
“Come on,” I laugh, jumping out of the car and running around to Ronin’s side. After tugging him out, I wind my fingers through his and lead him up to the entrance. “You’ve got to have a little more faith in me than that.”
“Okay?” Ronin replies, drawing out the last syllable like a question.
He lets me lead him inside the dimly lit shop.
I skip turning the main store lights on since it’s after hours and the last thing I want to do tonight is attract anyone here but Ronin.
We make our way deeper inside, weaving between the darkened shelves.
“Is this the part where you lure me into my own grandparent’s bookstore and murder me?” His fingers tighten around mine. “Interesting choice for a birthday present, even for you.”
I shush him. “You’re such a brat.”
I let go of his hand as we approach the back of the store and step to the side, gesturing to what I spent all afternoon setting up.
“Happy Birthday, Ronin. Welcome to a walk down memory lane, Ronin and Mel style.”
Ronin takes in the space, a small smile on his lips.
With the help of Evan and Sydney earlier today, we moved some of the shelves off to the side, making room for the couch that’s usually located in our break room.
We dragged it to the back of the store—a feat on its own, getting it through that break room door—and set it against one of the walls.
A small table sits before it with a spread of snacks and a couple decks of Magic cards.
A large, handmade birthday banner is draped across the wall behind the couch, signed by our group of friends.
“What is all of this, Mel?” He spins in place, finally noticing the television set plugged in against the opposite wall. He shoots me a sexy grin. “The Fifth Element? Nice touch.”
I glance at the screen where the movie is queued up, memories of the night we shared before college flickering through my mind, and I grin back. “I thought so. It was a night to remember, after all.”
Ronin chuckles. “And Mario Kart?” He crouches down to touch the console next to the television. “Now you’re just spoiling me.”
He stands and pulls me into him, wrapping me in a warm hug. “Thank you, Mel,” he says into my hair. “This is the perfect way to celebrate turning thirty.”
“Reliving all of your awkward teen moments… What could be better?” I smile up at him.
“Literally nothing,” he replies, leaning down to kiss me.
I take a seat on the couch, patting the spot next to me before picking up a deck of cards. “So,” I say, giving him a coy smile. “You play Magic?”