CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Me:Hey, boyfriend. Did you make it to your side of the yard okay?
Ridge:have I told you how much I fuckin love it when you check on me
Me:It’s part of my duty as your girlfriend, right? Oh! That reminds me. I’ve never been to your half of the duplex. You always come to my place. What are you hiding over there? Should I be concerned LOL
Ridge:I’ve got nothing to hide from you
Ridge:you’re always welcome but there’s not much to see
Ridge:it serves a purpose. more of a house than a home
Me:I suppose that makes sense. That solves the suspicion. You’ve just made me very curious.
Ridge:the gym is probably the only redeeming quality
Me:You have a gym in your house?
Ridge:fuck yeah. how else would I stay in shape to protect you?
Me:By going to an actual gym. Isn’t that what most people do? LOL
Ridge:we’ve established I don’t like most people and those dumps are crowded af
Me:I wouldn’t know…
Ridge:never been to a gym, sweetness?
Me: Nope. Can’t say that I have. I don’t have a clue what type of… equipment you use. My exercise routine consists of walking.
Ridge:I have a solid cardio suggestion
Me:Oh, yeah? I’m not much of a runner.
Ridge: you don’t have to be on your feet for this
Ridge: unless you prefer that position
Ridge:looking forward to trying them all and seeing what you like best
Ridge:we can start slow. build up your stamina
Ridge:I’ll do most of the work. you can just spread out and enjoy yourself
Warmth stings my cheeks as his messages flood in. The tingling in my lower belly reveals where this topic has strayed. I’m no longer na?ve in regard to his innuendos. Our conversations often trail in this direction, especially lately. That doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy for him.
Me:This all happens in your gym? Wow. I’m impressed. Do you allow other guests inside?
Ridge:just you
Me:Really? I assume Garrett and Drake would take advantage of your top-notch facility and personal training
Ridge:not funny
Ridge:it’s bad enough when they drag me to their sorry excuse for a gym
Me:LOL
Ridge:only you get this deal, sweetness
Me: It’s definitely something to consider. I should probably be more physically active. Health and wellness is important.
Ridge:just let me know when you’re ready to start
Me:I’ll check my schedule, boyfriend.
I giggle to myself, which draws the attention of the pup dozing in my lap. He nuzzles into my arm and whines. His interaction is the ideal transition.
Me:You just left, but I think Walter misses you.
Ridge: just Walter?
Me:You already know I do.
Ridge:doesn’t hurt to hear it
Me:I miss you so very much!
Ridge:I miss you always
Me:Maybe there’s a way to fix that.
Ridge:what’re you suggesting?
I gnaw on my lip while courage tries to evade me. My fingers hover over the necessary letters to type the message. Nerves tumble across the width of my stomach to distract me. This is a major leap. It would be considered scandalous where I was raised. Probably worse. But the past doesn’t matter. That was the old me, and I’ve evolved.
In just a few short months, my confidence has grown faster than weeds after a downpour. It’s thanks to this man. There’s an easy way to show him how far I’ve come. My progress is his to claim.
Me:Would you like to have a slumber party?
My thumb presses send before regret can steal my guts. I squeal and force my gaze to the ceiling. Anticipation tickles me. This is going to shift our relationship into the fast lane.
But seconds tick by without the telltale chime of his response. My eyes lower to the screen to see nothing has changed in our thread. The beats that follow feel dipped in molasses. Still nothing. A sinking sensation weighs down my stomach.
I was too forward. He doesn’t want me to initiate. This was a terrible idea. But those ugly thoughts don’t match our dynamic.
The abrupt bang on my front door is a strike of thunder that rocks the entire foundation. A yelp rips from me and I whirl to face the disruption. Walter doesn’t hesitate to run straight for the action. His paws slide on the wood while he prepares to greet whoever waits on the other side. My stride is far more cautious. I creep forward on shaking legs. The phone in my grip complains with a creak.
Sweat slicks my palm when I grip the knob. That gives me pause before I pry the door open a sliver. Ridge is visible through that narrow gap. Relief instantly floods me, and I straighten to grant him entry. But he doesn’t move. Instead, he remains locked in position with his arms braced on the frame.
I take a moment to assess his disheveled appearance. Paired with his silence and unannounced arrival, this behavior is slightly concerning. “Hey, you. Is everything… okay?”
The green in his eyes swirls with an emotion I’m too inexperienced to name. When he takes me in, standing on the opposite side of the threshold, I feel that fiery stare lick along my bare legs. He clenches his jaw, but doesn’t respond otherwise.
My fingers fiddle with the frayed cuff of my jersey. “Did I do something—?”
“You look so fucking sexy,” he groans.
“Really?” Surprise rings in my voice.
As if he didn’t just see me twenty minutes ago. The only thing I did was change my clothes. I peek at my outfit that’s practically standard issue at this point.
“And then you text me that dangling fruit. Fuck,” he grunts. “I just need a second to collect myself before I maul you.”
Which is evident by his state of distress. His chest is heaving. It appears like he can’t catch his breath. My attention is riveted to the rapid rise and fall of his bare skin that’s on display. The tattoo on his left pec becomes a focal point. I’m falling into a trance from the rhythmic motion and slump into the wall.
Walter chooses that instant to race circles around Ridge’s ankles. Zoomies strike at all hours of the day, especially when a preferred person returns. The hyper pup yips in glee before dashing back into the house. I barely blink during that entire sequence.
Ridge adjusts his stance, which draws my gaze downward. The gray sweatpants he’s wearing leave little to the imagination. His penis is stiff, and the outline is visible through the fabric. I lick my lips while contemplating the odds that he’s naked underneath. A guttural sound cuts off those dirty musings, but my concentration lingers on that sizeable bulge.
“Sweetness,” Ridge rasps. “It’s rude to stare unless you’re gonna make good on that shameless gawking.”
“How might I do that?” My voice is pitched in uncertainty.
“Fuuuuuck.” He rakes a hand through his hair while treating my angled pose to a slow once-over. Another animalistic growl rips from him and he bites at his knuckle. “Wanna let me in?”
My belly dips and swoops. I step aside to let him pass. Rather than brush by casually, Ridge prowls forward to cage me against the open door. Shock freezes me between the solid surface at my back and the insistent throb of his desire. Instinct arches me into him. A blaze instantly rushes under my skin, and I gasp.
Ridge takes advantage. His head dips until our mouths slam together. One of his arms lowers to loop around my waist, dragging me tighter against him. I lift both of mine to wrap around his neck. We’re aligned in body and pleasure.
My tongue tastes his while his palm kneads my butt. The thick material of my jersey limits the sensation, but the tease sparks a desperation inside of me. This isn’t nearly enough. An urge to lift my leg around him twitches through my muscles. Even that minimal shift draws awareness to the dampness between my thighs. I want him to touch me everywhere.
Heat blooms and spreads until I’m sweltering. Ridge holds me closer, as if feeding off my warmth. Flames spark hotter whenever we move. The friction builds into an inferno I can’t ignore. I squirm against this relentless lust that demands to be satisfied.
This madness isn’t mine alone. Ridge is feverish, a clammy urgency clinging to his exposed flesh despite the cool evening air. His pelvis grinds against mine. That’s when I realize how aroused he is. The large bulge I admired earlier feels even bigger while pressed into me. I want more. Badly. My hips take control and begin rolling along his steely length. His fingers fist the fabric at my thigh, using that grip to drag us closer.
Dizziness swarms me when he inhales my next breath. Our tongues slide together in an erotic temptation. Passion explodes outward from our sealed lips. I want to be bold and grip him in my hand. The same nerves from earlier keep my wrists crossed against his nape.
As if possessing a direct line to my inner desire, Ridge severs the kiss. “Can I take you to bed?”
“Please,” I beg.
His smirk is wolfish as he scoops me off my feet. I squeal and kick while he adjusts his grasp on me. Once I’m cradled in the balance of his bulk, he slams the door with his elbow. He rushes across the room toward the stairs but pauses before the climb. I follow his gaze to see what’s distracted him.
“Were you crafting?” His squint is narrowed on the pile of supplies cluttering my coffee table.
“I started on Walter’s introduction page. It has a welcome home theme,” I explain.
“You never let me see your scrapbooks. I’ve been waiting for permission to admire your talents.” Ridge creeps in that direction before catching himself.
I chew on my inner cheek. “We can go through that one if you want.”
He seems to struggle with a decision. His first look at my beloved hobby is tough to beat. But we were in the middle of something else.
His hurried pace resumes on our original path. “Nah, you can show me in the morning.”
The flutters bouncing in my stomach have little to do with him taking three steps at a time. I nuzzle against his chest while soaking in the confirmation that he intends to spend the night. As if his presence didn’t provide enough proof. It’s obvious to Walter who doesn’t bother following us. That’s probably for the best.
Ridge walks into my room like he owns the place, which I suppose makes sense. We’ve never been in this space together, though. It’s been off-limits like he wanted to respect my privacy and refuge. That phase has officially expired.
His gaze does a quick inventory of my meager belongings that I’ve been meaning to expand on. That task is much easier to complete now that I’m not required to pay rent. I roll my eyes up at my boyfriend, but he misses the sarcastic snark.
“So,” he drawls. “This is where the magic happens.”
I giggle and bobble in his hold, but he doesn’t release me. “It’s not much.”
Ridge shrugs while edging closer to the mattress. “More furnishings than mine.”
My nose wrinkles as I glare at the blank walls. “I find that hard to believe.”
“You’ll see when you dare to visit.”
A huff lifts the hair off my cheeks. “I hadn’t been invited until tonight.”
“You’re always welcome at my house,” he reminds.
“That’s very neighborly of you, boyfriend.”
“I could say the same to you about hosting our long overdue slumber party.”
“Long overdue? Is that why you couldn’t get over here fast enough?” Which explains his lack of response.
“Mhmm,” he says and presses a kiss to my forehead. “You call and I come running.”
“Literally,” I laugh.
“Should we find out what other liberties you’ll grant me this evening?” Ridge sets me in the middle of the bed.
I turn to my side and watch as he gets himself situated beside me. “Do you want to get under the covers?”
“Not yet.” He pauses, allowing his gaze to travel over my relaxed pose. “Damn, love. My fantasies didn’t do you justice.”
My throat goes dry while I admire him stretched out next to me. “You look right at home.”
His smile mirrors my statement. “I might never leave.”
“Okay, but you packed pretty light.” I pretend to search for his overnight bag.
“All I need is you.” Ridge catches my eye roll this time and chuckles. “What more could I need?”
“The essentials,” I chide. “Like a toothbrush and clean underwear.”
“I’m comfortable going without.” He juts his hips.
That purposeful movement calls attention to the rigid column barely concealed by the gray sweats. The shape of him is fascinating. His girth resembles a thick and venomous snake. One I’ve only heard about in stories. It jingles an internal alarm.
I find myself wondering how we’ll fit together. “You’re… above average, right?”
A flash of a dimple tries to soothe me. “How kind of you to notice, sweetness. Top of the scale in every measurement that counts.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.” But awe still tints my tone. “The evidence is a tad… startling.”
“This isn’t all me.” He slides a hand into his pocket, which is on the other side and contradicts his claim. “There’s something extra in here for you.”
I wait for him to expand on that vague hint, but he doesn’t. “Are you gonna whip it out or what?”
Ridge chokes and begins coughing until his eyes water. “Damn, love. Slow down. We gotta ease into this.”
My inexperience is exposed, and I fumble into a backpedal. “Should I get my scrapbook?”
“Later,” he breathes against my lips.
I float in his chaste kiss for a moment. “What happens now?”
His chuckle loosens the unease prodding at me. “Now that I’m in your bed, what’re you planning on doing to me?”
“Um…” I stall on my innocence. My mind sputters along unknown avenues of how to please him. “Are you hungry?”
“What’re you serving?” His bent knuckle circles my cheek.
I imagine my blush can be seen from the stars. “There’s plenty of tater tot hotdish left from dinner.”
Ridge rubs his stomach. “Nah, I’m still stuffed. Don’t tell my mother, but I prefer your version.”
“Really?”
“One of the best things I’ve put in my mouth.” His eyes twinkle in the dim lighting. “I’m curious about what you’ll offer me for dessert.”
“Do you want cherry cobbler? I found a recipe.”
He lifts his brows. “Is that so?”
“It takes an hour to bake. That doesn’t include prep. Maybe there’s a faster option,” I mumble.
“Don’t stress about time. We’ll take as long as you need. I’m a patient man, remember?”
I frown. “You’re going to make it with me?”
“When we’ve reached that point,” he rasps. “I have to make sure you’re ready for me.”
That concept has returned to haunt me, but I appreciate the context clue. “You’re talking about sex.”
Ridge groans, dragging his bottom lip between his teeth. “Fuck, I’m going to worship every inch of you.”
I squirm at the desire in his voice. “Please.”
His palm rests on my waist. “What’re you asking for?”
Warmth seeps into me. “I’m not sure, but the ache is there.”
“Do you want to touch yourself?”
My hand instinctively trails down between my legs, but the jersey blocks me. “Will you help?”
He tugs on the hem, collecting the mesh material in his fist, but pauses at the middle of my thigh. “Tell me what to do. You’re in control.”
I gulp at the nerves threatening to suffocate me. “Just like when we’re on the phone.”
“Be specific,” he urges.
“Kiss me.”
Ridge’s mouth is on mine in the next rapid beat of my heart. The fact he didn’t hesitate to obey my command is an electric thrill. A tremble moves through me like a surge of power. He’s giving me permission to use him for my pleasure. I have the authority to rule his motions. But only if I dare.
I tilt my face, sending his lips to my jaw. He smiles into my skin. That sign of encouragement from him is another boost to my confidence, giving me a push to explore uncharted territory.
“Cup my breast,” I wheeze.
Again, there’s no delay in his response. His hand roams upward along the slope of my waist to reach my chest. Ridge caresses me, circling the mound, before cradling the weight in his palm. A groan spills from him into the crook of my neck.
“No bra?”
“It’s a nuisance.”
He drags his nose along my throat. “Couldn’t agree more. I love having unrestricted access.”
Which he’s provided me with as well. The reminder prompts me to rest my fingers on his abdomen. His muscles flex beneath my timid contact. He’s warm and inviting. I begin tracing the definition sculpted there. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s chiseled from stone.
Ridge continues playing with me in return. I arch into him when he brushes over my nipple. The friction is more of a tease through the fabric.
My inhale tappers into a whimper. “Go under.”
He immediately pulls at my jersey, dragging the mesh fabric up my torso. That slow graze against my skin is a stimulating tickle. I shiver as a chill offers a momentary reprieve from the heat. My nipples pebble and he tweaks one between his bent knuckles. The sting sends a zap straight to my core.
“Oh!” I cry.
His eyes study my expression. “Good?”
“Yes.”
He repeats the process, clamping on and off to heighten the sensation. Tingles spread through my lower belly. I’m slick and needy, but too shy to announce it. My blunt nails curl into him. There’s no excess to grasp. As if once again listening to my private thoughts, his head suddenly dips.
I grab his hair when he latches onto my breast. His lips pull at my nipple, sucking me deep. A squeal falls from my slack mouth. I bend to push more of myself into him. Ridge grumbles against my flesh, telling me just how much he enjoys this.
The throb in my center is an insistent demand. My thighs clench, but that does little to ease the yearning. He must notice my struggles and increases the pace. His tongue swivels and lashes my breast before he blows against the damp peak. That blast of cold sizzles through me.
I picture him lavishing my clit with the same attentions. Once that thought takes shape, I wonder if it’s just a hopeless fantasy. Or would he willingly do that to me. Desire multiplies into a starving hole that needs to be filled.
“More,” I plead.
Ridge pauses. “Where?”
The words stick together into a jumbled mass. Rather than spit it out, I lower my hand to where the ache blooms. My panties are soaked where I press down against the twinge. That only feeds the bottomless pit my lust has become. I punctuate my meaning with a roll of my hips.
He stares at my movements but doesn’t take the hint. “Tell me, sweetness.”
Frustration battles against the nerves holding me hostage. Just before I beg him to take the reins, a guide materializes from the depths of my ambitious research. The idea forms and grows until I can clutch on. Inspiration blends with my imagination to create a scene fit for us.
“It was suggested that I read romance novels to gain knowledge. I’ve devoured several already.”
Ridge blinks slowly. “Okay…?”
“The content is very… erotic.”
Awareness gleams in his gaze. “Oh, I see where you’re going with this. What did you learn?”
“We could… pleasure each other. At the same time.”
“You wanna touch me?” He nods to the tented material camped in his lap.
“Yes, very badly.” I giggle at the double entendre.
“The desire is very mutual, love.” Ridge hooks his thumbs into the waistband of his sweats. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
I mirror his action. “Let’s do it.”
My underwear is halfway down my legs when he strips to reveal himself. Coherent functioning flees the scene. The sight in front of me defies logic.
“Holy shit,” I sputter. “You’re huge. Like way above average.”
“Speaking from experience?” His nostrils flare.
“No,” I rush to say. “But there’s no way your penis is a normal size.”
Ridge chuckles. “Are you impressed?”
“And stunned. Your penis is the size of… a footlong sandwich with extra meat.”
His laughter booms, shaking the entire bed. “Close, but not quite.”
My eyes are dry from lack of blinking, but I can’t look away for a second. “I won’t be able to wrap my fingers around you. Are you supposed to fit inside of me? That’s meant to happen eventually, right? But I don’t see how that’s possible. You’ll rip me in half. I’ve heard it hurts, but this will cause permanent damage. Severe pain—”
“Hey,” he murmurs to cut off my rambling. “That’s a worry for a different day. I promise to prepare your body until I’m sure you’re ready. You’ll take all of me eventually. We’ll work you up to it.”
“I trust you.” Even if my vagina doesn’t.
“That’s real good to hear, sweetness.” Ridge kisses me. “I’ll always take care of you.”
My forehead nudges his when I nod. “You’re my dream come true.”
“It’s the same for me. I can’t believe luck blessed me with you.” He splays my hand flat over the tattoo on his left pec.
I admire the design, like many times before. It’s simple yet extraordinary. Those four words—Property of Calliope Rose—inked into his flesh is a sight to cherish. “We’re stuck in this together. Permanently.”
He grunts. “That makes it sound like a last resort.”
“As if,” I scoff. “You’re my first choice. The only one I’ll ever choose.”
“That’s better.” He presses his lips to mine again.
My fingers wander to his shoulder, finding a line of raised flesh there. “Is this—?”
“The pain from the past,” he murmurs.
“We match.” I rotate my wrist until the burn mark is exposed.
Ridge rubs along my scar with his thumb. “If that’s the way you want to look at it, I won’t argue.”
“What we’ve overcome makes us stronger. Together.” I lean into him, which connects our hips. My gasp spills into his mouth. “You’re very hard.”
He groans against my lips. “That’s what you do to me, even talking about tough shit.”
“Really?” My wide gaze lowers. “Are you going to come on me? Some is already leaking out. Does semen shoot out from your tip? That happens in the books. Can I watch? Is that a strange request? I’m just really fascinated by you—or is that strange?”
He coughs, but the sound is strangled. “Good Lord, woman. Warn me before you talk to my cock like that.”
Fire ignites in my cheeks. “Too weird, huh?”
“No, not at all. But I’m about to blow my load and you haven’t even touched me.”
Realization dawns and I grin. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll probably get off super fast too. I’m very… excited.”
“Look at you, unleashing the sexy vixen,” he croons. “I knew you had a dirty side.”
“Not until I met you,” I giggle. “This… sexual awakening is your doing.”
“Should we find out what else I can do to you?”
“Yes,” I breathe. “And teach me how to pleasure you in return.”
“You don’t need lessons for that.” He shushes me when I start to interrupt. “Just spread out beside me. You’re an irresistible temptation.”
I pout. “But I want to make you come.”
“And you will. Our goals are aligned, as always.” Ridge’s palm drifts along my thigh. “Get your fingers wet. Use your arousal as lube for me.”
My hand is moving before he finishes speaking. I moan as tingles rapidly flare outward to bathe me in a familiar warmth. The slippery consistency greets me, allowing me to complete the task Ridge assigned. A jolt shocks me when I tap on my clit. Another passionate whimper hitches from me. His grip tightens on my hip as I drench myself for him.
I lift my arm to display the evidence practically dripping off my nails. “Is this enough?”
“Fucking exquisite,” he rasps.
Ridge encircles my wrist and gently steers me toward his eager shaft. I stare shamelessly while coating his length in my essence. A glossy smear follows the snaking path of a vein. I trace that ropey line with my thumb, spreading the lubricant in the process.
The combination of our arousal satisfies a primal itch I didn’t realize needed to be scratched. It’s lewd but I’m mesmerized. This is allure wrapped in conquered inhibitions. I want to be worthy of his worship. Motivation infuses my motions as I begin stroking him. Much like my earlier prediction, I can’t touch my fingers together while gripping him. But my grasp is slick, easily earning me a groan.
“Damn, sweetness. You’re a natural,” he praises. “Just like that.”
Ridge brings his fingers to my center. His touch is sure and precise. He’s quick to focus on my clit, swiping back and forth in rapid flicks. I tremble from the onslaught. It’s too much but not enough. The nonsensical mewls babbling from me are meant to explain that.
“Does my girl need relief?” He taps at my sensitive bundle of nerves.
I jerk in his hold. “Yes. Please, please.”
It’s only then I notice that my arm isn’t pumping him. The motions had been keeping a steady tempo but stalled somehow. That concern melts away as he increases his pace. Static crackles in my veins, and I release a soundless cry. My hips buck when he dips a thick digit inside of me.
“So responsive.” Ridge smirks as if proud.
“You’re really good at this,” I wheeze.
He plunges deeper into my core. “My experience is meant for you. How does it feel?”
A spasm clenches my inner muscles. “Better than ever.”
“That’s right, sweetness. Your pussy is purring for me. I want to hear you fall apart.”
My vision goes hazy as he starts fingering me. The speed matches his rotations on my clit. It’s a combination that ratchets my bliss to the precipice. Pressure builds and expands until I’m certain I’ll burst.
“Oh, oh, oh,” I chant.
Ridge thrusts into my fisted grip. “Almost there?”
“Uh-huh,” I mumble. “So close.”
“Let go for me,” he commands.
I’m compelled to listen. The rhythm he sets lulls me into feverish relaxation. Heat prickles my skin while he plays my clit like a finely tuned instrument. Meanwhile, I fumble my grasp on him.
Ridge doesn’t complain. Determination wafts off him. His dedication to the task is admirable. My hips snap forward, colliding with his dick. We grind together in a mindless heap, chasing the promise of a simultaneous climax.
Tingles spread until I’m consumed. My breathing becomes labored as if I’m racing to a destination. Release is within reach. I surrender to the sensations, my body bowing in gratitude. Just a bit more…
When he slams his finger into me, I fly over the edge into oblivion. My pulse thunders in my ears. The ache blooms into a rush of pleasure. I’m barely aware of Ridge’s string of foul curses seconds before a gush splats my stomach.
My muscles seize and lock. I thrash against the invisible bonds of euphoria. The content buzz finds me next. Ridge’s woodsy spiced aroma fills my nostrils as I coast.
He sweeps through my center with leisurely strokes as I regain clarity. There’s a quivering spasm from below that twitches the rest of me. Spots dance in my eyes and I try to focus. His sated smirk matches the calm radiating from me.
I shift, which reminds me of the puddle on my belly. “You totally came on me.”
Ridge’s eyes heat. “Does that bother you?”
My fingers swirl through his release. “No, it’s kind of… exciting. I imagine you couldn’t hold back for another moment and erupted.”
“That’s exactly what happened.” His hand roams from between my thighs to where I’m playing with the sticky substance. He rubs his cum into my skin like lotion. “Now you’re wearing more of me. Drenched in my love. No other guy will dare to get close.”
I giggle. “You’re very protective.”
“Are you just noticing?”
“Umm, no.” More laughter bursts from me. I pause for a moment to collect myself. “That’s a thrill for me too. In a different way. Nobody has defended me like you do. It makes me feel special.”
Ridge tilts my chin until our lips brush. “You’re everything to me. I’ll do whatever it takes for you to believe that.”
My flush resembles a fanned fire. “I already do.”
“Doesn’t mean I’ll quit trying,” he murmurs into another kiss. Like this man even has to lift a pinky to please me.
Doubts creep in about my ability to return. “Was I okay? At… uh, touching you. Did I make you feel good?”
He loops an arm around my shoulders and tugs until I’m draped over him. “Do I need to come on you again?”
I snuggle into his solid warmth. “If you insist.”
“Don’t tempt me,” he rumbles against my temple.
My fingers skip along his as a thought occurs to me. “Can I ask you a question?”
Ridge chuckles, jostling our position. “My curious girl. I’ll answer whatever your heart desires.”
I peek up at him, basking in the happiness shining from his expression. “What did you bring in your pocket?”