21. Sienna
CHAPTER 21
SIENNA
“Happy birthday again!” I squeal, jumping into Zander’s arms when he runs out of the gym and straight toward me. I wrap my legs around his waist and kiss that sweaty face of his. He didn’t even bother showering, but he still smells good. “Mmmmm.” I cling to him. “Delicious. Why do you always smell so good? Even when you haven’t showered.”
“Shower in a can, baby.”
I laugh and squeal again when he starts running for his car with me still in his arms.
“So, how are we celebrating the rest of my birthday?” He pops me on the ground before opening the passenger door for me. I slip into his car and feel that surge of energy buzz through me again.
I’ve been planning his surprise for weeks, saving up my pennies and scheming with my friends. Thankfully, all of them get how in love we are and are happy to give me this massively huge assist. I owe them big-time, and I’m taking a whole heap of risks, but I just really want Zander to have a birthday without any adult pressure.
No arguments.
No put-downs.
No you-should-be-doing-betters.
I just want him to have fun.
Which is why when he pulls out of his parking space, I direct him toward the highway.
“The highway?” He grins at me. “You taking me out of town, baby?”
“Yes. I’m kidnapping you for the night.”
He pauses at the school exit and gapes at me for a second.
I giggle and can’t help telling him everything on the spot. “Your parents think you’re at Noah’s house for a birthday sleepover with Kyle. He managed to convince them that your traditional family birthday dinner can be postponed until Saturday… which Monica was happy to go along with.” I wink at him. Yes, I adore his sister and love the fact that she was all over this with me. “She’s totally helped me sell that to your mom. Noah worked on your dad, and Olivia is covering for me with my parents. They think we’re taking you out to dinner, and then I’m spending the night with Olivia while you hang with Noah. It’s all sorted, babe.”
His eyes fill with that gooey look I love, and I lean over to peck his lips.
“You’re so amazing.” He grins, pulling away from the school.
“Thank you.” I can’t help a proud smirk as I place my feet on the dash, then start singing along to the music.
He joins me, and we sing and laugh and talk about our favorite birthdays over the years while we drive to a little Airbnb cabin I secured thanks to Monica. It’s in the woods, and the pictures were so gorgeous. It looks idyllic, and I just know this will be the perfect night.
It takes us about two hours to get there, and as we wind our way down the long driveway, it feels like we’re leaving this world and escaping into a private oasis where no one can reach us.
“Oh wow.” Zander parks outside the cute little log cabin.
I do a happy dance in the passenger seat, clapping my hands before jumping out of the car. “This is so perfect!”
“You’re perfect.” Zander grins across the top of the car, and I run around, jumping into his arms.
I love the way he catches me so easily.
I love how strong he is.
I love the way his tongue feels, gliding into my mouth and setting my body on fire all over again.
He starts carrying me toward the stairs, still kissing me, cupping the back of my head and inhaling me like I’m his favorite food.
I am so here for this!
“Where’s the key?” he murmurs between kisses.
“Let me just”—I swipe my tongue against his—“check my”—I suck his bottom lip—“phone.”
Easing back, he puts me down and lets me check my phone.
“Can you grab the bag out of the trunk?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He runs back to grab the stuff I secretly packed for us. The clothes actually belong to Noah, and I bought Zander a new toothbrush so I didn’t spoil the surprise. I would have snuck into his house, but sadly his parents don’t like me very much, although Zander assures me that they wouldn’t like any girl and it’s not personal against me. It’s hard to believe sometimes, but I appreciate him trying to make me feel better about it all.
“They just don’t think I’m ready for a relationship. I should be focusing on school,” he grumbled last time we talked about it.
They’re so full of shit. They seriously need to get over themselves. Zander and I are perfect together, and one day, they’re going to realize that.
I read through my email and follow the instructions the owner left me. Punching in the lockbox code, I pull out the key and ceremoniously unlock the door.
Zander grins, sweeping me into his arms and carrying me across the threshold. I giggle and swoon when he spins me around and then walks me straight into the bedroom.
“This place is sick.” He looks around in awe, and I feel like a queen.
Yes, I did well.
“Happy birthday, baby.”
He smiles at me, brushing his lips across my nose before dropping me onto the bed. “I think I’m gonna like playing house with you.”
Shedding his jacket, he gives me an appreciative look, his eyes trailing down my body as I lie on the bed. Biting my bottom lip, I give him my best bedroom eyes and softly say, “Do you want to unwrap your present now?”
I point to myself, and his eyes light with desire as he pounces toward me with a playful growl.
I squeal and catch him against me, loving his weight as he covers my body, devouring me with hungry kisses.
“Wait, wait, wait.” I slow him down, panting between searing lip-locks.
He moves off me and looks mildly confused as I unzip my jacket, then tease the bottom of my shirt. “There’s something a little extra here for you.”
“Extra?” He laughs. “Your naked body is under there. I don’t need more than that.”
Aw. He says the sweetest things!
“Come on,” I encourage him, lifting the bottom of my shirt.
He does as I ask, slowly slipping my jacket off and then pulling the shirt over my head. As soon as he spots the festival tickets taped to my stomach he starts to laugh.
“What’s this?” Carefully detaching the printed pages, he reads them over, then lets out a whoop. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” I giggle. “Three of your favorite bands are playing at it. I had to get you tickets, babe. And I’m really hoping you’ll take me.”
“Of course I’m taking you.” He dives for my lips again, kissing me like it’s the only thing he was made for. “You are the best girlfriend in the whole fucking world!”
I laugh against his lips.
Leaning back, he cups my cheek and gives me his “I love you” smile. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
“And the night’s only just beginning.”