Page 7 of Wild Heart

“Okay, I’m back,” Ivy said as she entered the dining area again and sat down. “I’m starved.”

Since my sister had joined us, discussions of trips to one another’s houses ceased to exist. And that was one thing I could be grateful for.

While Ava was certainly outgoing and flirty with me, she didn’t overdo any of the teasing or playfulness when my family was around, especially my sister.

So, the three of us dove in and enjoyed some food. And in the end, despite there being a mess on the table, I was surprised when I didn’t rush to clean it up.

“Happy Birthday, Tate.”

With a gleam in her eyes, Ava held out the gift she’d gotten for me. Judging by the shape and size, I had a feeling I knew what I’d find inside.

My lips twitched as I reached for it, recalling what she’d given me last year. “Thanks, Ava. Dare I open it and risk the shock of a lifetime?”

She feigned innocence, batting her eyelashes and rocking back and forth from her toes to her heels. “I mean, you could wait and let everyone else see. I wouldn’t mind.”

I narrowed my eyes on her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not if last year was any indication.”

It was early December, and Ava was home. Nothing made me happier. Other than, perhaps, having an idea of what was inside this box.

I glanced around, made sure nobody else was around, and unwrapped the gift. When I revealed the white box beneath the paper, I was both nervous and eager to see the specifics of what I’d find inside.

Last year, Ava had given me a fancy pen. Initially, I thought it was a nice gift, something I’d be able to take to work and have on my desk. But upon further inspection, I noticed she’d had her own name engraved on it. It had confused me, and initially, I thought the engravers had gotten Ava’s order wrong. But when I took it out of the box and spun it around in my hand, I noticed another message was there.

So you can touch me.

I nearly choked, and she wore a victorious expression in response. I’d never risk opening another gift from her in front of the rest of my family again. It was the best gift I’d ever been given.

When I removed the lid and pulled out the case, I lifted my gaze to hers. She was brimming with excitement, her eyes dancing.

Opening the case, I wasn’t surprised to see her name on the pen again. I picked the pen up and brushed my thumb over her name before I spun it around.

So you can use me.

I pressed my lips together, unable to stifle the smile, and shook my head. “You’re too much, wild one.”

Her expression darkened as she grinned, stepped close, and curled her fingers around my wrist. Leaning toward me, she whispered, “Let me know if you run out of ink from too much use. I’ll happily make sure you get topped off with refills.”

I clenched my jaw and groaned.

Ava laughed and walked away.

“Are you okay?”

Ava snapped her head in my direction. “What?”

“You look like you’re lost in thought. Either that, or you’ve had too much dessert and have fallen into a food coma.”

“Well, your sister and her baking certainly haven’t helped me with avoiding the sweet treats,” Ava reasoned. “But that’s not what this whole look was about.”

I raised a curious brow. “What’s going on?”

“I want to dance.”

“What?”

“It’s Christmas,” she declared. “There’s music playing, and I like to dance. You should dance with me.”

“I don’t dance, Ava.”