Page 72 of From Me to You

“What is that?” Jay asked.

My heart pounded as I crawled up to him and straddled his lap. I pressed my forehead against his. “Happy Birthday, Jay,” I whispered against his lips.

Jay’s eyes widened, and he blinked at me in surprise, like he totally forgot that today was his birthday.

“Sweetheart.” He swallowed.

“Open your present.” I gestured toward the box.

“You bought me a present?” he asked, his blue eyes caressing mine.

“Yes! Go on, open it!” I clapped as I got off his lap.

He nodded. “It’s too big,” he mumbled as he slowly unwrapped the brown wrapper covering the present. It took me ages to get it done. I kept Lily as my little companion while Katy distracted Jay. And getting this inside my room—now that was a whole other challenge.

Jay managed to get off all the layers of wrapper, and his eyes widened as he took in the familiar shape of the box. A flush of color crept up his cheeks as he blinked rapidly.

My heart skipped a beat watching him like this, like a little kid opening his presents. I pulled out my phone and sneaked in a few pictures of him.

He finally opened the case to reveal a vintage candy apple-red Fender Stratocaster. I knew how much he missed his old guitar and was struggling with the spare one, complaining the sound wasn’t right. I knew right away that I would get him a guitar for his birthday.

“Sweetheart.” Jay blinked, looking at the guitar. He carefully placed it on his lap and ran a finger along the bright red body of the guitar.

“This is too much. It must have cost a fortune,” he whispered. Yes, it did kinda cost a fortune, who am I kidding, it definitely cost a fortune. And everyone wanted to pitch in when I told them I wanted to get him a guitar. But I denied it and told them to put it in the band fund—they might need it sometime. I had money saved from working at Olive’s, and I also had some money from Grandma that I put toward college, but it was worth it because I would do anything to see that look on his face.

Jay shifted his eyes to mine. “Sweetheart, she is so beautiful, but I can’t take this. I know how much it costs. You need to return it.”

I plopped my chin onto his shoulder and encircled my arms around his neck from the side. “No, that is not possible. I can’t return it,” I whispered into his ears, a smile dancing on my face.

Jay turned his head toward my direction. “Why not? I am sure you can return it. It’s a pretty rare find, sweetheart. Hell, I am sure you can even sell it for a higher price.”

“No. Look here,” I whispered as I pointed my finger. A small E?J was engraved alongside the neck of the guitar.

Jay’s eyes widened. “You engraved it,” he muttered in disbelief.

I asked the guys if I could get it done, and they said it was possible. I wanted it to be more special.

“Yes, and now it is forever yours.” I smiled.

He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. You can st—”

“Shhh,” I said, placing my pointer finger on his lips. “No arguments. Are you refusing your gift from your girlfriend, Jay?” I pouted.

He shook his head. “I-II, thank you.” He swallowed.

I grinned as I smacked a kiss on his cheek.

Jay smiled so wide that my heart stopped for a second. God, he was too beautiful. His eyes twinkled with joy as he took my mouth in the most delicious kiss. My heart flip-flopped as I sighed happily. He tasted like home.

Jay pulled back and pressed his forehead against mine. “I love you so fucking much. I will treasure it forever,” He promised.

Later that night, round two was inevitable. Jay worshipped every inch of my body, which left me begging for more. We made love for what seemed like hours, his eyes anchored to mine the whole time.

It seemed crazy how in love we were at such a young age. We intertwined ourselves and became an irreplaceable part of each other in a short time. Sometimes I was terrified of a life without him because he was my soul. Jay calmed my soul. He was the constant essence that kept me alive. And I knew that nothing in this world could ever break apart our love. I knew that we would always love each other, no matter what.

“I love you,” I mumbled into my chest, exhausted.

“I love you more, sweetheart.” Jay kissed my head as he ran his fingers through my locks.