Page 31 of A Lie in Church

“I assure you, I won’t drop you.”

“Thank you, but no.”

“I insist, miss.”

“No.”

After giving me a long stare, he gave up and left.

It took a few minutes before Tristan appeared. He scowled and moved to the bed. I opened my arms with a wide smile, finding joy in tormenting him. He scooped me up bridal-style and left the room.

“How old are you again?” he asked as we descended the stairs.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, scared he might drop me.

“Six,” I replied, and he grunted.

He looked down at my face, and I smirked at him. He shook his head and mumbled something under his breath. I stared at his bobbing Adam’s apple, and then my eyes trailed to his face. He didn’t deserve such beauty.

“Stop with the look.”

“What look?” I asked, still staring.

“You’re creeping me out,” he said as I moved my face closer.

“Can I feel your stubble? I have never touched stubble.”

“No,” he said with his nose wrinkled in disgust, but I did it anyway to piss him off. He groaned in annoyance as I ran my palm up and down his rough stubble.

“So, this is what it feels like?” I whispered.

“You’ve had your fill.” He moved his face away from my touch.

“You’re still here?” I asked his annoying friend, who was waiting at the dining table.

Thank God Tristan put me down gently. I’d felt like he might let go.

“Ouch. I thought you’d be happy to see me.” Adrian faked a pained face.

I rolled my eyes, staring at the food in front of me.

“Are we celebrating the wreckage you caused in my life?” I eyed the expensive wine more than the mouthwatering food.

Adrian chuckled, and I noticed a dimple. Tristan arrived with three wineglasses.

“Pass me a napkin,” Tristan requested.

“Say please,” I said, and he sighed.

“Adrian, would you mind passing me a napkin?” he asked his friend.

“Sure, man. Here you go.” He gave it to him while I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

I didn’t know I was starving until I tasted the diced steak with mushrooms.

“Morris, this is delicious,” I said, smiling at him.

He was standing two feet away, like he was waiting to receive orders.