Page 82 of I Could Never
“We’ll just get a small one. My dad’s friend owns a tree place. We should go one night this week. Take Scottie. They sell hot cocoa at the concession stand.”
“That sounds like a Hallmark movie.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He gave me a look.
“Have you ever watched one of the Christmas ones?”
“If I had, I wouldn’t admit it.”
I laughed. I already knew I was looking forward to that tree outing with Josh far more than I was looking forward to my date tonight.Sigh.
Just then the doorbell rang. Scottie hopped up and down in his seat, excited by the flashing lights of a delivery truck outside. Josh went out to fetch the package. I could see icicles hanging from the threshold of our front door.
When he came back in, he ripped the white, padded envelope open, then froze. “Shit.”
“What?”
“I ordered something online and assumed this was it. But it’s yours. I’m sorry for opening it.”
Why is he apologizing?After he handed it to me, I figured that out.
It was a bright pink dildo.
I shook my head. “I didn’t order this.”
“Well, someone did. It has your name on it.”
I closed my eyes. Christina had asked for my address the other day. I’d assumed she was gonna send me an early birthday gift or something for the house. Certainly not this. There was a note inside, which Josh thankfully hadn’t seen.A temporary solution to your little problem.
“It’s from my friend, Christina.”
“You don’t have to lie. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I know that. And I wouldn’t be ashamed. But I didn’t order this for myself.”
Josh wriggled his brows. “Well, we shouldallhave more friends like Christina, then.”
I managed a smile. “She’s nuts, but I love her.” I waved the package around. “I’ll just…put this away.”
“Is there any reason she felt the need to send that?” Josh asked as I headed for my room.
“No.” I swallowed. “It’s just a gag gift.”
“Did you tell her about our…slip up?”
A rush of heat traveled through me. “No, I didn’t.”
“You don’t tell her everything?”
“Not everything.” I tilted my head. “Did you tell your brothers?”
“No.”
“Are you ashamed?” I asked. “Is that why?”
“No. It’s just no one’s business.”
“Exactly.”