Her Place

Xander

Evie was staring at me with her mouth hanging agape. There was a pen stuck in the mass of black curls precariously perched on top of her head. “I’m—you’re here.”

“I am here. Will you be inviting me in?”

“Oh shit, sorry, yes.” She moved out of the way and gestured for me to go inside.

“I was hoping I could make you some dinner,” I said and held up the two bags filled with my groceries, which was not easy with my overnight bag hanging on my shoulder. I felt a bit like a pack mule.

“You’re here,” she said again.

I put the bags on her kitchen counter before going to her and pulling her into my arms. I kissed her like I had not seen in her two years rather than two weeks.

“Damn, I’ve missed you,” I breathed when I finally managed to pull myself away from her.

“I cannot believe I’m standing here looking at you. I’m floored.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“You definitely did that,” she said with a laugh. “I would have put on something a little less frumpy if I had known I was getting so