Page 64 (1/2)

So I decided to back away This past week, Sutton has textedI was too busy and that I would get together with her when I had a chance Of course, that day would never co in Zack’s kitchen with a birthday cake to help me celebrate my day So I wouldn’t be alone

"Kate…this is Alex," Sutton says as she points to thebeside her

"Hi," I say to hi at Alex Crossue

"Nice panties," he says, and his eyes drop to the underwear still clutched in asp in absolute and sheer e so hot, sweat pops out on my brow Sutton jabs a sharp elbow into Alex’s ribs as I hastily stuff the underwear in my back pocket Zack’s hand coh, and Ben fortuitously is staring longingly at the cake

Sutton shoots a glare at Alex, who chuckles and then reaches his hand out toward reat to meet you, Kate Sutton has told uilty for putting Sutton off and realizing that I really can’t because she’s fabulous I also experience a wave of sadness that Alex didn’t hear a da about me from Zack That is not a surprise, but doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt a little

After Alex releases my hand, Sutton pushes past hi "I’ her back, squeezing hard so she feels ret, and e pull away, Sutton looks over at Zack with a grateful smile "Thank God Zack called nized"

Zack shoves his hands in his pockets and shrugs nonchalantly "I just passed on the info Sutton got the cake and rushed over"

"Can we eat the cake now?" Ben asks as he kneels on one of the kitchen chairs, elbows propped on the table as he hovers over the top of the cake

"Only after we sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Kate," Alex says as he pulls out a lighter and proceeds to flaht once they’re all lit, and I’ they actually put twenty-four on there

Then they proceed to sing "Happy Birthday" to me

It embarrasses me and warms me all at once Alex puts his ar, both of thes, and a glance at Zack finds hiainst the kitchen wall, hands still shoved in his pockets as he sings His eyes are pinned on me, his face unreadable, but I can feel the force of his look

When the last notes fade out, Ben yells, "Blow the candles out, Kate!"

I walk up behind the chair Ben is in, put my hands on his shoulders, and lean over hiuishing all the candles

"Let et some plates and forks," I say as I turn toward the cabinets