Free First Came You (Fate #0.5) by Faith Andrews Page B

saw him was only four days ago. I silently hope he doesn’t start with the ‘are you okays’ and ‘is there anything I can do’ tonight. Honestly, that’s what I’ve been avoiding. The coddling. I’m not quite sure I can take much more of it.
    “How was work?” I ask, holding his hand as we walk into the living room.
    Groaning, he rakes his free hand through his already tousled hair and flops onto the couch. “Work was work. School is school. I’m busting my behind, but it’s all for the greater good.”
    “My little work-a-holic,” I joke, poking him in the stomach.
    He grabs my hand and pulls me toward him. I wind up on top of him, my legs straddling his waist. Other than kissing, we haven’t resumed any form of intimacy since my parents died—he’s given me that space—and being here like this brings back a flood of memories and expectations. I’ve always wanted Tommy, and without my parents around enforcing rules—what’s stopping me now? I could be reckless and careless because I have no one to answer to. Gina’s been wonderful, but she’s not my mother. We’ve been over this. I can do what I want within legal limits. I’m sure she was having sex at sixteen regardless of Mom and Dad’s rules—she’s always been a rebel. But restrictions gone and buried, I still don’t think I’m ready to take that step. Even if my pulsating, needy body is telling me otherwise.
    Blanching at his touch, I jump off him, unwilling to let this go where I used to pray it would. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
    Straightening himself and readjusting his pants to hide his obvious excitement, he clears his throat. “No apologies. I understand. We’ve been through this. And besides, I want to give you your gift.”
    Phew! I’m sure that would have led to another long, in-depth conversation about feelings, so I’m more than glad he changed the subject. Not to mention, I’m a little intrigued by this gift.
    Plopping down next to him, banishing my untimely raging hormones far away, I stare at the red velvet box in his hands. It’s too large to be a ring—thank god—but too small to be anything but a piece of jewelry.
    My eyes dart from the box to Tommy’s face. His smile is so bright it seeps into my marrow, thawing away the icy walls I’ve started to build around my heart since losing my parents. Again, I’m guilty for allowing those walls to prevent the one I love most inside.
    “Well, open it, already,” he blurts, shoving the box in my hands.
    I’m nervous and giddy, my hands shaking with this unexpected surprise. “I can’t imagine what it is, Tommy. You’ve totally stumped me.”
    “Wait until you open it, then.” He winks and bites his lower lip. What’s he up to? Should I be scared?
    Careful not to ruin the intricate gold bow adorning the box, I lift off the top and stare into the plush cushioning in awe and confusion. To my surprise there is a ring—not a diamond, but a ruby, so I know it’s not any form of proposal—and next to the sparkling bauble is a key. One lone key with no indication of what door it opens.
    “The key to your heart?” I ask, tilting the box.
    “You already have that, Gabriella. Before we get to the key, what do you think of the ring?” He’s like a child, bouncing in his seat, his hands animated, his eyes gleaming.
    “The ring is gorgeous. But why? What’s it for?” I can’t say I don’t love it, but I’m not sure why I deserve it. Ruby isn’t even my birthstone, so as thankful as I am for the beautiful gift, I’m still a bit confused.
    Scooting closer to me, Tommy takes the box out of my hands. He removes the ring, lifts my left hand, and slides it on my ring finger. “The ring was my grandmother’s,” he explains, staring down at my hand. He returns his gaze to my eyes and continues, “She always told me she wanted me to have it so I could give it to someone special. I’ve wanted to give you this so many times—as a promise for our