I couldn’t believe it when Ne-Yo’s song started to play. Talk about perfect timing. This was turning out to be the best damn day of my life. I was still flying from the kiss Ellie and I shared. By the way Ellie had been smiling for the last hour, I would say what happened earlier this afternoon was far from her mind.

Jeff sent me a text letting me know he was going to meet us at Ari’s once he was able to leave work, but I needed to make one more stop now to pick up Ellie’s graduation gift. We bought some waters at the store so she could take her pain meds. I looked over at her and she looked so tired; poor thing must be emotionally exhausted. It looked like she was fighting to keep her eyes open.

I pulled up and parked outside of James Avery. I saw Ellie tense up out of the corner of my eye. I knew what she was probably thinking. It had to be running through her head who I was buying jewelry for. Fuck, I hated that she doubted herself so much.

“You want to run in with me or wait out here?” I asked, hoping that by me inviting her in, it would ease her mind. Or, it might make her think I was a total dick for buying another girl jewelry and asking her to come in while I bought it. Fuck me.

“Um, no, that’s okay. I’m going to give Jefferson a call. I can’t imagine what must be going on with him and Ari alone in her house!”

“All right, give me two minutes then!” I said as I tried to give her a reassuring smile. She smiled back at me but the smile looked forced, not happy like it had just a little bit ago. Shit!

“Ellie, I’m not buying jewelry for another girl. I want you to know that, okay?” I said as I placed my hand along the side of her precious face. How can one girl get into my heart this fast?

Ellie smiled a bit bigger and I saw her body relax just a little.

“Gunner, you certainly don’t owe me any explanation for what you’re buying. It’s none of my business really.”

I let out a small laugh. I wanted so badly to tell her after a kiss like that, it sure as fuck was her business. I had to remember slow . . . slow and steady. Last thing I wanted to do was spook her.

I jumped out of the truck and went into the store.

“Hello, may I help you?” The short blonde working behind the counter quickly came out and was practically falling all over me. Maybe it was a good thing Ellie didn’t come in.

“Hi, I, um, I called in earlier this morning about a silver daisy charm that y’all were going to put on a chain for me. The last name is Mathews.”

The blonde just about jumped for joy. “That was me you talked to this morning. What a wonderful choice. Daisies are my absolute favorite flower. We did indeed have the size of chain you requested and have it all ready for you. Let me show you.”

I followed her over to the other counter. She went in the back and came out holding a small jewelry box. After she handed it to me, she leaned against the counter and waited for me to open it. I knew what she was doing but I was not about to look up. She already had on a low-cut shirt and I’m sure she was doing her best to show her assets off.

No thanks.

“Would you like this gift wrapped? Is this for your mother or your sister?”

Nice one, but two can play at this game.

“Neither, it is for someone very special. She’s having a big day tomorrow.” I looked up to see the smile on her face fade. For about two seconds, I felt kind of bad.

“Um, not to be rude, but I think I’ll just take it without the gift wrap. I’m in a bit of a hurry,” I said as I looked back out toward the parking lot. I could see Ellie sitting in the truck still, and it looked like she was on her phone.

I paid, got the necklace, and headed out. Ellie was still on the phone when I got back in the truck. I slid the box up under my seat and she didn’t even notice, she was so deep in conversation with Jeff.

“I’m sorry, Jeff. I just didn’t want to bother you with all of that . . . I know, I know all the things she said were just nothing but bullshit. Listen, Gunner just got back in the car and we’re not far from Ari’s house, so I’ll talk to you in a few minutes, okay? Jefferson? Please be nice to Ari. Thanks.”

I had to let out a laugh. “So how long has Ari liked Jeff?” I asked Ellie as she slipped her phone into her back pocket.

“What?” Ellie asked stunned. “What do you mean? What makes you think she likes Jefferson?”

I just looked at Ellie with a “Really?” look on my face.

“Well, for starters, I see the way she looks at him. She can’t take her eyes off him. Then, when she is around him, she’s a nervous Nellie and talks nonstop.”

Ellie let out a sigh as her head fell back against the seat. “Ari has had a crush on Jefferson since I can remember. She acts like she can’t stand him, but I know better. I think it’s her way of dealing with how he treats her. The last few years have been hard for me. I feel like I’m in the middle. Ari keeps falling harder for Jefferson, and Jefferson, well, he keeps growing more and more annoyed with Ari. He literally acts like he cannot stomach to be in the same room as her. I’m not even sure why. He used to get along with her great, but then something happened. I thought maybe he might have had a thing for her, but when I asked him, he blew me off about it,” Ellie said with a shrug. “I just hope they have not killed each other by the time we get there.”

“Ellie, I think you are wrong about how Jeff feels. I really think he likes Ari . . . a lot. He’s just afraid to admit it to himself. I’m not sure why, but I think he feels like she is too young. The way he has been acting around her these last two days is just . . . well, it’s just weird to me. He also can’t keep his eyes off her.”

Ellie looked deep in thought and shrugged her shoulders. I followed Siri’s directions to Ari’s house. It wasn’t too far from Jeff and Ellie’s house.

“You really think Jefferson thinks Ari is too young and that is why he is denying his feeling for her? Do you think I’m too young?” Ellie asked me. I looked over and she was batting those beautiful long eyelashes at me. I let out a laugh.

“No, I don’t think you’re too young. If I had, I never would’ve kissed you!” I said as I took her hand in mine.

Ellie smiled a small smile at me. Then she said what I never ever wanted to come from her mouth.

“Gunner, I need to talk to you about that kiss.”

Fuck! I knew I pushed her too soon.

“Do you regret kissing me, Ellie? Because I don’t regret kissing you, sweetheart, not one bit.”

“No! God, no! It was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I will never forget that kiss for as long as I live. Of course I don’t regret it. I’m just . . . you see . . . well. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m not looking to get into a relationship right now. I mean . . . I really like you, Gunner . . . a lot. But I think I need to just take it slow. I hope that you understand why I need time. With all the shit I just went through with Ryan, and now my mom. I just need some time for me to figure out who I am.”

I looked over at her and she almost looked like she was going to cry. She had just gotten to where she was happy again, so I was not about to risk making her upset. Fuck it, if she needed time, I would give her all the time she needed. I was not giving up on her.

Ever.

“Ellie, of course I understand. I’m sorry if I pushed you into moving too fast. I really am, sweetheart. Please know I would never want to rush you into something you weren’t ready for.” I gave her the best smile I could muster, even though inside I was starting to die a slow painful death.

“So we can be . . . friends?” Ellie asked as a blush started to creep up her face.

“Yes, Ellie, we most certainly can be friends.” Fuck, I really hope I don’t throw up.