REAGAN: If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Aunt Bethel between bitching fits.

ME: Sounds thrilling. I’ll be there in ten.

REAGAN: I’ll save your ears and wait outside.

I was pretty intrigued by the endless bitching fits from her aunt, but after that one meeting we’d had, I wasn’t too upset to have to miss it.

I turned the key in the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot. It didn’t take me long at all to get across town, and when I parked outside her parents’ house, she was sitting on the top step on her phone. Her hair was piled into a bun on top of her head, and it didn’t look as though she was wearing any makeup.

She looked up and smiled when I got out. “Hey. How was work?”

“Nobody set anything on fire today, so pretty good.” I returned her smile as she stood up and jumped down the last step.

She adjusted the waistband of her yoga pants and stopped right in front of me. “Always a bonus.”

She looked so awkward standing there. Almost like she wasn’t sure if she should touch me or not.

It was an interesting development. The Reagan I’d come to know was strong-willed and outspoken and confident, but this Reagan was shy and hesitant.

And so fucking adorable.

I put her out of her misery and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. She laughed quietly as she circled hers around my waist, returning the hug.

“So what did you want to talk about?” she asked, stepping back and resting her hands on her hips.

“Right.” I held up one finger and took out my wallet.

“Whoa, you’re not giving me money, are you? That’s a little awkward after we’ve slept together.”

Laughing, I pulled out the pink striped gift card. “No, I’m not giving you money. Don’t worry.”

“Thank God. I didn’t want to have to punch you in your pretty face.”

And she was back.

“First, I want to say sorry about Poosh.”

She tapped my arm. “You already apologized. It happened. I’m not mad. Your boxers are extremely comfy, and I should warn you now that you’re not getting those back.”

I laughed into my hand. “Good to know. Between you and the dog, I’ll be the one going commando.”

“Don’t worry. Santa brings underpants for Christmas in our family.” Her eyes sparkled with laughter. “Seriously, it’s fine. Lesson learned not to leave my panties on your floor.”

“Just don’t wear any the next time you come over. Problem solved.” I smirked. “Here. This is yours.”

She took the proffered gift card and stared at it for a moment. Confusion shone bright in her eyes when she met my gaze. “What is this?”

“It’s a gift card. To replace your underwear.” I put my hands in my pockets and rocked on the balls of my feet. “I went by the store after work to actually buy you a pair, but holy fuck, how do you know what to buy there?”