One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

seat, I bring his hand up to my lips, kissing it like he kissed mine.

“I can’t wait,” I whisper to him.

He gives me a bright smile before looking back forward.

I reach up, turning up the radio and sing along to the words. I’m happy to let myself live in this moment for now. Happy to be here with him.

But in the back of my mind, I have a sense of doom on the horizon and it all stems from this mystery best friend.

He hasn’t talked about her much at all. Honestly, other than the casual mention in past stories, I know nothing about her. I didn’t even know what she looked like until today.

You’re being crazy, I remind myself.

Crazy or not, I’m starting to feel like I took a freefall jump. At first, the light-heartedness was exhilarating, but the closer and closer I get to the ground, I feel like I’m out of control. Like I’m falling faster than I can survive.

I just hope I found my parachute in Xavier, ready to help me land safely without getting hurt.

Xavier

After convincing Cassi to go out with me, I had a moment of panic.

Where do I take her?

So I did what any logical male would do. Call his female best friend.

The video call rang as I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.

“Hey you.” Her voice comes through my Bluetooth.

“Hey Tins, how are you?”

“I’m good. What’s up.”

“What a guy can’t call his best friend?” I joke.

“He can, but it’s a little concerning when he usually texts.”

I groan, rubbing my hands on my face.

“Hey,” she says, gaining my attention. “Talk to me.”

“I have a date,” I tell her. “And I have no idea where to take her.”

“You have a date?” Tinsley squeals, shaking the camera. “This is so exciting!”

“Who has a date?” another female voice asks.

“Xavier, and he called asking for advice,” Tinsley gushes.

I watch Sage, Tinsley’s future sister-in-law, move into screen.

“Ohh, that’s exciting. Where are you taking her?” Sage asks, sitting next to Tinsley.

“I don’t know,” I confess, making her tsk.

“Okay, tell Momma Sage everything. Do you know her favorites?”

I tell her about all the things she’s told me about, hoping to spark some sort of idea.

“Wait.” Sage smiles, looking over at Tinsley. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“That would be an amazing date.” Tinsley sighs.

“Care to let me in on the idea?”

“Okay, we’re going to text you a list of supplies you need to get. You need to find a place to do this, but you’re in Texas so it shouldn’t be too hard,” Sage says flippantly.

“I’ll try to find a YouTube link too, so you can see what we’re talking about.”

I lean back in my seat and breathe a sigh of relief.

I had a game plan.

When I knocked on Cassi’s door, the last thing I expected to happen was to be bombarded by Rebecca about Tinsley.

I didn’t want it to put a damper on our evening, though. That’s why I brushed off the questions about Tinsley from Cassi in the car. I didn’t want her thinking about any of that when I was trying to make some new good memories for her.

Truth is, what I thought I felt for Tinsley pales in comparison to what I feel for Cassi. I wish I could pull my head out of my ass and tell her, but I’m nervous.

What if she doesn’t feel the same? What if she’s not ready for something serious?

I hate that I have these insecurities, but the fear of rejection is real. I could play it off and act cool, but deep down, it scared me to death.

We head about twenty minutes outside of town and the entire time I watch Cassi take quick glances at me.

“Any ideas?” I ask as I pull off onto a dirt road.

“If anything, I have more questions,” she teases.

“Good thing we’re here.” I smirk as I put the car into park.

Cassi looks around at the field surrounding us. “Uh, are you secretly a serial killer?” she asks, making me laugh.

“No, I promise. You’re safe. Or you are mostly.” I wink as I pop the trunk and get out of the car.

Rounding the back of the car, I grab the trunk and lift it open. I hear her car door open and close.

“What’s all this?” she asks, taking in the contents of the trunk.

I open a shallow bucket and lean it toward her.

“Is that a balloon?” she asks, fully confused.

“Not just any balloon. Grab one.”

She raises her brow and grabs one. “Now what?”

“Throw it at that tree,” I tell her, folding my arms.

Wordlessly, she does as I asked and tosses the balloon at the tree. When it explodes on impact, she gasps.

“Xavier, did you just recreate a movie scene for me?” she asks, wide-eyed.

“Only if you want to. If not, we can get back into the car right now and go find something else to do.”

“Hell no. Game on, city boy. I hope you know how to dodge, dip and dive.” She smirks, opening another bucket.

“We have three colors each and I also picked up white plastic jumpsuit things if you don’t want to ruin your clothes,” I tell her.

“Psh, we can put those on before we get back into the car,” she says as she slides on a pair of goggles. Looking equal parts ridiculous and attractive.

For the next hour, we throw paint-filled balloons at one another, laughing the entire time.

“Okay, I’m out.” I raise my hands, surrendering.

Cassi walks up to me throwing her paint-covered body into mine, leans up and kisses me. I kiss her back, taking it deeper. She moans into my mouth as I nip at her lip.

“We need to stop,” I rasp.

“I’m sick of stopping.” She growls, making me laugh. “I’m so glad you find this funny.”

“I don’t find it funny. But I refuse for our first time to be in a field.”

“You said that about the beach too. And the library. And the car. See a theme?” She groans.

“I’m sorry, but when I finally ravish you,