𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟎.𝟏

ISABELLE

DECEMBER 29th, 2018

I hum, and gently bob my head to the music emanating from my earphones, my eyes scanning the outfit I have chosen. Today is my seventeenth birthday, so my friends and I decided to hang out. Not that we don't spend time together on a typical day.

So basically, it's just another day.

Looking in the mirror, I remove one earphone, and softly smile at my dad, who is standing near the door. "Happy birthday, beautiful."

I run towards him, burying my face in his chest; wrap my arms around him and mumble, "Thank you."

No matter how old I get, I will never stop showing my dad how much I love and appreciate him.

"Look at you!" He chuckles, softly brushing my baby hairs out my face. "You're growing up to be a gorgeous woman."

"I get my looks from my dad," I tease, earning a smile. He flicks my nose, causing me to scrunch it.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I rise on my toes and smack a kiss on his cheek, smiling. He always tries his best to make me laugh and keep me happy; I know I can rely on him, no matter the distance between us. I don't doubt he'll drop everything to come to my aid. It's why I love.

And also because he makes killer falafels.

"Here you go."

Mumbling a, "Thank you." I take the wrapped gift and place it on my bed. "I'll open it later." He hums in response.

"When's he coming round again?" He glances at his watch and rolls his eyes at the sound of the door shutting downstairs. "Nevermind."

I laugh softly, shutting the door behind me before we walk downstairs. A smile spreads across my face at the sight of Kane.

He acts as if it's his house. Not that I don't do the same at his place— nevermind.

My dad kissss my head once more before disappearing into his office, not bothering to greet Kane. He and Kane get along well, which I'm grateful for. I can't imagine what I would do if my best friend and dad did not get along; it would create such an awkward situation.

Taking this opportunity to admire him, my lips curl into a smile of approval as I take in his black loose-fitting jeans and grey muscle shirt. He sits with his legs spread comfortably, one arm draped casually over the top of the sofa while the other rests across his stomach.

He looks absolutely stunning, as always.

Kane is a gym fanatic. When he's not with me, he's either at the gym or asleep. If he weren't wearing that leather jacket, which I'm actually pleased he is, I would have had a perfect view of his sculptured arms.

What a creep.

"Help yourself, Reed."

He snaps his head towards me, slowly standing up and taking his time to scan me and my outfit. "C'mere," he mutters and a giddy sensation erupts within me.

I adore his gaze on me, is that strange to think and feel?

I snort, rushing into his outstretched arms and wrap my arms around his waist, secretly relishing the way his body feels against mine.