Best Kept Promise (Best Kept #2)

Chapter 45: Might As Well Slap Me

Song: Simple Existence (Acoustic) by State Champs

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Before I leave my room, I check myself in the mirror one more time.

I smooth my palms down the black lace of my dress, fix a loose pin that's holding one side of hair away from my face, check my lipstick, and put on a pair of black pumps to add to my attire. Really the heels help with the height so I can kiss Tyler easier.

Tonight is about Tyler this time. For once, I want everything to be about him even if I want it to be all the time. He doesn't see it that way. It's my turn to be as selfless as he has since the moment he met me.

I walk out of my room and into the kitchen to light the candles. Dinner is already on the table and I actually cooked it myself. The only thing I know how to cook is mac and cheese. But tonight, I made Lia's lasagna. Maybe I called her for help, but other than that, this whole meal is on me. I just hope it doesn't taste weird.

Mood lighting is a check, food, and drinks.

Everything is ready and I'm still nervous. This dinner is quite possibly the cheesiest thing I've done for him, but I like doing the cheesy couple things.

Tyler doesn't knock, but instead opens the door like he has always done when he gets home from the studio for the past week. My apartment is always his first stop. Nervously, I clasp my hands in front of myself as he walks down the small entry way. When he finally sees me, he halts just a few feet away.

"Hey." I smile shyly and step up to him.

He places his keys on the bar slowly. "What's going on?"

I grip the edges of his jacket and start pushing the sleeves down his arms. "It's your turn to be taken care of," I tell him and set his jacket to the side. "I made dinner and rented a movie. You've been busy with music and meetings, and I haven't really seen you in a couple of days."

I finally get a smile from him. "You didn't have to go through all the trouble."

"Of course I did," I reply with quickness. "I have to figure out a way to thank you for everything you've done for me, Tyler. This is my way of doing that."

Tyler lifts his hands to my face, gently caressing my jaw in the palms of his hands. "You have nothing to thank me for," he whispers. "I do what I can because I love you, Maggie. Holy shit I love you so much."

I laugh and flatten my hands on his chest. "I love you more probably."

Tyler shakes his head. "Not a chance."

"A huge one, actually."

"Do you need me to spell it out for you?" He retorts in a teasing tone.

The dim lighting of the apartment hides the rosiness of my cheeks. "I don't think I'd object to that, Tyler."

"I'd spell it out with my lips," he whispers and drops a hand to my neck. I feel the tips of his fingers brush my skin. "I'd start here," he goes on and then his hand drifts around until he touches my spine. "And finish here."

My cheeks heat further. "I like where this is going, but it'll have to be saved for a later date since tonight is about you. For your information, I know how to spell too."

Tyler chuckles and slips an arm around my waist. "With red lipstick no doubt."

"Is there another way?" I joke.