“I love you too.”
Blake’s smile could make the sun hide in shame.
To prove their words, they poured everything they had into each other, urging one another to go higher, faster.
Farrah crashed over the edge first; Blake followed soon after, their cries of ecstasy mingling until neither could form a word and they collapsed into each other’s arms.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The wind nipped at Blake’s cheeks, nose, and ears. Did he have ears anymore? He couldn’t tell. All sensation had left his body.
He deeply regretted his decision to stroll through Tianzifang one last time before the semester ended. The artsy enclave was one of Blake’s favorite spots in the city, and its labyrinth of alleyways, shops, galleries, and restaurants made it the perfect place to while away an evening…unless it was winter.
They should’ve gone to laser tag like Luke suggested. At least they would’ve been warm.
“Let’s go inside.” Farrah squeezed his hand. “You’re freezing.”
“I’m fine.” Blake’s breath steamed in the cold air.
“Told ya we should’ve done laser tag. Told ya you should’ve worn a hat.” Luke rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. His own beanie sat snug on his head, that bastard. “I’m always right.”
“You didn’t tell me I should wear a hat.”
“Well, I would’ve had I known you weren’t going to.”
“What happened to spoiling the birthday boy?” Blake grumbled.
“You said you wanted something low-key. No presents, no party,” Courtney reminded him.
“Doesn’t mean I want you guys ganging up on me.”
“I’m on your side.” Farrah kissed his cheek. “Always.”
A surge of love flooded Blake’s veins and warmed his cold skin. He turned his head so he could give her a proper kiss.
Their friends groaned and made faux gagging noises.
“You guys are giving me a toothache,” Kris said. “First Court and Leo, then Liv and Sammy, and now you two. I’m the only sane one left in the group.”
She turned her attention to a rare Visa sign posted on a vendor’s stall. Even in a tourist-friendly marketplace like Tianzifang, cash reigned supreme. “Ooh. They accept Visa?” She tossed a navy-blue beanie at Blake, who caught it in mid-air. “Don’t say I never got you anything.”
“Uh, thanks.”
Kris swiped an armful of jewelry and handed her card to the vendor, who looked like he couldn’t believe his luck.
Normally, Kris wouldn?
?t touch fake silver with a ten-foot pole, but Blake suspected she was still trying to get back at her dad for marrying “The Red-Headed Monster,” as she called her soon-to-be stepmother.
The credit card machine beeped. The vendor’s forehead creased. “Your card was declined.” He returned the Visa to Kris with noticeably less enthusiasm.
“That’s impossible.” Kris shoved the Visa back into his hand. “Try again.”
He did. Declined.
“Try this one.” She fished another card out of her wallet.
Also declined.