With that determined look in his eyes, I know that he means every word. I look at the bedside where he pulls out a few condoms and puts it on the surface and the familiar sound of my vibrator turning on hits my ears.

"Okay?" He looks at me for confirmation and I bite my bottom lip, nodding.

Just the thought of it makes me wants to press my thighs shut. His hand comes around my arms as he pulls them above my head, one of his hands holding the vibrator before bringing it down to my neck. I almost jerk away from the sensation and a huge satisfied grin takes over his face.

He traces his hands down to my breast, making my back arch from the growing need as he circles the vibrator on my nipples. A loud audible gasp leaves me at that, his mouth immediately coming around mine as he kisses me. His tongue traces mine erratically as I lift my hips to feel him.

"Shush." He whispers against my lips, bucking his hips away. "Open your eyes."

Despite the pleasure wanting me to keep them shut, I blink to meet his gorgeous eyes staring down at me. His hands move down to my navel, down further until it meets my core.

"Oh, god!" I moan out, my hips jerking from the strong sense of pleasure that shoots through me.

"Thanks, Emma. But that's not my name." He teases, making me mentally curse him. "C'mon, baby. I can do this all night."

I swallow from the prospect of Blake going through the entire night to please me this way only to have me call his name. What a gorgeous idiot.

He shakes his head at me amusedly when he realises how strongly I'm holding back. Honestly, this is fun, and I know he's enjoying it just as much so I'm going to make it last as long as my body would comply.

His hands move down to my entrance as he puts the vibrator over there and I bite on my tongue, shutting my eyes close from the overwhelming heat pooling down there. If he goes on like this, I'm not going to last long.

He removes his hands from my body completely, making me scowl so hard but then his lips come around my breast as he uses the tip of his tongue to circle the swollen nub, making me a moan leave through me.

I feel his hands moving to the bedside table and hear the tear of the foil wrap. But my thoughts are soon turned into mush when he closes his lips around my breast, sucking on it while his tongue continues to flicker.

"God, that tongue of yours!" I moan out, aware that he's put on the condom. "Please."

"Please, what?" He taunts, rubbing his length around my core  as he parts away his mouth. "C'mon."

"More." I manage to whisper and he shakes his head at me, a grin on his face.

He picks up the vibrator again as he slides slowly inside of me, bringing that little toy of pleasure to the bundle of my nerves as he starts thrusting inside of me ruthlessly.

"Oh my!" I moan, my eyes widening from the immediate wave of heat that laps over my core as he presses the vibrator harder against that sensitive spot while continuing to move inside of me.

He doesn't stop, rather he leans down and takes my breast in his mouth again and that's when I give up, a crying whimper of pleasure leaving through me.

"Blake." I cry out his name with pleasure.

"Yes!" He moans against my skin. "Again."

"Blake. Blake. Blake." I chant his name like it's the only thing I know. "So fucking good."

"I know," He whispers against my lips as I finish from the overstimulating pleasure.

He tosses away the vibrator a few seconds later but continues to move inside of me, another heat of mine building up as I thrust my hips up to meet his.

"You're so damn gorgeous," He tells me as he looks at me, his eyes fixed on my face because it traces down to my body. "So damn gorgeous."

His words comes out in pants as he continues to keep his pace as I try to keep up with him. I hook my legs around his waist and his face nuzzles down in my neck. He places rushed kisses on my skin, drawing me to the edge.

"Blake." I moan out his name with the satisfaction overwhelming my entire body as I finish.

"Emma." He continues to move inside of me but the way his movements are faster, I know he's close too.

When he collapses on my body with ragged breath, I kiss his cheek, still trying to catch my own breath. We're both panting heavily and it takes him a moment to open his eyes. They are swirling with so many emotions as he closes the distance between us and kisses me softly.

After cleaning up, we lie down by each other's side under the comforter where he plays with the strand of my hair. He meets my eyes with a small smile of uncertainty on his lips.

"Just to be on the same page, this fancy job dinner, it's a date, right?"

His words take me by surprise but it takes me a moment to nod. "Yeah, but if you want it to be otherwise..."

"No." He immediately shakes his head. "I like it."

"Good. Just to be on the same page, tonight was a date too, right?" I ask, a little nervous because the thought had crossed my mind so many times but I don't want to presume. I'd rather have him tell me I'm wrong than be in oblivion.

"Yup, I just didn't want to say it earlier because I thought you'll freak out."

I smile, my finger tracing his jaw as I blink up at him. "You have to give me some credit, Blake. I'm not that bad."

He nods, a yawn escaping his lips which makes me grin. I lean over to kiss his chest before settling down on my pillow as I loosely rest my arm around his waist.

"Go to sleep. We'll talk more tomorrow."

"Night, Emma."

"Goodnight, Lake." I tease and his eyes shoot open.

"No." He protests immediately and I cannot hold back my laugh. "God, please, no! I hate that name."

"Okay, Lakey-boy. Sleep now."

He lets out a grunt before pulling me closer and dozing off. I stare at his peaceful face with a smile on my face, my heart for once in my life feeling full as I close my eyes.

When I wake up the next morning, there's no trace of Blake again which immediately makes my heart sink a little. But then my eyes land on a piece of paper on the bedside so I pick it up with a frown.

"Morning, beautiful.

I have to rush to college but you're sleeping so peacefully, I don't want to wake you. But I also don't want to upset you or make you mad at me so here's a small informative note. It's Caiden's birthday so I don't think I'll see you today.

Text me about your plans for tomorrow? Not that you have to... but just in case you want to hang out. We can go to another restaurant I've wanted to explore since a while, or you can pick the place.

This note isn't going how I planned. Just know I didn't sneak out, I'm off to college. See you soon.

Repeating last night over and over in my head,
Blake."

My cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much by the end of it. I let out a happy squeal as a feeling of content courses through me. I know it's just a small note but I keep it in my drawer safely as a memory.

It's crazy how infatuated with Blake I am. I know how much at risk I'm putting myself by letting things get out of hand but now that I look at it, it has been inevitable. As much as I'd like to believe that it's just his looks and mind blowing sex that keeps me hooked to him, I'm aware that's not true.

It's him. It's Blake altogether that has me swooning right after I've woken up.

Looking back, I don't remember the last time I woke up to happiness. I don't want to jinx it. I pick up my phone to dial Caiden as I brush my teeth.

"Monin'" I yell through the phone. "Appie Budday."

"Millie! Ugh, why are you calling me so early?" He groans on the other end.

"Iss your budday." I manage to speak.

"Oh god, woman. Spit and then talk. How many times do we have to tell you it's ridiculous to talk while you're brushing?"

I follow his instructions before smiling. "Says the boy who did everything I did."

"I was a kid, I thought you were supersister and knew great life hacks."

A laugh leaves me at his words. "I am supersister, brother. Happy Birthday."

"Thanks, Millie. Why the hell are you so bubbly this morning?" He yawns halfway through that.

"It's your birthday, that's why." I mumble. "Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for school?"

"No. Who goes to school on birthdays?" He sounds like I'm crazy.

"So, Mom's letting you skip?"

Just on cue, I hear my mother's voice in the background. "Why are you still in bed?"

"See." I laugh. "Tell her I said hello. See you tonight."

After I hang up, I get ready for office. Nick's not at home because of how quiet it is so I make myself a grilled cheese. On my way to the office, I can't help the feeling of excitement that's coursing through me.

I don't want to get rid of it, so when I reach my desk, I choose to ignore Alyssa's presence for the rest of the day as much as possible. Rather, I pay attention to my thoughts. I am vaguely aware how things are being rushed between Blake and I, but we've been hooking up for over a month now.

The way he has been with me since the day we had that huge argument over Genesis, I've known that he cares for me, more than he lets on. Somewhere along the line, I started caring for him too. It's hard not to, because of how he is. We haven't really established anything, but I'd like to talk to him about it without going in circles.

I grab lunch with Olivia because Sam's working on a last minute sales call. She fills me on a date she has tomorrow night and I wonder if this day can get any better.

I made sure to carry clothes with myself for dinner tonight because I don't want to show up in formals on a family night. I change in the office washroom itself, fitting into my skinny black jeans and a noodle strap red top flowing down my waist in two layers.

Caiden's gift is wrapped perfectly in my bag when I reach the house. I ring the doorbell, running a hand through my hair. It's Ohana who opens the door and immediately engulfs me with a hug.

"Millie!"

I kiss her forehead. "How are you, kid?"

"Good! Dad's making steak."

"Fun." I grin, entering the living room but then my eyes land on someone, and I squeal with surprise. "Granpa!"

I rush to hug him as he stands up from the couch to greet me. "Millie."

He kisses my hair as I don't let go of him. "What are you doing here?"

"He's been here all week. It was supposed to be a surprise for you." I hear my mother behind me and I turn around to hug her.

"Oh, I'm so happy you're here." I look at Granpa while still hugging my mother. "Has Mom finally convinced you to leave Larkspur?"

"She wishes." He chuckles, shaking his head. "I just came down for Caiden's birthday."

I nod at him, a big smile on my face. I turn to the kitchen and look at Dad wearing an apron as he seems to be shuffling around. After keeping my bag down, I make my way to him.

"Hey, Dad." I smile at him. "It smells delicious in here."

"Em." He grins at me. "Taste the sauce for me, please?"

I nod, moving to taste it in as I pick up a spoon and it immediately leaves my mouth watering for more. "It's yum."

"Good. How are you?"

"Great." I grin at him. "I didn't know Granpa was here."

"Yeah." He nods. "Your Mom sent him tickets, she wasn't sure he'll make the trip."

"She must be happy that he did." I comment, receiving a nod in return. "Are you?"

"What?" He frowns at me a little.

"Are you happy that he's here?" I sound a little nervous and uncertain about questioning him.

He turns to face me completely, "Of course, kid. We can't let our pasts define us, right?"

I smile a little at his words, nodding. "Where are the boys?"

"Caiden's out with friends, he should be home soon. Odion must be in his room."

"Alright. Can I help?" I look around the kitchen.

"Yes, chop chop." He passes me lettuce so I get to work.

It's only ten minutes later do I hear Odion and Caiden's voice in the living room. After wrapping up the work Dad asked me to do, I step out of the kitchen to find my three siblings surrounding Granpa as he tells about his funny stories of when he was a cop.

"What did I miss?" I ask, taking a seat down on the floor. I turn to Caiden who's sitting by my side, reaching out to hug him. "Happy Birthday, my cutu little boy."

"I'm seventeen!" He screeches in my ears, only making me laugh loudly but he hugs me back. "Thanks, Em."

"Back to the story, Granpa!" Ohana whines.

"I'm telling them about the time I had to testify against a drug dealer." Granpa fills me in.

"Dad, you need to stop telling those kids scary stuff." I hear Mom yell from down the hallway before she emerges in the room.

"If I don't tell them scary stuff, how are they ever going to stay out of trouble?" Granpa retorts, earning a look from my mother.

"That's true." Dad chimes in, entering the room as well. "Now that you're seventeen Caiden, you should pay more attention to his stories."

"What does that mean?" My brother scowls. "It's like you guys have such little faith in me."

"Speaking of which," Mom starts. "We need details about this party tomorrow."

"Oh, no! You said I get one day to party. No questions asked." He whines. "Dad, c'mon!"

Dad rolls his eyes, nodding. "Just send us the location so we know where to find your body if you don't turn up the next day."

All of us chuckle at his words and Caiden grins with victory. "Will do."

Granpa finishes his story by that time I join my parents to set up the table. Everyone joins in at the table about the same time Mom keeps the cake in front of Caiden.

"You baked cake!" I look at her with surprise. "Is it banana cake?"

"Yup." She grins, kissing Caiden's hair. "Favourite cake for my favourite boy."

Odion clears his throat, arching an eyebrow at Mom, making all of us snicker. Mom rolls her eyes before moving to Odion and kissing his cheek.

"I meant just for birthday favours." She assures him.

"Sure, Mum." He shakes his head amusedly and I notice how he didn't stutter, even if it were just two words.

"Cut the cake!" Ohana instructs him and he nods, picking up the knife.

He blows the candles and everyone in the most out of tune manner sing Happy Birthday for him.

"Gifts time!" He claps his hands before extending his arms forward.

"Dinner first."

"No, please!" He whines.

Our parents share a look before nodding. Granpa's the first to clear his throat. "I'm not sure what you kids like, so here's a check. Buy whatever you want."

"See, this is why you're my favourite." Caiden moves over to hug him. "Thanks for coming, Granpa."

"Of course, Cay." He grins at him.

Ohana is the next as she hands over him a tidily packed gift. "It's not much."

Caiden nods before unwrapping the paper and looking at it. Internally, I awe at her efforts. She made him a handmade collage with a picture of all six of us.

"This is so cool, O. Did you make it?" Caiden asks her with surprise. She grins, nodding. "I love it, thank you."

"It's something you can take to college with you."

"Awww." I stare at her. "That's so sweet of you, O."

"Don't start shedding tears just yet, kids," Dad laughs amusedly.

I notice that my mother has disappeared from the room in all this while but then she enters back with a huge gift in her hands. She stands by Dad's side who wraps an arm around her. We all immediately know what it is by one look.

"No!" Caiden gasps, looking at our parents. "Are you serious?"

"You better learn it." Mom warns him. "Happy Birthday, Caiden."

He moves to hug both of them and Dad ruffles his hair. After Caiden lets go, he takes the guitar case from Mom's hands and unzips it. He pulls it out carefully and stares at us.

"This so amazing, thank you! Thank you." He passes a grateful look to the folks who just nod at him with a smile on their faces. "I promise to learn the first song for you."

"You better." Dad jokes. "Or I'll take it away."

Caiden grins at him. He has wanted to buy a guitar for so long now but we all thought it's a phase he'll outgrow but it's been two years and he still hadn't stopped pestering for it. I know he would love to learn it, especially looking at how happy he looks.

I pull out the box before handing it over to him. He gives me a suspicious look before opening it and stares at me with utter shock.

"Seriously?" He asks and I nod. "Shit, Millie! Come here."

He doesn't give me a chance before he wraps his arms around me in the tightest hug. "Be responsible with the usage, okay?"

He nods, still looking a little speechless as he picks up the phone from box. Ohana looks at me. "You got him a phone?"

"Yup." I grin. "I got earphones with it too, but I kept those."

"I don't care." Caiden murmurs before switching it on and turning to our parents. "You're okay with this, right?"

"She asked before buying it." Mom shrugs and Dad nods in agreement.

"Just know that if you screw up, I can still take it away." He reminds him.

"Of course." Caiden laughs. "This has been all so amazing. Thank you."

Odion clears his throat, looking at Ohana who nods at him with an encouraging smile. It makes me frown before he stands up from the chair and stands behind it.

"Cay..." He starts. "This is not a bir-rthday gift. But..."

Oh my god. He's speaking. He's speaking so well. I hear my mother take in a shaky breath behind me. Odion resumes speaking again, my heartbeat picking up.

"I just w-wanted to take a moment to tell you that yo-u... are the best brother. I know how sometimes you wish I wa-as cool too, but I t-try." He shrugs, giving him a small smile. "Tha-nk you, for always being there. Happy Birt-thday. I l-love you."

Caiden's crying. He's actually crying. When I look at Ohana and Granpa, both of them are wearing proud smile on their faces and then I turn around to see my parents. Dad has tears filled eyes and Mom has tears rolling down her face. It takes me a moment to realise that I have tear-stained cheeks too.

I stare at my brother as Caiden wraps his arms around Odion, hugging him tightly. "Oh my god. You..."

He pauses, shakes his head as he lightly pats Odion's hair. I turn to Ohana who winks at me but she's smiling from ear to ear.

"He's been practicing since weeks." Ohana informs us all. "He wanted to surprise you guys, but mostly Caiden."

"You did," Caiden tells him, parting away as he wipes his tears. "You're the coolest and the best brother I could've ever asked for, Odion. I wouldn't change a thing, okay? I love you too."

"Can you imagine? We made that?" I hear Dad behind me talking to Mom and I turn around to see my mother crying as she nods at him.

Her eyes meet mine and she smiles at me as I reach out to wipe her tears. She looks so immensely proud of Odion, both of them do. But I know deep down all of us are proud of him so much.

"So, the therapy's working?" I smile at Odion, wiping my tears, and he nods.

"Yes." He grins. "S-slowly."

"Good." I give him a proud smile.

Mom walks up to him, hugging him tightly before kissing the side of his head. "So, so proud, Odion."

"Thanks, Mum." He kisses her cheek.

I excuse myself from everyone to go to the kitchen because I suddenly feel so overwhelmed with emotions. This day has turned out so well that there's no way I can forget about it. From waking up to Blake's note, to knowing my best friend finally has a date, meeting Granpa after months to hearing my baby brother speaking like that.

Tears sting my eyes and I realise that I have never actually cried out of overwhelming happiness before. Odion has always struggled so much that the proud, confident smile he wore afterwards has my heart feeling overwhelmed.

"Millie?" I hear Granpa's voice so I look up from the kitchen island to see that he's standing on the other side. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." I smile. "Just a lot of happiness."

"He's a good kid, he told me about it yesterday." He informs me. "He also told me you pushed him for therapy."

"Not him." I shake my head. "Mom and Dad. I didn't know they told him."

"He's grateful, nonetheless." He shrugs. "About your gift to Caiden, how much did you spend?"

"It doesn't matter, Granpa. I just want him to be happy."

"Why do you always go over the top with those kids?" He asks and I know the underlying tone already, making me sigh.

"Well, if they ever find out I'm their half-sister, the over the top stuff should make up for the other half." I joke.

"What?"

I instantly close my eyes at the surprise in that voice. Slowly, I turn around to see Caiden standing behind me with a look of shock on his face, his lips parted. It's similar to how he looked at his gift but instead of the twinkle of surprise in his eyes, he looks like he has seen a ghost.