I figure under these circumstances, it’s probably best for me to keep my hands to myself unless otherwise requested. Especially since Nevah is basically my only way to Colorado at the moment. I also genuinely like her and I’d prefer not to mess this up.Wanna Snuggle?
NevahI PLANT MY fists on the vanity and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I’ve been in here for seven minutes. I put the timer on as soon as I locked the door so I wouldn’t take too long because I’m one-hundred percent psyching myself up to unlock that door and face the hot guy who is either throwing out amazing lines or who really does seem to think fate is the reason our paths crossed today.
It’s hard to argue with the whole destiny thing, considering he’s right—we’ve been at the same events before. I remember seeing him and wondering what the heck a surfer was doing at a gala. I also remember thinking he was hot, and not at all my type.
Except now that I’ve gotten to know him, I think he actually might be my type. And not at all like the jerks I typically end up with.
In which case I want to look like I care, but not too much. I adjust the top of my sleep tank, rinse once more with mouthwash, debate whether or not I want to toss a coin to help me decide whether or not I’m going to make the first move, and then I remember I used all my coins in the vending machine.
I smooth my hair one last time before I open the bathroom door. “Bathroom’s all yours.”
Lawson is standing by the table organizing our 7-Eleven purchases. He glances my way and his gaze drops from my face to my feet and then slowly comes back up. “Yes, it is.” He gives his head a shake. “I mean, great. Thanks.”
Shit, this is awkward.
Once he’s in the bathroom, I head for the tent and get into bed so we can avoid more weirdness. I lie there for a while—it seems like an eternity—before the bathroom door creaks open, followed by the thwap-swoosh of Lawson’s flip-flops as he approaches the tent.
The room goes mostly dark, aside from the dim glow coming from the direction of the bathroom. The flap opens and Lawson ducks inside. For a moment I consider pretending I’m asleep, but decide that’s ridiculous. No one falls asleep that fast.
Lawson lies on his back and pulls the sheets all the way up to his chin. His arms go to his sides over the covers. “G’night,” he says to the tent ceiling.
“Uh, g’night?”
I glance at him out of the corner of my eye—I’m also lying on my back, like a corpse. His eyes are closed. Maybe he doesn’t want to make the first move? Or he doesn’t want to assume I’m interested? I figured our discussion at the bar should be a fairly solid indicator that I am. I don’t think his eyes have been closed for more than thirty seconds and I swear a low level snore comes out of him.
I hold my breath, sure I must be hearing things. “Lawson?”
I get nothing.
I prop myself up on my arm, the air mattress dipping, and peer at his face. His hair is still pulled up in a topknot. There’s not much in the way of light filtering in, but I can clearly see that his eyes are closed. Another slightly louder snore escapes.
I poke him on the shoulder. “Hey.”
His eyes pop open and he grins.
“You jerk! I thought you’d seriously fallen asleep in less than a minute! By your account it’s supposed to be our fourth freaking date and you haven’t even kissed me goodnight!”
His eyes search my face and his smile softens. “We’ve kind of jumped a whole bunch of dating hurdles in one day. I didn’t want to make any assumptions. Plus, if you think I’m a shitty kisser, I’m going to have to sleep on that gross mattress with the polyester comforter.” He thumbs in the direction of the bed.
I nod slowly, considering that. “Hmm. I guess you better make it a good one then.”
He blows out a breath. “Okay. Game on, Nevah.” His expression turns serious as he cups my cheek in his warm hand and tugs, ever so gently, pulling me in closer. His full lips brush softly over mine. He tilts his head to the right, thumb sliding along the edge of my jaw. “With or without tongue?” he asks.
“Date four should definitely include tongue, and it should be long. My toes should curl and I’ll want to invite you up to my apartment.”
“Mmm. Want me to work up to that? Like dates two and three goodnight kisses first, or just dive right in?”
I smile as the end of his nose brushes against mine. “Hmm, I guess dates two and three are going to be a little different, aren’t they?”