“I don’t think I can walk. You’re going to have to carry me.” Shayne’s head is resting against the seat as she turns to look at me.
We spent almost three hours in the restaurant, just talking and laughing. Just like she assured me that she would, she ate everything on her plate, and I enjoyed every minute of watching her. Now we’re sitting in the parking lot of her building. I’m not ready for our night to end, but I don’t know this town well enough to offer her something else we could do. Obviously, I suck at planning dates. I was so excited she said yes, and was determined to take Shayne to her favorite place. Everything else just fell to the wayside.
“I can carry you.”
“What? I was kidding. You’d break your back.”
“You are aware that I’m in the army, right? The pack I have to carry probably weighs more than you do.”
“Really?” she asks, eyes wide.
“Yes.” Grabbing the keys, I climb out of the car and make it to her door before she has a chance to climb out. Pulling open the door, I offer her my hand. As soon as she closes the door, I scoop her up in my arms.
“Ford!” she shrieks. “What are you doing? Put me down.” She laughs.
I pretend to lose my grip, and she tightens her arms around my neck. “You smell good,” I say once we’re inside and making our way upstairs.
“I can walk.” She makes no move to release her hold on me. Good, because I like the feel of her in my arms.
“I can carry you.”
When we reach the top of the stairs, I stop in front of her door. Reluctantly, I place her on her feet.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Dinner, the company, the lift to my apartment.” Her eyes are bright, and they appear to be more blue than green at the moment.
“You’re welcome.”
Her head is tilted back, looking at me, and I only have eyes for her. I’m not ready for this night to end, but I can’t force myself on her either. I can’t just invite myself into her apartment.
“You want to come in? Or not, I mean if you need to get back…” She lets the offer hang between us.
“I’d like that. I’m going to call Chad and let him know, so Joan doesn’t worry about her car.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks flush. “Okay.” She fumbles with her keys and finally gets the door unlocked. “Come on in.” She stands back, letting me pass.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I dial Chad. “She kick your ass to the curb?” he asks in greeting.
“Nope.”
“Well, all right then. What’s up?”
“I’m hanging out with Shayne at her place. Are you at home? I want to make sure your mom doesn’t need her car, and she’s not worrying.”
“I’m home, and she doesn’t need it. You staying the night?” he asks.
“I’m…I don’t know.”
“Be good to her.”
“That goes without saying.”
“I’ll let Mom know.”
“Thanks.” I end the call, sliding my phone back into my pocket.
“You want something to drink?” she asks.
“No, thanks. I feel like I could explode.”
“You and me both.” She plops down on the couch and pats the cushion next to her. “Take a load off.”
I take the offered seat. I leave a little space between us, not because I want to but because I don’t want to scare her away. “No TV?” I regret it as soon as I ask. She didn’t have a bed for a fucking year. I doubt she has a TV either. I know money is tight for her.
“Oh, yeah, it’s in the bedroom. It’s just me, and my bed is a hell of a lot more comfortable than this old couch.” She rubs her hands on her thighs. “We could… I mean, do you want to watch a movie?”
“Are you okay with me being in your space? You willing to share that comfortable bed with me?”
“You promise to behave?”
No. “Yes.”
“Come on. Let’s see what we can find.” She stands from the couch and makes her way to the front door. I watch as she tests the lock and then turns to face me. “You coming?”
“Lead the way.” I stand and follow her down the short hallway and into her room.
“It’s small, but I promise the bed is the best.” She turns on the small bedside lamp, giving the room a soft intimate glow.
She’s right. The room is small. The bed is pressed up against one wall. There is a dresser that holds the TV and a nightstand, and what I assume is a closet door. She kicks off her shoes, grabs the remote, and climbs up on the mattress.
Doing the same, I bend down to unlace my boots and set them to the side before taking my spot next to her. “Wow, you’re right,” I say, rolling to my side to stare at her.