“Decision, decisions. I’m going to have to go with Peanut M&M’s. Yours?” she asks, tracing a small circle on my chest. I don’t even think she realizes she’s doing it.
“Snickers, hands down.”
“Good choice,” she says as she leans in and presses her lips to mine.
That’s how we spend the rest of the night, kissing and talking, laughing and getting to know one another. It’s a new experience for me, but as I drift off to sleep with her tight in my arms, it’s one I can appreciate.
The next morning, I wake to the sound of a soft feminine voice whispering, “Shit.” forcing my eyes open, I see Jamie hopping on one leg and holding the other. “What happened?” I ask groggily.
“I’m so sorry I woke you. I was trying to gather my things quietly and hit me knee on the edge of the bed.”
“Where are you going?” I blink away the sleep and focus on the alarm clock. “It’s only six. We’ve barely had three hours of sleep.”
“I know, but I leave in a few hours. I need to go see Whit.”
“How were you planning on getting there?” I ask, sitting up and resting against the headboard.
“I was going to call a cab.”
“James, you’re in Kentucky, darlin,’” I say gently.
“Shit,” she says again, louder this time.
“I can take you.” I throw the covers off and climb out of bed. After a quick stop in the restroom, I grab a pair of jeans and a shirt out of my closet. “Do we have time for breakfast?” I’m not ready for my time with her to end.
“I really shouldn’t. I feel bad that I abandoned her when I hardly see her as it is.”
“All right then, let’s get moving.” I gently smack her on the ass to let her know I’m not upset. Disappointed, but she doesn’t need to know that either.
The drive back to Whitney and Aaron’s is quiet. It’s not uncomfortable silence, just quiet. I think we’re both too tired. That reminds me that she’s driving home today, alone. “Hey,” I say, giving her knee a gentle squeeze. My hand’s been there since we pulled out of my driveway. “You going to be okay to drive home today? We didn’t get much sleep last night.” Now I feel like a complete dick for keeping her up so late.
“I’ll be fine,” she assures me. “That’s what caffeine is for.”
“I should’ve made sure you got more sleep.” Of course, I didn’t think she would be sneaking out of my bed at six in the damn morning either.
“It’s fine.”
Pulling into the drive, I see Aaron on the Gator, making his rounds from the barn. We share a wave before I turn my attention back to Jamie.
“I had a great time,” she says before I have a chance to.
“Me too.”
“Maybe we can hang out the next time I come to visit?” she asks hesitantly.
“We better,” I tell her. “Text me when you get home?”
“Will do.” She reaches for her door handle. “Goodbye, Michael.” She grins.
“Goodbye, James.”
I watch her walk up the steps and disappear into the house. Looking around, I no longer see Aaron and feel like a creeper, so I put the truck in Drive and head toward home.
I don’t remember the drive, my mind too occupied with Jamie. How it felt to hold her last night, how we laughed and talked. It’s the most fun I’ve had with a woman in… well ever.
I don’t bother with lights as I kick off my boots and trudge back to my bedroom, needing a few more hours of sleep. I make quick work of stripping back down to my boxer briefs and climbing into bed.
The bed that smells just like her.