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“I wasn’t going to ruin a chance for you to spend time with your mom and brother.”
“We can leave now if you want to,” he says with sincerity.
I can’t take away any of his time with them. That includes tomorrow morning.
“I’ll be okay,” I reassure. “I’m just tired and need to sleep.”
His gaze passes over my features before giving me a smile. “Thank you, Sally. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
I shake my head. “That wouldn’t be fair. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
“No,” he denies firmly. “I brought you here, so there is no way I’m letting you do that.”
Oliver, why can’t you be just a little bit of an asshole? I really need you to help trick my brain into being okay with never looking back.
I run my fingers through my fading pink hair. “Fine, we’ll share the bed. Plus, we can’t have your mom walk in and see you sleeping on the floor.”
Oliver’s brow spikes up in surprise. “Are you sure?” He sounds a little bit too enthusiastic but also cautious.
Nerves knot my stomach. I’ve never slept in the same bed as someone who doesn’t know about me.
I nod, and heat flares in his eyes.
Heat climbs up my neck. “I’ll need some clothes since I didn’t really pack anything for sleeping.”
The same pink tint finds its way onto Oliver’s cheeks. Then, in a fluid motion, he pulls his shirt over his head and thrusts the shirt into my arms.
“I’ll give you room to change.” He marches out of the room.
Looks like I’m sleeping in my tuck. I hate sleeping in my tuck.
I look at his shirt and shamelessly lift it to my nose and inhale. Fresh water and the beach fill me with too many memories.
The past few weeks haven’t been kind in terms of sleep. I miss the smell of cinnamon apples. I thought it was just because I was in the Gordons’ house, but I can’t sleep here in Lansing either.
Ma always complains that it shouldn’t smell like Christmas in July, but then she’ll come home with a box of candles because it’s Mama’s favorite scent.
I blink my eyes open, taking in the whole room. The light is off, and the only light coming into the room is from the hallway.
I glide my hand over the soft bed sheet to find my phone.
The screen light burns my eyes as they adjust to the sudden brightness. Several texts come into view from my siblings.
Ella
I know you said you were okay, but I’m still worried.
Leon
When are you getting back?
Mimi
You better tell me how romantic this outing of yours was because my love life only exists within books.
The next text is just from Ella in our own text thread.
Ella
