AllFreeNovel
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I post it to Instagram, with the text: ‘Vacay vibes.’
Let the viewers think what they will.
It doesn’t surprise me when one of Jess’ friends gives the post a heart and then drops a comment. “OMG, who is she?! You two look so happy together!”
Jess is in the Insta game, just like me. She’ll see this post any minute now if she hasn’t already.
I thought my plan was to get my dignity back. But tonight turned out to be about more than just plotting and scheming.
When I look up, it’s so nice to see her standing there, still snapping shots of the moon. My fake girlfriend. All this happy couple posing aside, she really does make me feel good.
She tucks her phone away. We walk without talking for a few minutes. Waves break on the shore to our left. Birds sing as they settle in for the night.
When a curve in the path allows for a view of the bungalows, I see that most of them are lit up from within.
“This one’s mine,” she says as we near a one-bedroom unit painted pale pink.
“I hope she likes the first round of photos. Your mom, I mean.”
“Thanks. I am sure she will.”
It’s absolutely adorable when she looks down at our feet. Her eyelashes are a thick fringe. She nips her lower lip and hesitates. “Can I… should I… I mean, how do you want to handle tomorrow?”
Her eyes flick up back to mine.
I want to spend all day with you, I think, as I take a step up and meet her on the front stoop.
Her question hangs between us.
I should answer her.
Just a simple answer. A couple of words to address the logistics she asked about. “Give me a shout.” Or “Let’s meet again at the hot tub at five.” Whatever.
That would make sense.
I think that’s what she expects.
But it’s not what she wants.
She wants what I want. I can sense that, as clearly as if she said the words: “Please, kiss me.”
She draws in a breath, then smooths her lips together.
She’s waiting.
Somehow, as we watch each other and as the seconds tick past, what’s about to happen becomes more and more inevitable.
How could we not kiss after the day we just had?
It’s almost like this moment has been in the cards since we spotted each other in the lobby.
I step closer to her. “Can I…?” My voice is a throaty rasp.
I don’t have to spell out what I’m asking permission for because she knows.
She presses her lips together again. When they part, they’re glistening. Her eyes carry the faintest whisper of concern. One eyebrow tucks in.
She searches my eyes. “Yes…?”
