Page 52 of I Wish He Would

“The thought of being late makes me feel itchy.”

“I’m sure the front desk can get us some itch cream.”

“I’m serious, Slugger.”

“So am I. If we’re late, we’re late. You can even blame it on me. Tell them I fell asleep or was in the bathroom for a long time.” He shrugs. “I don’t care.”

I quirk a brow. “You’d do that?

“For you?” He smiles at me. “I’d do anything.”

I know he means it in a friendly way. Just like I’d do anything for the Long Live Girlies. But my body doesn’t seem to get the memo. I’m warm all over as my mind thinks about all the things I wish I could have with him. Of all the things I wish he would do. One of his strong hands on my waist, the other tangled in my hair. His lips pressed to mine, then trailing down my neck.

Thankfully, the elevator door chooses this moment to arrive at the third floor. I grab the suitcase nearest me and wheel it out, hoping I moved quickly enough that Austin can’t see the blush—the desire—written all over my face.

I hurry down the hall until I find the right room number, then slide the card into the lock and wait for it to light up green. The second it does, I open the door.

My face falls when I see the large space. Objectively, it’s beautiful. But there’s a glaring issue: There’s only one bed. It’s large, but that’s beside the point.

Not only do I have to share a room with Austin, but I have to share a bed with him.

We both step into the room without saying a word. I leave the suitcase behind and move toward the balcony. I pull the curtains aside, and the tension slowly leaves my body as I look out beyond the multiple resort pools to the ocean view.

The beach has always been my happy place. There’s just something about the clear blue water and the lull of the waves that immediately brings me peace.

“How’s the view?” he asks.

“Beautiful,” I breathe. “At least Bianca booked an ocean-view room. I thought she would’ve got us one in the dungeons.”

“If this resort has a dungeon, I think we have a whole other problem.”

I turn back around with a laugh, but my newfound peace shatters when I see Austin setting his backpack on the bed. We make eye contact, and he rubs the back of his neck. I turn and avert my gaze.

As we start to unpack, Austin and I dance around the bed issue like we’re professional ballerinas. I can’t believe I didn’t think to ask the concierge if the room had two beds. At least then we would’ve had the chance to mentally prepare on the elevator ride up. Instead, we’re stuck tiptoeing around each other in this delicate dance, scared to see who’s going to break first.

I unzip my large suitcase and start hanging up the gowns I brought for the wedding. Thankfully, I’ve thrifted enough nice ones over the years to fit Bianca’s dress code for the majority of events, so I only had to splurge on one for the actual wedding.

“I can do that.” Austin takes the hanger, his fingers brushing mine. I clasp my hands in front of me, trying to act as if his touch has zero effect on me. “Go lie down and rest.”

“Thanks.” I smile. “Wake me up in thirty minutes?”

“You got it.”

I climb onto the bed as far away from the closet and the bathroom—and Austin—as possible. I don’t want to get the sheets gross from my travel clothes, so I stay on top of the comforter, curling up on my side. I close my eyes and play pretend.

I pretend that Austin and I aren’t staying in the same room. I pretend that we won’t have to share this bed tonight. I pretend that my feelings for him are strictly platonic. I pretend that I’m just at home in my own bed, taking a quick cat nap, until I finally fall asleep.

“Lyssa.” Austin’s warm voice envelops me in a hug.

I readjust my position with a small groan.

“Oh, so I’m dealing with Aly Kat, huh?” he teases before running his strong hand up and down my bare arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps behind. “It’s time to wake up.”

I slowly blink my eyes open and wince at the sun streaming in through the balcony door. “What time is it?” I mumble.

“Four. You’ve still got thirty minutes to get ready.”

That wakes me up real quick. I spring out of the bed, making Austin jump back to avoid a collision. The fast movement makes me feel like I just got off a spinning ride. I reach out, trying to steady myself, but my hand doesn’t connect with anything. I let out a small squeal as I fall and close my eyes, bracing myself for impact with the tile floor.