Page 9 of Don’t Be A Stranger

Okay, seriously what’s with me today? I have to be ovulating or something. That’s literally the only explanation for what’s happening.

River raises an eyebrow expectantly. “Not me though, right?”

“Especially you.”

He looks anything but offended by my words, almost like he’s used to my lies by now.

Without a warning, he throws his shirt at me, once again hitting me in the head. “What the hell, dude?”

He chuckles. “Figured you didn’t want to sleep in a wet shirt.”

“I have my own clothes, you know?”

I turn the shirt from being inside out, fully intending to put it on anyway. It is one of my favorites after all.

“I know you have your own clothes. I’m just not sure you’re aware of that.”

I’ve been known to steal River’s clothes more often than not. Whether that’s to sleep in or because I grow tired of my own and need a shirt of his to wear out.

My fingertips brush the hem of my currently wet shirt, getting ready to pull the fabric over my head.

I’ve changed clothes in front of both Lily and River before. It’s usually not a big deal between us. It shouldn’t be a big deal. So, I’m not quite sure why I hesitate.

River catches it almost immediately.

“Did things really change that much?” He doesn’t have to specify what it is. “Because like I said before it doesn’t have to—”

“Nothing’s changed.” I abruptly stand up. To prove a point to the both of us, I rip off my shirt and replace it with River’s dry one. Making sure to keep eye contact with him. “See? We’re fine.”

The air grows thick between us. Something that’s been happening a lot lately.

Which goes to show that maybe something has changed but because neither of us seem to want to delve too deep into what that is, we ignore it completely. Or at least try to. But then we have moments like this that remind us kissing each other once was bad enough.

Nothing more can ever come of it.

Which is why I need to stop looking at him in any type of way other than friendly. And even that might be too risky so maybe I should resort to walking around with a blindfold.

I’m an Ingram-Ruiz.

I was raised to believe that I can do anything with enough hard work and determination.

And I’m very determined to never cross that line with River ever again.

River clears his throat and backs away from both me and the bed. “Did you need anything before I head to bed?”

Yeah, maybe a hug to let me know that we’re okay.

“No.” I shake my head. “But are you sure you don’t want your bed back? I’m fine with taking the couch.”

Moose had his rule about not touching his food and River had a rule that I would take his bed. No arguing. Yet here I am. Doing just that.

Maybe it’s because I don’t want him to leave yet but I know that right now it’s probably the best idea for both of us.

“I’m good, Summer. Besides, I don’t want to hear you complaining about your back hurting in the morning.”

I can’t help but smile. “That’s you.”

“Yeah.” He smiles back. “That is me.”