“I’m so excited for you to open your minds and senses today. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do it, just let go and be honest.”
Jesus. My therapist is going to have a field day when I tell him about this. He’s been begging me to find new ways to open myself up.
“As you know, this is a partnered experience, so please get into your pairs; otherwise, come see me, and we can match you up with someone before you go in.”
The group starts to pair up, finding partners easily and making it quickly apparent that I’m about to be the odd one out. How fitting for today. Maybe leaving was a better idea.
Before I can throw in the towel though, the tour guide is in front of me. I can tell she wants to laugh at my outfit, but is staying very professional about it. I respect that.
“Hey, so do you have a partner?”
And honestly, I didn’t think this far ahead. Everyone else is waiting, and I wonder if my final humiliationwill be getting kicked out of this art exhibit because I couldn’t get a date.
Therapy is going to be a blast this week.
“I’m his partner,” comes the lovely, raspy, angelic voice I spent a year missing.
Paige materializes beside me, a flush to her cheeks and a sharp glare that only makes her more beautiful. I’m fucking relieved, and I want to tell her that, but she’ll probably think it’s a line. Every time I try to push something sincere out, it gets stuck in my throat, and I choke on it.
I’d better figure it the fuck out, or I’m going to lose her twice.
“You couldn’t stay away, huh?” I joke instead because I’m a dick.
Her gaze drops to my chest, then my ass, then the floor as her cheeks turn a darker pink. Fuck. I’m desperate to kiss her.
“Please. I’m just making sure I get my winnings. You’re not getting out of this bet that easily.”
She looks incredible in a white crop top and jean shorts that are testing my blood pressure. Paige’s jeans have their own hall of fame in my brain. Denim is her comfort zone, and, fuck, does she look good in it. Her hair is tied back, damp against the nape of her neck from sweat. I’m desperate to touch the strands and wind them around my fingers to see if her hair is as silky as I remember.
“Never planned on it,” I say, sliding a hand to herlower back. But what I really mean is,Thank you, and,I’ve been waiting for you, and,I’m learning to be a better man because that’s what you deserve.
Chapter Nine
PAIGE
The first room we’re led into is bright white. It’s twice the length of the shop, ending with a red door that immediately makes me wish I’d had the courage to visit sooner.
Evenly spaced along the walls are tables with different-colored bowls. I have no idea what they have in them or what each color means. There’s no sound except for our footsteps and breaths, nothing from outside. The room must be soundproofed.
I feel like I’ve just been given the keys to the chocolate factory.
The guide gets our attention. “This room focuses on smell and touch.”
Despite my nerves, a buzz settles under my skin.
She makes her way through the group, handing us an eye mask with the logo of the gallery on it. “One of you will put the mask on, and your partner will be in chargeof guiding you around the room. The point is not to be the best guesser. This isn’t a competition.”
A few titters rumble through the room.
“Instead, I challenge you to discover something new. Focus on what your senses are telling you. Is it exciting? Uncomfortable? Does it make you hungry?”
Another chuckle.
“Whatever it inspires is for you and your partner to discover. Take your time, discuss it as you go, and I’ll be waiting in the next room when you’re ready.”
Shit. It feels selfish to ask to wear the mask since, technically, this is Benji’s date, but I really want to. No matter how nervous it makes me to put myself at his mercy. Hell, he could leave the second the mask is on, and then I’d be the one stood up.
But he doesn’t look like he wants to run off, and he doesn’t even ask who will do what. He simply places the band around my head, making sure it won’t lie uncomfortably against my ponytail. Goose bumps rush over my arms as it slips over my eyes. I’m in his hands now.
