I clear my throat and murmur, “Ok, rule number four: you have to promise not to cross any lines. No slipping out ofcharacter. We go by the script until this vacation is over, and we keep this simple.”
For the sake of me not falling too deeply.
Othello’s lips curve as he ponders the rules I set. I shove him playfully in the chest.
“Othello!”
“Okay, I promise,” he says earnestly. I can’t stop myself from watching his mouth when he says this. Those full, delicious lips.
Lord, help me.
I realize we’re way too close. And I’m feeling way too hot.
Very hot.
I take a step back, putting much-needed space between us. “I should…take a nap. My head is killing me,” I tell him.
“Did you take any more medicine?”
“Not since this morning.”
“You should take a nap. With all the chaos yesterday, I’m sure you’re mentally and physically drained. You honestly haven’t had much time to sleep. You went to bed late and then got up pretty early for yoga.”
I nod, because he’s absolutely right.
“Yeah.”
There’s a brief pause, but the energy is still buzzing. Radiating loud and hard.
“I’m actually headed to a sandcastle contest, so that’s where I’ll be.”
My eyebrow lifts. “Sandcastle contest.”
“There is an entire itinerary for this week. Sorta reminds me of your vacation agenda,” he chuckles.
“Which is officiallyoutthe window now.”
“Hey, like I said. Any time with me is a good time.”
I almost drool.
I believe it.
“Let’s get you settled,” he says and pulls the blankets back on the bed. I watch him, my eyes drifting to his butt, which is ridiculously cute. He grabs the Tylenol from the nightstand and pours two into my hand like he’d done the last time. I reach into my canvas bag on the dresser and pull out a water bottle. He watches me take the meds, then gives me a satisfied smile.
“Alright, you should be good after a nap.”
“Shower first. And then nap,” I correct him.
We stand there awkwardly for a second, and then he sighs. “Alright, I guess I’ll see you later.”
“Youwillsee me later,” I assure him.
He leans in close and for a minute I think he’s going to kiss me on the lips, but his mouth lands ever so gently on the curve of my jaw.
“I think I’m already regretting rule one,” he whispers in my ear.
My cheeks flush.
