As my heart calmed, I collapsed against the pillows and scrubbed my face with a groan. “What time is it?”
Gale didn’t answer, and I sensed more than saw him retreat another step. I rolled to my side and grabbed my phone. Three forty-two.
He was nearly at the door.
“Where are you going? Aren’t you staying?”
“I… I don’t know. You’re upset. I shouldn’t have come.”
“Gale, I invited you. I’m not upset. You scared the shit out of me.” I shuffled over and drew back the covers. “You made it this far. Come lie down.”
He didn’t move, and maybe it was a big ask for a guy who had never experimented past kissing.
“Maybe I should go.”
“Nothing will happen if you don’t want it to. I promise. Please lie down.”
He stalled for a full minute as though undecided, then shuffled to the bed and joined me. We lay facing one another, a small distance separating us, the covers drawn to our waist. Gale wore sleep pants and a tee, but I wore nothing but boxer briefs. Itdidn’t dawn on me until that exact moment how it might look. At least I wasn’t naked.
With the window at his back, the faint light it provided cast a deep shadow over his face, leaving his features and expressions hard to read. Regardless, I knew he was wretchedly uncomfortable. Fretting.
“I didn’t think you were coming.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s a big deal. I get it. You’re allowed to think about it.”
He nodded.
“You’re allowed to change your mind, too.”
“It’s… I’ve never…”
“I know. You told me.”
He winced, and I imagine a crimson bloom filling his cheeks.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed.”
He huffed. “Easier said than done.”
“Did you get some good pictures today?”
“I think so. I took four rolls. I’ll develop them when I get home. I have an idea for a magazine article I want to submit. It’ll be good.”
“Oh? What’s the theme? Wait. Let me guess. Tornadoes.”
He chuckled. “Nothing gets past you. It’s… tornado adjacent. I’m not ready to reveal it yet. It might not work out.”
“I’d love to see it when it’s done. If I’m allowed.”
“Maybe. It might suck.”
“I doubt that.”
I moved a hand to his hip, intent on encouraging him closer, but he tensed.
I withdrew. “No touching?”
