Page 83 of View With Your Heart

“That wasn’t so bad,” I joke, but Britton quickly exits the bed, taking the blanket with her.

“Hey, come back here,” I tease, reaching out for the covering around her, but she turns to glare at me.

“This is not good,” she hisses.

“Why not?” I release the blanket and stare up at her.

“Because I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”

“And what would be the wrong idea?”

“You. Me. Us.”

I shift as well, kicking my legs off the side of the bed and bend for my jeans, which aren’t where I thought they’d be on the floor. Searching her room, I see them folded and on top of her dresser along with my shirt.

“What would be wrong with us?” I ask, standing and giving her the full show of how I feel about us this morning. I’m stiff as a rock and ready to pin her to the wall.

“You’re going to leave soon, Gavin. I don’t want him hopeful that we can be more.”

“Because we can’t be,” I mock. Reaching for my jeans, I skip my briefs and tug the denim upward.

Britton doesn’t respond. I want her to give me one hint that we can be more, and I’ll figure something out.

Instead, she turns to the closet and yanks a dress off a hanger. Hastily, she grabs a bra and underwear from her dresser, and I tug on my shirt. Despite the sudden negative energy in the room, the entire experience of dressing together feels appropriate, almost comforting, and I wonder what it would be like to start every day with her.

“I need a minute,” she tells me, entering the bathroom off her room. When she finishes her business, she returns to the room, dressed and freshened up.

“I put a toothbrush on the counter.” She’s brushing past me when I reach for her arm and tug her toward me.

“Hey.” She freezes, and I swipe back her freshly brushed hair. “Good morning.”

Her lip trembles, but she bites the corner before mumbling, “Good morning.”

I cup her cheek and lean forward, expecting her to pull away from me. Instead, she meets my mouth, slow to warm, but finally giving in.

“That’s better,” I say to her, a small smile curling my lips.

“How are you doing today?” she asks, her eyes searching my face as I lean away from her. I’d be better if we returned to her bed, but I have things to do today, like meeting my family to plan a funeral. The thought hits me hard, and I collapse back on the bed, taking a seat on the edge and slipping my hand to Britton’s.

“I’m not certain it’s really hit me,” I say, focusing on her fingers, stroking over them. “So much has happened. All of it so fast.” I glance up at her, and she swipes her fingers through my hair, comforting me.

“It’s been a lot,” she agrees. “What do you need from me? What do you want from Gee and me?”

I like how she’s included both of them. I understand they’re a package deal, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Just knowing you’re here has been so helpful,” I admit. It’s true. I snuck into her room two nights ago and took what I wanted from her. Last night, she welcomed me just as eagerly, and I took my time to savor her, losing myself in her.

In time, I’ll process Mum’s passing and realize once more how short life can be. For now, I’m soaking up these minutes with Britton, and I want to include Gee in that time.

“We’re here for you,” she says, breaking into my thoughts, and I give a weak smile again before standing for another quick kiss.

“Give me a minute, and I’ll meet you out there.”

When I finally find Britton in the kitchen, Gee is seated at the table, eating cereal.

“What’s on the agenda today?” I ask as Gee stares at me.

“Theo and I will hang out at the adventure shop while Mom works. I have another game tonight.” Britton walks to the table, offering me a bowl, and I glance at the cereal box.