Page 75 of Carson

“Sounds like a plan,” I tell him, my stomach full of butterflies because he’s agreed to stay in my van with me. I’m excited to sleep in my own bed. Plus, I like that he’s respecting his brother’s boundaries.

“I’ll just put my stuff inside quick, check on things and then I’ll be out.”

“Okay,” I say, doing a little skip before heading down toward the van.

He chuckles under his breath. I think both of us were a little anxious the closer we got home, neither of us knew what to expect when we got here.

Home.

When I get to my van, I find it unlocked. I’m sure I locked it when I left.

Maybe I should wait for Carson to go in.

The wind picks up, and I hear a faint sound of wind chimes in the distance.

“I’m being silly. I just forgot to lock up when we left.”

Hesitantly, I open the door. Nothing looks amiss.

When I get inside, everything is exactly as it was. The only thing that’s changed is me.

I move around turning on my lights and then changing into a fresh set of pajamas. I’m so tired. Today’s travel schedule was brutal.

The faint knock on the door brings a smile to my face. I’ve never had anyone sleep with me here, but I’m excited to invite Carson into my world.

He smiles wide as I open the door.

“Well, hello, stranger,” I say, stepping aside to let him in. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

He picks me up, closing the door and locking it behind us. Then he carries me to my bed and drops me in the center of it.

“It’s been a whole five minutes,” he replies.

I giggle as he climbs in beside me. I curl against him as he settles.

“Wow, this is way comfier than I thought it would be.”

He’s so big, I can tell it’s not as comfortable as he’s letting on.

“Thank you for staying here with me tonight. I’ll feel better about staying at the cabin after you’ve talked to your brother.”

“I’d sleep here forever if that’s what it takes to be next to you.”

I tip my head back to stare into his face. “You’re happy to be home.”

“I am, but I loved every minute of our trip.”

“Me too.”

He runs his fingers through my hair, holding my gaze. “We’re still on the same page.”

“Still on the same page,” I confirm.

“Good, because I want to finish the chapter, no, the entire book, with you.”

I smile sleepily, enjoying his soft touch and his warm body next to mine.

“I feel like a kid again. The club has an old Volkswagen van and my parents used to take Cole and me out camping with it.” He tucks his arm behind his head. “One of the first places we went to was the Grand Canyon.”