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“Same reason I hit the gym.” Will says nodding.
“Funny, I thought you just did that to have an excuse to wear that bro tank.” I tease, giving his shirt a long look.
“No, I wear the bro tank for the women. Sometimes they even stop and stare through the window as I work out.” He says with a little chuckle and my face flames red as I realize I was caught.
“I just didn’t know authors hit the gym. I thought you would be holed up with a book somewhere.” I lied, trying to sound casual and not defensive.
“Maybe I’m not your typical author.” Will counters.
“I don’t know about that. You seem all torn up over love. That is pretty typical.” I point out.
“Yeah, I guess I am.” Will sighs.
“Why is that? I mean, I know you city types don’t like to settle down, but you are pretty bitter about love for someone in their twenties.” I say, hoping he doesn’t think I am too nosy.
“Isn’t everyone in their twenties bitter about love?” Will asks.
“Well, yeah, but for everyone else, it is just a rite of passage or a trendy phase. With you, it seems genuine.” I say, trying to explain the bitterness I sensed in his opinions.
“Yeah, well, that would be because I was lucky enough to experience the full circle of failed love. The excitement, the joy, the peace, the hope and then the paranoia, the betrayal, the end. It left me wondering if the risk was really worth the reward and, in my experience, it hasn’t been.” Will explains, running a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get you to spill your secrets, but I do understand. You might not think I do because I’m just a girl from a small town who dated the quarterback, but I know what you mean about the risk not being worth the reward. Even in small towns, it’s not all fairy tales.” I say, hoping he will accept my olive branch and see that maybe we do have something in common.
“That’s too bad. I kind of hoped you still thought love was all rainbows and butterflies.” Will says, and he seems genuinely disappointed that I know how he feels, though his tone is playful.
“Sorry to disappoint. However, if it counts, I’m still hopeful.” I say, mustering a smile to prove my point.
“Hopeful for what?” Will asks.
“That I will find the one and get my happy ending.” I say a little wistfully as I twirl in the water.
“There’s my small-town girl.” Will says with a chuckle, and I realize I like that nickname more than I would ever admit to him, or maybe, I just like that he called me his.
“So, you don’t believe in happily ever after anymore?” I ask.
“More like I don’t believe in happily ever after right now. True, enduring love at twenty-four? Unlikely. I’ll leave commitment for my thirties.” He says cynically, but because I know to look for it, I see the self-hate within him because I felt the same hate the first time Wesley cheated on me. You would think after being cheated on that you would hate the other person and you do, but more than anything, you hate yourself for being so foolish as to give his heart away so easily to someone who doesn’t care.
We sit by the pool for another half hour, absentmindedly chatting before we decide to call it a night. As we walk back to the elevator, I can’t help but acknowledge that though Will tries to belittle and aggravate me, I want to come back for more. I want more of these late-night talks and more of his panty dropping smiles and more of his comments that make me want to punch him. I want him, and I’m certain that makes me unquestionably typical.
Chapter 9
We wake up at an ungodly hour the next morning and though I may be crushing on Will and his ridiculously muscular arms; I don’t care enough to try to impress him today. I stumble down to the hotel lobby in leggings and an oversized t-shirt. My hair is tossed up into a bun, that is messy because I slept in it, not because I styled it that way. Overall, I’m looking basic and as I’m half asleep, I don’t care to deal with Will’s comments.
It turns out that I get lucky. Will is less of a morning person than me. In gray sweats and a white t-shirt, he stands next to my dad as they check out and he is all mumbles and blank stares. His hair is mussed up and his eyelids heavy from sleep and I would probably find sleepy him irresistible if I could fight the tired enough to care.
Dad is the only one of us that appears to be awake, and he whistles as we head out to the car. Good to know he won’t be falling asleep at the wheel. When we get to the car, I start making myself a bed in the middle row of seats. I’m just laying down when Will pulls the door closest to me open.
“Move over. I’m sitting back here today.” He grunts as he stares down at the cozy nest I’ve made for myself.
“You are not sitting back here. I’m gonna sleep here.” I glare at him, hoping he will go away.
“Well, that was my plan too, so move over and make room.” Will makes a scoot over gesture with his hand, but I just snuggle deeper into my pillow.
“You can recline the front seat and sleep there.” I suggest, pointing at the passenger seat.
“I can’t sleep on my back.” Will says, still waiting for me to move.
“Fine. I’ll just sleep in the backseat.” With a huff, I climb over the back of the seat to the third row, too tired to fight Will. It is a little smaller, but it is still more room than I would have sharing with Will. Will smirks and lays out on the middle row, letting out an exaggerated yawn?
