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He whispers in my ear. “Autumn, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken you here.”
My head begins to pound, but after the release, I feel a little better. “No, it’s fine. I’ve had a great time. But no more ssshots for me.Ever.” I grab a cluster of the tiny square napkins from the bar and use them to wipe my mouth.
“Not a bad idea considering the last few shots have really done you in.” He says as he hands me a cup of water.
I take a few sips. “Oh, that feels so much better. Thanks.”
He gives me a nod before thanking the bartender once more and we make our way out the door.
I stumble into his truck, and the feel of his arm holding mine sends electricity through me. His touch sobers me.
Once settled in, I slouch against the door and close my eyes. I feel somewhat embarrassed.We were about to kiss and then I threw up. How disgusting is that?
Once we’re on the main road, Zayn turns down the radio and says, “Hey, you still awake?”
“Yeah, just super sleepy,” I admit.
“Well, how about we cross one more thing off the WOLO list tonight?”
“Mhmm, okay.”
“All right, hold on tight,” he says.
His rickety old truck feels like it’s flying.
“Autumn,” he says excitedly. “We’re doing a hundred miles per hour. In my truck! Woo, baby!” He pats the dashboard, and I can tell he’s feeling proud that this old truck still has the capability to do this.
The adrenaline has us both reeling and once again, he looks like he wants to kiss me.Maybe I’m imagining this?
Zayn must have released his foot from the gas pedal because I can feel the engine slowing down.
“That was so much fun, Zayn. You’re the best! Thank you for the best night ever!” I say like a drunken idiot.
He bursts out in laughter. “Wow, Miss Parker, now I know you’re still intoxicated.”
A few seconds later, he surprises me by taking my hand in his. He uses his left hand to steer, while holding onto mine with his right. Heat rises to my cheeks when he gives it a squeeze. I pretend to look out the window to hide the ginormous grin across my face.
We may have been driving a hundred miles per hour a few minutes ago, but the thrill of holding his hand after all this time gives me a rush like no other.
Iwake up in my bed, still completely dressed in my jeans and purple crop top. My clock on the nightstand reads 9:37 a.m. I can’t remember the last time I slept in this late. College, maybe? Trying to remember the night, it occurs to me that Zayn must have put me to bed. I check the spot next to me to make sure I’m alone. A sigh of relief washes over me.
I head to the bathroom for my morning routine, hoping it helps with this hangover. I hop in the shower, ready to feel fresh after a night of bull riding, drinking, and sleeping in the same clothes I wore all night. The water wakes me up a bit more, and I take a moment to breathe in the scent of my new, relaxing lavender body wash.
Even after I’ve washed up, I take the time to stand there, enjoying the water running down my body. The shower can often be a sacred place for me to feel refreshed and relaxed. A noise from the living room startles me so I turn the water off. I stand in the shower for a moment, listening for further sounds. Nothing.Phew, just my imagination.Living alone has had its freedom, but I must admit it’s added a new layer of paranoia to me with every creak and hum. And being right on the beach means constantly hearing the crashes of the waves and people talking as they walk by.
I step out onto the mat, wrap a towel around my body, and grab a second one for my hair. The mirror is steamed over, so I decide to go to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee before getting dressed. Before I can reach the kitchen, I’m stopped by the sight of someone on my couch. I scream for a second, until I realize I know this person. Zayn.
“Um, excuse me? What are you doing on the couch?” I say, demanding answers.
He rubs his eyes, more than a few times, as if he thinks he’s in a dream. “Oh shit, I’m so sorry. You were pretty wasted last night, so I was worried. Plus, I was too tired to drive back to my place last night, so I crashed on the couch.” He leans forward. “It makes sense you wouldn’t remember.”
My mind searches for memories of what happened. Everything seemed pure until I was hit with a memory of almost kissing just before puking into a trashcan. Yikes. “Yeah, I’m really sorry about last night.”
“No apology necessary. But I am sorry about Sam. I should’ve told you I messed around with her after you left. I was a fucking idiot who thought sleeping with anyone would help me get over you.”
“Glad we can agree on one thing.”
His eyebrow arches. “Me being an idiot?”
