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He was even more handsome here, now. God, he was perfect. His looks, his personality, absolutely everything. Stacey’s heart seemed to stop.
She ducked under his arms and straightened between them. Standing on her toes, she intertwined her fingers behind his neck.
His eyes shot open, and a grin spread across his face, making his crease appear.
She caressed the crease with her thumb. “Thank you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and gazed at her. “For what?”
“For understanding and making me laugh. That helped. And it sucks about your parent’s too.”
They held each other’s gaze. No one moved, no one talked.
Stacey’s heart relaxed for the first time this week as a quiet understanding passed between them.
Then he kissed her. A sweet, light kiss. A kiss between two people who now had a deeper understanding of each other. An understanding that only those who experienced the same grief could share, filled with a need and longing.
When it ended, their foreheads touched, and Stacey just breathed. This felt right. She relaxed with him in her arms, and her heart started beating again. Maybe for the first time.
Stacey laid in bed long after she got home. Thinking over their date made her heart race, and their goodnight kiss was even better. It was warm and sensual. Sweet. Her fingers went to her lips. He didn’t ask to come inside; they just made out in front of the door. Something changed after he told her about his parents. It was like they shared something that very few people do, and because of that, they suddenly had a new connection.
Her stomach twitched at the memory.
There was a soft knock on her bedroom door. “Hey, Stace. You still awake?”
“Yeah, come in.”
Kristen entered Stacey’s room and crawled under the covers. “Hey, bestie. You came in late and alone. Again.” She sat with her arms crossed on top of the covers, gazing around the room.
Stacey laughed and nudged her shoulder. “Yeah, so? Not everyone needs to hop right under the sheets with a guy after just a couple of dates.”
Kristen’s eyes grew wide. “What’re you talking about? There’s only been one guy I’ve ever just jumped under the sheets with after a few dates or alcohol. And anyway, it seems to have worked. Now we’re a thing.”
Stacey’s eyes rolled toward the ceiling.
“But you, on the other hand, seem to keep all guys from your bed and from meeting your friends.” She clapped her hand over Stacey’s mouth and caught her gaze. “Do not say I’ve already met him. That didn’t count. I didn’t know there was going to be anything between the two of you like this. Now, with feelings and things, it is totally different.”
“Whatever! I don’t understand why you’re both pushing this so much. It’s only been two dates, and you all met the last one, and we know how that went. You knew the one in college. That was the mess that started all the messes. I’m just making sure this is actually something.” Stacey fidgeted with a thread on her comforter as she avoided Kristen’s glare.
“So, are you at least wanting there to be something? How are things going? I know he looks hot, so physical attraction can’t be an issue.”
Stacey shook her head and answered on her breath. “No. Attraction’s not an issue; getting along isn’t an issue; having things to talk about isn’t an issue. Nothing’s an issue.” Her shoulders met her ears. “He’s just about perfect. Which is the issue.”
“Come on!” Kristen’s voice came out much louder than she meant. She put her finger over her mouth in a gesture of quiet. She whispered and smiled, holding back a laugh. “How can perfection be an issue?”
Stacey deflated, the high from her date dropping as fast as a lead balloon. “No one’s perfect.”
Kristen raised a brow.
Stacey smirked. “Not even you, honey. No matter what you may think.”
Kristen splayed her hand across her chest, and her mouth dropped in mock surprise.
“Seriously, though. There has to be something, and I don’t think I’ll be okay when it comes out. My heart will break. I really like him already.” Her voice broke. “I’m scared.”
Kristen put her arm around Stacey and pulled her in.
Stacey rested her head on Kristen’s shoulder. She was glad she was here.
