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He looks good, and I feel like we’re on a real date.
To start with, they suggest the mulled wine they offer for the holidays, which I’ve never had before, but I’m willing to try. I like it a lot, so I get a second one. Then we split a bottle of table wine with our dinner. I get salmon, and Chase gets steak. Everything is delicious, including the mousse we split for dessert.
I’ve never been much of a drinker, and I’ve got a buzz going when we finally leave. I’m not exactly drunk, but I’m definitely feeling no pain. I cling to Chase’s arm as we walk back to the bed-and-breakfast, and I can’t seem to stop giggling.
After a couple of blocks, I become aware of the constant ripple of my laughter. I stop walking and blink up at him. “Did I drink too much?”
He laughs. Soft and fond. I love the sound of it. “If you’re wanting to drive or operate heavy machinery, you definitely drank too much. But otherwise I think you’re good.”
“I don’t want to drive. But I also don’t want to do anything stupid.” I giggle. “Have I done anything stupid yet?”
“Nope. Nothing stupid.” He puts a hand on my back, rubbing in slow circles and then using the light pressure to get me to start walking again.
“Okay. Good. I don’t like to embarrass myself.” I’m telling him this in all seriousness, like it’s a deep secret I’m sharing.
“I know you don’t. But it doesn’t really matter with me.”
“It doesn’t?” I stop walking again and peer up at him.
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Because nothing you do is going to change how I feel about you.” He murmurs the words—low and light and like they’re nothing important.
Maybe they’re not. My mind is too fuzzy to sort through any significance although I know I really like how they sound. “Okay.” I nod and keep nodding. “That’s good then.”
“Yes. It’s good. You can let go a little bit if you want. I’m gonna be here to catch you.”
I kind of drape myself over him since his body is so deliciously touchable. “I’m glad you’re here.”
He gently peels me off him and gets us walking again. He’s smiling. I might be fuzzy, but I know that much. “I’m glad I’m here too.”
BY THE TIME WE GET back, I’m exhausted. Like I can barely keep my eyes open. Chase helps me up to the room, and I go to the bathroom and then collapse on the bed with my shoes on.
He takes my shoes off for me and then heads into the bathroom to get ready for bed. He must take a shower while he’s in there because I hear the water running.
He comes out eventually in a white undershirt and his pajama pants. Bare feet and hair that’s slightly damp at the nape of his neck.
I smile up at him drowsily. “You smell like soap.”
“That’s because I took a shower.”
“I know. I heard the water.” I’m a little clearer in the head now, but I still feel like I’ve said something profound.
He chuckles. “You want me to help you get ready for bed?”
I sniff indignantly. “I can do it myself.”
“Then why don’t you? You’ll be upset with yourself tomorrow morning if you sleep in your clothes.”
He’s right. I know he’s right. He always seems to be right. In a slight huff, I roll out of bed, grab a set of pajamas from my bag, and then go to the bathroom to change. I close the door a little too loud, but that’s an accident.
I manage to brush my teeth and wash my face after I get my pajamas on. Then I leave my dinner clothes in a pile on the floor, feeling like that will prove my defiance to Chase.
Then I’m finally done with all those chores and return to climb under the covers with a long sigh.
Chase still has his bedside lamp on. He’s smiling at me from his side of the bed.
