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“Maybe he got the numbers wrong?” Nikki suggested as we stood in front of my door. Charlotte made a face, immediately washing her hands after she came inside.
“Whatever, he was creepy. Let’s get your bag and get out of here.” She paused, taking in the room. “Why is your bed so messy?”
ChapterTwelve
I rushedto grab my stuff, pushing my friends out of the room. I was not telling them why the bed was so messy. They already felt weird about James, if they knew we had sex they’d jump to conclusions. They both looked confused but I focused on checking out and eventually they let it go. We met back up with the group and the rest of the afternoon was really relaxing, like all the past conventions that I remembered.
James had taken my bag from me at one point, slinging it over his shoulder. He kept a hand on my waist while he scanned the crowded room. Ever since the competition, people have been approaching me to chat or take pictures and it seemed to bother him a little. He was on edge and frowned every time I stepped away from him.
Since everyone had to work in the morning, we all split up for dinner. The convention was still in full swing but Gabi looked exhausted and Jo seemed more focused on Liam than what was going on around her, so I suggested we leave early. Jo and Gabi made me promise I’d come hang out soon before leaving with their husbands and their security. Nikki and Charlotte followed after them, waving at me.
James tugged my hand, pulling me toward the parking lot. We hadn’t gotten much chance to talk throughout the day, it was loud and I was kept pretty busy. Now that we were alone, nerves kicked back in. I had no idea if this morning was just a one off or if we were dating again or what. He helped me into a smaller SUV than I remembered.
“What happened to the big one?”
He shrugged. “Liam took that one. We switch off depending on who’s in the car.”
I frowned. Why did it matter what car you took? It’s not like this one couldn’t fit everyone, it would just be more cramped.
He was quiet on the drive to my place. I honestly was surprised he remembered the way. I decided against giving up my apartment when I studied abroad. I like the neighborhood and I really didn’t want to move all my stuff if I didn’t have to. I did sell a lot so I could have money for souvenirs but ended up bringing almost twice as much home with me. I had to buy an entirely new suitcase just for the stuff I bought.
He pulled up in my spot, turning off the car. We sat in uncomfortable silence for a minute before I grabbed the handle of the door. He reached over, pulling the door back closed. This seems familiar.
“I need to talk to you.”
I stiffened. Here’s the part where he tells me he has a girlfriend and last night was a mistake. I held my breath.
“I know I fucked up last time. I was an idiot. But I was hoping you’d consider giving me another shot.”
I jerked to face him. “Really?”
He watched me intently. “Yes, really. I like spending time with you. I can actually relax around you.”
“Yeah, until Liam calls.” It slipped out and I grimaced. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, you did. And I get it. I work a lot. I’ll try and be better about it.” He took my hand, squeezing it lightly. “What do you say?”
I rolled my eyes. Like I could ever say no to him. He was offering me exactly what I’ve wanted for the last eighteen months. I leaned over the center console, capturing his lips. He only hesitated for a second before his hand slipped behind my head and he tipped his head, deepening the kiss. Feeling brave, I climbed over the console, straddling his lap. He growled, pulling my hips against his. His tongue tangled with mine as he jerked his hips up against me. When I moaned lightly, it seemed to set him off because he ground my hips against his and we both groaned. It was only when I leaned back too far and accidentally honked the horn that we broke apart, gasping.
“I’ll take that as a yes?” he guessed, trying to reign in his breathing. I just nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. James made me feel brave, especially when it came to stuff like this but after we stopped I always needed time to recover. He cupped my neck lightly, pulling me back down for a light kiss.
He walked me upstairs, kissing me at my door. I hoped he would come inside but he was wearing the same clothes from yesterday and he had work in the morning so he said he would come see me afterwards. I waved, watching him walk away down the hall before I locked the door and pressed myself against it.
It honestly might be a good thing he couldn’t stay over. This weekend had been a whirlwind of emotion and I needed some time to recuperate before having to deal with my boss tomorrow. I changed into comfy pajamas, relaxing at my computer and pulling up an old shooter I used to love. I haven’t played in a while but after the competition, I was itching for more.
I crawled into bed a little after midnight, checking my phone. James texted me good night a few hours ago so I knew there wouldn’t be anything from him. There were a few messages from Nikki and Charlotte, checking in and thanking me for inviting them. And there was one from Jo.
Jo: Thanks again for today
E: How’d it go?
Jo: Better. He understands and he’s willing to wait. I don’t know how I’m going to fix it though.
E: Not sure you can ‘fix it’, probably just need to get enough courage to try and see how it goes
Jo: Probably. Think you can help?
E: lol I’m no expert but I’ll try
