AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Anyways, we can talk about this later,” I exhale. “First priority is unloading the truck. We can’t leave everything in the bed of the truck overnight. I’ll be right back.”
When my hand wraps around the doorknob, Skylar stands from the bed.
“Let me help you,” she says softly, “there’s a lot to bring in. Most of it’s mine, anyway.”
“No, I got it,” I respond without hesitation. I appreciate her offer, but I’m not about to have her unloading my truck in twelve-degree weather.
“I want to help,” she pushes. “Besides, I have nothing else to do but sit here.”
“Skylar,” I groan. “Why do you have to be so damn stubborn all the time? It’s below freezing outside, and we’re from Texas. Trust me… your hands will be numb after two minutes of being out there. I’d rather bear the cold for both of us.”
“Ev—”
“Please,” I interrupt, bracing my hand on the doorframe. “Let me do this for you.”
“Okay,” she finally nods, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you,” she smiles softly while tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
I nod back, giving her a weak smile. It’s infuriating how she gets me to admit my feelings for her without even asking. It’s infuriating that I feel this primal to take care of her… to be the reason for her smile. And fuck if that isn’t going to be the final nail in my coffin.
“Are you hungry?” I ask before I step outside. “I figured after I get the truck unloaded, we could walk over to the bar next door and grab a bite to eat.”
“I was actually going to ask you if we had any more of those powdered donuts left,” she chuckles, clutching her stomach. “I could honestly eat just about anything right now.”
“Good, it’s settled then. We’ll be having a five-star meal at Willie’s Bar and Grill.” I click my tongue, flashing her a wink.
“You know… I heard Willie’s is Michelin Star worthy,” she laughs, arching a brow.
“I guess there’s only one way to find out,” I shrug.
She chuckles before turning away and reaching for her suitcase. She rolls it towards the bed before placing her hands on her hips.
“I guess I’ll shower and get ready while you bring everything inside,” she mutters. “I need to get out of these clothes… I don’t know what it is about road trips, but spending hours in the car always makes me feel greasy and gross.”
Two things persuade me to walk out of the door at that very moment. Number one, the thought of her less than twenty feet away, naked in the shower. And number two, hearing her utter the words“I need to get out of these clothes.”
Yup, I definitelyneedto get out of this room. Because I would be more than happy to volunteer to help her remove said clothes.
Instead of responding, I quickly shut the door behind me like a weirdo. The frigid air blows against my skin, doing nothing to cool my heated cheeks.
TWELVE
Skylar
Bracing my hands on the edge of the sink, I stare back at my reflection in the cheap motel mirror. Even under the fluorescent light, I feel pretty.
Taking a step back, I run my fingers through my long hair, wanting to soften the dark waves but not completely brush them out. Since I already washed my hair this morning, I tossed it up in a bun while I showered so it would stay dry. I love the way it looks now, like I just got home from a long day at the beach.
Wanting to take my mind off the fact that Everett and I are stuck in this motel room, I decide to focus on doing my makeup. I place my phone on the ledge of the sink, pressing play on my favorite podcast while unzipping my makeup bag. I put on a fair amount of concealer, powder, and a hint of rosy blush along my cheekbones. I finish the look with a light coat of mascara, nude lipstick, and a beige eyeshadow that shimmers in the light.
It’s simple, but I love it. Plus, I don’t want Everett to get the impression that I’m spending extra time getting ready just for him. Although… I am looking forward to seeing his reaction. Everett tries his best to act calm and collected, but he wears his emotions on his sleeve.
Slipping on a pair of high-waisted jeans that hug me in all the right places, I reach for my black turtleneck sweater and pull it over my head. I tug on the tight cotton material, watching it slap back against my stomach like elastic. This is my favorite sweater because it keeps me warm, but it’s also kind of sexy. It fits my chest and stomach like a glove, the hem stopping right before the top of my jeans.
I complete the look with a pair of black Doc Martens that I bought specifically for this trip. You can never go wrong with a simple pair of black boots, because you can dress them up or dress them down. In my opinion, they go with almost anything. I take one last look at myself in the mirror, feeling satisfied with my outfit choice before heading back into the room.
“You ready—” Everett’s voice cracks, just before he stops speaking mid-sentence.
He’s standing in the middle of the room with his hands braced on his hips. His eyes go wide as his pupils dilate, his sapphire gaze slowly sweeping down the entire length of my body. He’s not even trying to hide it, or maybe he can’t help himself, because he’s staring at me like he wants to absolutely devour me. Like he wants to skip going to the bar and have me for dinner instead.
