Page 18 of Great White
“Is Stefania paying you extra to drive me crazy? 'Cause I don’t see any other explanation.”
“I’m not trying to drive you crazy. I’m just trying to keep up appearances. It’s weird a couple would have double beds.”
“No, it’s not. And besides, who is going to know? The wardrobe?”
“You should never assume. You know what happens.” It almost sounds like he’s chiding me.
I scratch my nails down my face before I climb back into the car. This trip is not going to end well if he keeps up the bullshit.
The young receptionist spoke the truth, our room is on the corner in the back of the building, nice and private and out of the way. At least that is working in our favor.
As soon as we are inside, I pull the drapes so I can see the truck, then collapse onto the bed. It feels so good to stretch out. Tate immediately follows suit, and all serenity disappears.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“Relaxing.” He sighs deeply.
“You can relax right on the floor.” I smack him with a pillow.
“Not a chance. I need a bed. And this one is big enough for the both of us. I’ll even spoon ya if you ask nice.”
“Don’t even think about touching me, or you’ll lose a hand,” I threaten.
“Damn, that’s so hot.”
“Death threats?”
“Only when they come from you.” He rolls over and props his head in his hand.
“You’re deranged.”
“Probably.” Tate smiles, and as much as I want to punch him, the expression is endearing.
“Let’s get something to eat.” I roll away from him. I hate staring into his eyes. There’s something eerily bewitching about them. I felt it the first night I met him. I was just drawn into them, and I hated myself for it, because I’m never drawn to anyone. I hated myself even more when I followed him into the woods, knowing full well it was a mistake, and a disastrous outcome was sure to follow. Disastrous is an understatement. If I had known I was going to have to share a bed with the guy, I would have pulled the trigger right there on the spot. Stefania loves to torture me, and this road trip is proof. I know what she’s expecting. Me to come back and tell her I caved. That I gave into temptation and slept with Tate. But that isn’t going to happen. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't out of spite. I can’t prove Stefania right, because then she would never stop meddling in my love life.
Sometimes ya just gotta put your foot down.
“That barbecue place we passed on the way in? That looked good.”
“Call for takeout.”
“Takeout?” Tate complains. “We need to go sit at the bar and get drunk.”
“Ah, no, we don’t. No alcohol and no eating out until the drop is made. We can get as shitfaced as you want tomorrow night.”
Tate raises an eyebrow. “Promise?”
I sigh. “Yes.”
Child.
Dinner was thankfully uneventful. Tate chowed down on ribs, cornbread, and coleslaw, while I picked apart a pulled-pork sandwich. I wasn’t very hungry, and even more anxious to just get this trip over with. Presently, Tate is making himself comfortable, ready to turn in for the night. He has the audacity to wear a tank top and pajama pants, like we really are a fucking couple on vacation.
“You coming?” He taps the empty side of the king bed. It does look rather comfortable. It was rather comfortable when I laid down on it before, but I don’t want to be anywhere near Tate. Especially half naked.
“I’m good.” I stay put in the small, tableside chair.
“C’mon. You can’t sit there all night.” He gripes.
