Page 81 of This Could be Love

“Hmm?”

“The Ohana was always a place that brought people together.” There was a warmth to his voice that went under my skin. “I like the idea that it’ll be that way again,” he murmured, and pulled me even closer.

Chapter 34

After that, I spent every evening at the Greenfields’. Most of the time, I’d go over right after eating dinner and sit down by the fire, next to Vince and Laurie, and we’d talk about the day. I would tell them about training and hear about how things were coming along with the hostel. I found out that the blankets and pillows had been delivered, and that the rooms were ready. That more and more requests were coming in, and Laurie and Vince had their hands full with answering all the emails.

Sometimes we would listen to music, and sometimes Vince would even pull out his guitar. Laurie and I would hum along or just listen to the soft sounds as they drifted across the terrace. The deep bass tones vibrated in my belly. And not infrequently I caught myself thinking about taking Vince’s guitar out of his hands and climbing onto his lap. Prying his fingers off the neckand putting them around my waist. Pressing my mouth to his and kissing him. Not that we weren’t doing that all the time. Whenever Laurie would step inside to get something to drink or go to the bathroom, our lips would meet to steal a kiss, our hands for soft caresses. All the secrecy wasn’t necessary, but we enjoyed keeping what was going on between us a little hidden. Which didn’t stop me from leaning my head on his shoulder when I got tired. From nestling against his chest when the wind picked up. Sometimes I could feel Laurie’s eyes on us. Not critical, but watchful. Observant. Nevertheless, every night she was always the first to go to bed. Leaving us alone on the terrace. With all our pent-up feelings. The tension. It usually didn’t take long for it to be released. For us to be making out on the patio sofa, hands slipping under clothes and exploring each other’s naked skin inch by inch. Sometimes we would change locations and go to his room, to touch, caress, and tease. It was exciting, this getting to know each other. Full of promise. Even if every day it took more and more willpower to free myself from his embrace at a reasonable hour and go home. To sleep in my own bed and get at least eight hours of sleep, which my body desperately needed.

“Sure it’s already that late, Cinderella?” Vince mumbled as I sat up and straightened my clothes. The bed felt as old as the house and creaked with every movement.

“It’s half past ten. I should’ve been in bed at least an hour ago.”

“You’ve been lying in bed for an hour.”

A faint grin flitted across my lips. “Yeah, but in the wrong one.”

“Depends on your perspective.” He smiled and propped himself up on an elbow.

The light was dim but bright enough to see how messy his hair was. Thanks to me. My hands.

“You ever feel like you’re missing something? Just out of curiosity,” he said. “I’d definitely get a case of FOMO if I went to bed every night at nine.”

“I’m not in bed every night at nine, thank you. But restful sleep is important if you want to perform at your best.”

God, that sounded like something straight out of a textbook. I was almost surprised that he didn’t make fun of me for it. Instead, he seemed to be thinking about something.

“Per week, you are awake around fifteen hours less than me. That’s nuts.”

Although his comment sounded more fascinated than critical, I couldn’t help but feel cornered.

“I don’t think I’m missing much.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “You want me to show you otherwise?”

With a snort I rolled my eyes and swung my legs out of bed. When I moved to stand up, he held me softly back.

“You could sleep here.”

“I…”

“Reallysleep, I mean.Whereyou go to bed at nine doesn’t matter, does it?” He smiled.

“I don’t go… Listen, it’s got to do with the quality of sleep.”

“And my mattress doesn’t fit the bill?”

“The mattress isn’t the problem.” I bent forward and gave him a smack of a kiss. “But the one who’s on it.”

“I’m not a blanket stealer, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

“No.”

“I don’t snore either.”

“That’s what everyone says.”

“I don’t talk in my sleep.”