Page 32 of Stopping Short

“No, that’s ok. You don’t need to do that, I know you’re busy.”

“I'm never too busy for you. If having it cut will make you feel more comfortable, there’s no reason to leave it there.”

“Ok… Well, I guess since it’s just a branch, I should go back to my room.” I stare towards the door. I don’t want to leave him. He makes me feel safe. Like he can protect me from all of the monsters in the world.

“Sweetheart, do you want to sleep in here?” There’s a smile to his tone. I spin around to face him and find his adorable dimples on display. How can he possibly be this attractive?

“Is it bad if I do?” I wrinkle up my nose.

“Never. I want you to do whatever makes you more comfortable.”

“Ok. Let me get my pillow and blanket. I’ll sleep on the floor… not near the door.”

“You’re not sleeping on the floor.” His deep laugh fills the air, reminding me of how much I love his laugh. It’s deeper than it used to be, yet it still reminds me so much of the boy I fell in love with years ago.

“Then where am I going to sleep?” I fold my arms across my chest and frown at him.

“Right next to me.” He pats the empty spot.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s a California king mattress.” He smirks. “Even if I didn’t want you anywhere near me, I'm fairly certain we could both sleep in this bed and never touch each other. Get in the bed, Harper.”

“Ok.” I start to pull back the covers, but hesitate. I don’t know if he’s even wearing clothes. His chest is on full display, but I can’t see his waist or below. “Do you have clothes on?”

“Yes.” He stares at me like I'm crazy and slowly pulls the blanket down to reveal a pair of plaid pajama pants. “Did you expect me to be naked?”

“I don’t know! It’s not like I’ve ever shared a bed with you before!”

“Hey, Harp?”

“Yeah?”

“Stop overthinking this and get in my bed. We’re both exhausted and honestly, I’ll sleep better knowing you’re right here.”

I nod my head and climb into bed next to him. He slips further down in the bed and turns his attention back to the TV. I fidget, unsure of how to lay. Do I face him? Do I lay on my back with my arms at my sides? Do I face away from him?

Before I'm able to decide what I should do, Jackson tugs me against his side and slips his arm under my head so I'm lying on his bicep.

“Stop overthinking everything, babe. I want you here. I want you to sleep in my arms. I want to make you feel safe. More than anything, I want you to be comfortable.”

“I'm not uncomfortable…” I don’t miss him calling me babe or the way it makes my heart beat a little faster. I don’t think he means anything by it, but it makes me think of what it would be like if we became more than friends.

“Yes, you are.” He chuckles. “Your body is so rigid and you’re acting weird.”

“Well, this is weird.” I peek up at him and boy is that a mistake! Jackson’s already staring down at me. His face is so close to mine. His lips are just a few inches away.

“Why? Why is this weird?”

“Because I'm not used to being around you. The last time we spent any sort of time together in person, you were in high school. We were kids. Now we’re both adults and as much as I want to spend time with you, this weekend has proven how awkward it is.”

“It’s only awkward if you let it be.”

“But…” I shake my head, unsure of how to explain what I'm thinking.

“Tell me why it’s awkward.”

“Because you look like this!” I blurt out before I can stop myself and motion to his muscular torso.