Page 38 of Puck Me Twice

“I’m bored,” she texted. “What are you up to?”

“Watching a movie,” I reply.

“Can I join you?”

I send her my room number.

Springing out of bed, I wash my face and brush my teeth. A glob of toothpaste lands on my chest and I whip off my shirt, ready to find a new one.

Right then, there’s a knock on my door. I open to find Vanessa wearing casual sweats and a sweatshirt, her hair tied up in a bun.

“Is this okay?” she asks.

Without hesitating, I take her hand and pull her inside the room.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I just… I didn’t want to be alone.”

“I’m glad I could help, then.”

“You didn’t want to go to the bar?”

“Not my scene. I only go when I have to.”

Vanessa’s eyes trail over my bare chest and down to my loose joggers. “Am I overdressed?”

I shake my head. “I can find a shirt if you’d prefer.”

She sets her hand on my pec, curling it over my chest to my shoulder. “Why are you still single?”

“I’m not,” I tell her. “We’re dating. Remember?”

She smirks. “Yeah, well, until then. Why haven’t they snatched you up yet?”

“Most of the time I’m on my own. I like being alone. Generally, I prefer it.”

“Oh. I can leave.” She removes her hand from my skin, and I reach for her, pulling her hand back to my shoulder.

“I’d rather be with you than be by myself,” I correct.

Her soft smile makes me smile, too. Except I’m grinning like a loon. I can’t stop. My face won’t go back to normal.

There are two double beds in the room, so I’m surprised when she gets into my bed, the one with the tablet and the covers rolled down.

“Okay, I’m going to be completely transparent here,” Vanessa says, pulling the sheets up to her waist.

I wait.

“I really liked cuddling with you on the plane last night, and I want to do it again,” she announces.

My mouth gets dry. “Okay…”

“Also, it would help if you didn’t flinch every time I touch you.” She doesn’t sound upset; she’s hiding a smile, her eyes bright.

It would help if I didn’t get hard every time she touches me.

Slowly, I crawl into the bed beside her, and immediately Vanessa moves toward me. She arranges my arms until she’s enveloped in the circle of them, her back to my front, her head on my bicep.