Page 42 of Forever After Fall

ANSON:

In all seriousness though. You can tell me. I won’t judge.

He texts again because I’ve taken forever and a day to respond to him. He can sense my nervousness through the little dots popping up and fading away again on his phone, I’m sure.

Have you ever slept with someone in your bed?

I mean the one you have now. At the house.

ANSON:

No.

The one-word answer has me drawing in a sharp breath. I can see the furrows of his brow on the other side of this line.

Okay. Never mind then.

ANSON:

Why?

Nothing. It was a silly idea.

That’s not what I asked.

I nibble my lower lip as I stare at the keyboard. I’m trying to think of a reason. Back support. The need for him to get more sleep. But I land on the truth. He gave it to me and I owe it in return.

It feels off-limits.

ANSON:

For us?

Yes. In general.

It’s a line I haven’t crossed.

My stomach tumbles. I’m worried I’m asking too much of a man who already gives more than I deserve.

Right.

Like I said. Never mind.

Please forget I asked.

My thumbs blaze a path over the keyboard as I rush to erase the thought from his memory and mine. I should have known better than to ask for something so intimate. We’re already running riot over all of his rules.

ANSON:

I’ll make you a deal.

You dress up. Just for me.

Something you’ve never worn for anyone else. Not even to model it at the store.

Then I’ll give you my bed.

I could be wearing it in your bed.