Page 67 of Changing Lanes

The moment stretches as does the silence, neither of us willing to break the spell that’s settled over us. The Headache picks now to come out from hiding but is promptly shoved aside as soon as Beckett leans forward, bringing his lips in close. Just before they reach mine, he veers north, laying gentle kisses above each eyebrow.

Both of my eyes close on a strangled moan.

“You need medicine.”

What?

I’m just about to tell him exactly what kind of remedy he can provide when he asks, “Why is my bed soaking wet?”

Oh. Oh.

“I forgot to dry off after a late-night dip. Sorry.” I cringe. “Are you mad?”

After a beat of awkward silence, he shrugs, saying, “It’s not the first time a girl’s been wet in my bed.” He gingerly crawls over my body, pausing just long enough for my pulse to spike while taking care not to put any of his weight on me, then pushes up to standing as he walks to his dresser. “And it won’t be the last.”

Grabbing the first thing I can find, I lob it right at his head, missing by an inch as it—his wallet—sails into the wall beside him. I don’t even know why I did that but it was out of my hand before I could fully contemplate the exact reasoning so I grit my teeth and roll with it as I climb out of bed.

“What the fuck was that for?” Beckett does a ridiculous double-take like he can’t believe a girl can actually throw.

And for my next trick, I’ll chew gum while walking.

“Your mouth is such a problem,” I grumble as I storm past.

Unfortunately, he catches my elbow and cages me against the wall before I can get far. His gaze skims over my face again starting from the top and ending at my mouth. His breathing speeds up and I press myself into the wall so I don’t rub on him like I want to. This is already embarrassing enough.

“You don’t seem to mind it when my mouth is all over you.”

“On me? No, I don’t mind that at all. Off and running without proper supervision? That’s where I take issue.”

He stares into my eyes, the gears behind his turning in perfect synchronization. What’s he thinking?

“Come to work with me.”

“What?”

That’s so not where I thought he was taking this.

“You’re off today, right?” I nod slowly, watching him. “So, hang out with me for the day. I can doctor you.”

“Pfft, you don’t even know what you’re doing.”

“I got a crash course from the pharmacist yesterday. Then, later you can wear a nurse’s outfit and we can role-play. It’ll be fun.”

“Are you talking about that stupid Halloween costume? You do know literally nobody wears that shit anymore, right?”

“Fine, you talked me out of it. You can be naked.” I frown at him, not completely hating the idea but then he says, “And I’ll show you my P.H.D. Pretty huge dick.”

My knuckles tap his stomach, making a puff of laughter leave his lips before he grabs my hand, running his thumb along my fingers. It’s such a sweet gesture. This whole morning has been like some alternate reality, one where Beckett and I are actual friends and can stand the sight of each other.

Admittedly, I’ve always liked Beckett’s appearance—I’ve fallen victim to his all-American-on-growth-hormones good looks—it’s the talking I could do without.

“Seriously though, I’m glad you stayed with me last night.”

A look of horror crosses my face before I can school my features. Please, make it stop. Does he think he has to play up the nice guy role now? I don’t need my hand held during the awkward morning after. I’ve got this shit down.

Besides, we didn’t do anything. Not really. Spooning doesn’t count unless there’s penetration…of some kind.

“I told you that was an accident.” One that won’t happen again. “Thanks for getting all that stuff for me.”