Page 79 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“This is really unnecessary,” I complained.
“Shh.”
Her fingertips brushed over my cheek as she gently cleaned the wound. “I should probably put a bandage on this.”
“No,” I said. “No band-aids on my face.”
“Just for tonight at least?” she asked.
“Fine, if that’s what makes you feel better,” I said.
“It will,” she said.
She rummaged in the box and pulled out a bandage. She put it on my cheek and rubbed her fingertip over it. “All better?” I asked.
“You tell me. Are there any other wounds? Any more branches sneak up and attack you?”
“No,” I said. “I swear, I’m okay.”
She looked into my eyes. “Okay.”
“Thank you.”
“I should go,” she said. “I’m sure you’re exhausted. It’s been a really, really long day.”
I wanted to ask her to stay. That felt wrong. I didn’t want to capitalize on the heightened emotions. It was no better than taking advantage of her when she was drunk. There would be another chance. Tomorrow. Tomorrow we’d go out and I would talk to her about what was happening between us.
“I’ll walk you to your room.”
“No. You don’t need to do that.”
“I want to,” I said. “Please?”
“You’re not even dressed,” she pointed out.
I looked down at the robe and my bare feet that were still a little shriveled. “It’s the middle of the night. No one’s going to be out there. And even if they are, I’m wearing a robe. That’s not exactly scandalous.”
I got up and slipped on my sandals. It wasn’t exactly high fashion, but it was just a short walk. I grabbed my room key and opened the door for her. When we got to her room, she paused at the door. She looked at me. The need to touch her was too much. I had survived another day, and I didn’t want to waste it.
I leaned down and kissed her. It wasn’t anything dramatic. Just a kiss. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” she replied. “Will I see you tomorrow?”
“You mean today?”
Her eyes flashed. “Today.”
“Yes,” I said. “I will find you. I think I still owe you a date.”
“Yes, you do, but quite frankly, I think I’d like to keep both my feet on the sand. I’m not sure I’m ready for anything too exciting. I’ve had enough excitement to last me for a good long while.”
“Understood,” I said. “We’ll keep it simple.”
“Stupid.”
I laughed and kissed her forehead. “Exactly.”
I walked back to my room. The power came on just before I walked through the door. “Yes,” I breathed.
