10. Two for Two

10

TWO FOR TWO

FEELS LIKE, GRACIE AbrAMS

Livie

The movie ended a while ago, but apparently, I fell asleep. A lot of my friends say I have an issue with falling asleep everywhere I go. I can sleep anywhere. But to be honest I think it’s only an issue when it happens and I’m alone—like the other day on the bench. It happens so quickly I can’t always prepare. I just need to lay my head somewhere comfortable, close my eyes, and sleep takes over—every time. If you add a comfortable, good-smelling man, well then, I guess I fall asleep faster.

Alex puts the basket in the back of his truck as I lean against the side and smile at him.

“What?” he asks, returning my smile.

“Has anyone ever told you that you make a great pillow?” I tease.

“Nah, I don’t actually think I’ve ever let anyone sleep on me before,” he replies, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. Nobody?

“Then why me?” I ask, incredulous.

“I told you, there are many reasons. One, I like you, Liv. I do. Two… I don’t know, I’m comfortable around you and I don’t feel like I have to put on a show. Three, you smell like strawberries and it’s so damn good I want to bathe in it.”

I’m sure I’m blushing if the heat rising up my cheeks is any indicator. I’m at a loss for words for once. He’s looking at me with those intense hazel eyes filled with sincerity, and his perfect damn face. I’m melting. A puddle under his gaze. “It’s my soap,” is the only stupid thing I can think to say.

Alex chuckles, a deep chuckle that I feel all the way down to my toes. “What’s your soap?”

“The strawberry scent comes from my soap. A small shop downtown sells it. I’ll get you some.”

He smiles and steps closer to me, bringing his hand to my chin and softly tilting it up to him. His mouth hovers over mine. I close my eyes and catch my breath right before he says, “I don’t need it as long as I’m close to you.” His lips close over mine, kissing me gently at first.

His hips lock me in place, my back against his truck and I suddenly can feel all of him. The hardness of his chest, his strong solid hands in contrast with his soft lips kissing me more intensely now. They are warm and soft against my own, and I part them softly to allow Alex to slide his tongue in. This kiss I feel in every inch of my body. His grip on my lower back tightens as I arch against him, and a soft moan escapes. The sound brings me back to reality and I remember where we are. I press my hands into his chest.

Alex responds immediately and stops. I can’t believe I had to end this life-altering kiss. That’s two for two, so the first one definitely wasn’t a fluke.

“What a kiss,” he whispers against my swollen lips.

“What a kiss, indeed. We should go, though. I’m afraid I can’t kiss you for much longer and keep it PG-13.”

He smiles that sweet smile at me. The one he has shown me every time I say something silly. The one he showed the kids at the hospital. I think this might be his genuine smile, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world he has shown it to me.

I'm lying in bed, daydreaming about this man when I know I shouldn’t. In a little over a week, this whole arrangement will be over and we will part ways. But what are the odds of me enjoying his company so much? It’s been years since I spent this much time with anyone other than Hailey and had a good time. I don’t know where that’d leave us, where that leaves me. Will we be friends, or just a flash of a good time?

I work tomorrow but I’m off the next day, so I grab my phone and text him.

Me: Any plans for Friday?

Alex: Do you work?

Me: I’m off! Breakfast at Ronnie’s?

Alex: Are you an early riser?

Me: I can be

Alex: Can you meet me at Ronnie’s for the first breakfast? 5:00am

Me: Fuck, Alex. 5:00 am?!??!!?

Alex: It’ll be worth it

Me: Fine, I’ll see you there. You better order me coffee before I get there or I will die

Alex: You’ll be fine

Me: Die

Me: Slow death

Me: Without caffeine

Alex: Ok Liv, see you Friday.

Me: Deal