Paisley huffs.
Lucky Darcy.
We both sigh, the sound of the waterfall waving in our direction louder with each step closer. It was chilled but still close to warm—like the first breeze you can get after you’ve been stuffed inside all day—just warm enough not to freeze up in the water. Perfect.
“I um—I heard you and your dad talking this morning.”
Oh, goodie.
“And what exactly did you hear?”
“You told him about us. But then, you seemed annoyed with that.”
She sets her lamp down as we reach the trail’s edge, confining her voice to a smaller volume. We both pause, standing over an enormous body of water just a few feet below us.
“Joshua, we don’t have to keep doing—”
“It’s not that I don’t want to, Paisley.”
Her fingers twirl around each other after my words shut her down.
“You could just tell him it’s fake, you know,” she says inaudibly.
“Yeah,” I scoff, “and then have him chew my ass about how to treat women properly? No thanks.” I shrug, kicking my shoes off.
She follows my lead, holding my arm for support.
“Well, you are awaybetter boyfriend than Nick ever was.
So that has to count for something, I think. I could’ve asked lots of other guys to do the job.”
A long list of dumb fucks, I bet. I’m not a saint, either.
“What makes me any different? I’m as hollow-brained as 202
WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP AT NIGHT
the next man.”
“Youknowwhat I mean.”
She dismisses me, removing her sweatshirt and her blonde hair, shimmering like spun silk, as it falls onto her bare shoulders. The sweatshirt was followed by her shorts, soon leaving her barely clothed. Even under the moonlight, she happened to keep the glimmer in her eye that always seemed to reel me in. The stars reflect perfectly on her skin, giving it the bluest of auras framed by the silver lighting. Her presence alone was truly something extraordinary—I can only describe it as pure and unadulterated beauty. The kind that makes you not want to look away for too long, or else you might miss a movement—and that’s merely a view you can’t get back.
I didn’t know what she meant. In theory, my ego would tell me it’s because she loves me so much she can’t stay away now. But realistically, it’s probably because she’s just comfortable with me. Except, comfort resembles infatuation in this instance.
“Idon’tknow what you mean. So I would love it if you explained, Einstein.” I take my shirt off, throwing it in the same direction as she threw her sweatshirt, my basketball shorts following.
She turns her head slightly, hiding behind her golden locks.
Her laughter is similar to bubbles. They’re so light.
“Tell me. Or I’m tossing usbothin right now.” I point to the water, leaning forward until our noses meet.
“Wha—no! No fair!” her jaw drops in disbelief.
“No fair?” my brows almost reach my hairline.
She crosses her arms, playing the staring game with me.
