Instead, I found myself blushing at his own mirror selfie—clearly taken in his hotel room—mimicking my pose and a text that read,I can’t wait.Only in his, he wasn’t wearing a cute cocktail dress but was shirtless and wearing black sweatpantswith just the band of his underwear sticking out. My heart started pounding, and this warm wave rushed through my belly.
His hair was still messy with sleep, and a tattoo was scrawled across his ribcage, but I couldn’t make out what it said. He was ripped and adorable. My jaw was slack as I examined every pixel of the selfie sent to me, but I still jumped when another text rolled in.
Sorry, I didn’t respond last night. I was sleeping.
I bit my lip and smiled at my phone like a ridiculous cheeseball.
I wish I had done that last night, too
I shot out the text and panicked, wishing an unsend button existed.
I mean, not with you.
Just sleeping
And not drinking wine.
Though I’m sure you’re a fine person to sleep next to, I just didn’t want you to think I was objectifying you.
Or anything.
I rattled each embarrassing text off so fast that I couldn’t figure out how to backtrack.
Sorry. I’m a lot better in person.
A few seconds later, he texted back.
I know, but you’re also cute when you panic.
God, he was so damn sweet. It made my chest hurt.
Where are you right now? I’m headed down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. Are you hungry?
I licked my lips and hesitated.
I’m already down here. Finishing up...
I hit send, feeling slightly disappointed.
Don’t leave yet. I’ll be down in five.
Nerves churned in my gut but so did something else. It rang through my senses as excitement, and I knew it was because of the mystery of it all. We were writing the story of us moment by moment, creating an untouchable love story because it wasn’t real.
“Hey, you,” his voice rumbled over my skin, and he pressed his minty mouth to my cheek to kiss it.
I startled, but only slightly, before I leaned in. “Hey,” I say back.
He sat down across the white marble table. “You look beautiful.” It was such a simple compliment, but the richness of his tone and the way his gaze traveled over my face with a smile made it feel like he’s only ever said those words to me.
I smiled slowly, letting the expression of happiness fill my face until it reached my eyes... and I felt the crinkle of the gold patches under my eyes.
“Oh my God!” I shrieked, pinching the patches off my face and tossing them to the table with a well-lubricated splat. “I didn’t know I still had those on!” I slapped my hands over my eyes and groaned.
Isaac let out a low chuckle and leaned closer. “You were rocking those eye patches. I was impressed,” he teased.
“I ate an entire omelet while wearing those... in public!” I whisper-yelled.
“Everybody wears those. Don’t freak out.”
