“We can watch something else,” she grabs the remote again, “Caroline’s mom showed us this movie one night at a sleepover. We were like fifteen, I think.”
“I’m fine with watching this.”
“No, it’s fine. I kind of don’t want to watch it anymore,” she holds the remote in front of me. “Why don’t you pick one of those cheesy sci-fi movies. I can honestly say I’ve never really watched one.”
“Oh, um, sure.” I grab the remote and flip through the categories. I don’t want to pick something she’s going to make fun of. Though, that’s pretty difficult. There. This one shouldn’t be too bad. These people are stuck on a planet and are attacked by aliens in the dark. There’s only one person who can see them to fight them off.
The opening scenes flash across the TV. “This looks…interesting. Let me turn off the light.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. This woman truly is something else.
Chapter Eleven
Kate
I move and realize I’m on the edge of the sofa. Glancing up Xander is slumped in the corner. My head is in his lap and I’m lying across the whole sofa. That can’t be comfortable for him. I can’t believe we both fell asleep.
Shifting my weight, I roll off the sofa. A quick glance at my phone shows it’s just after midnight. Both of us must have been exhausted because I don’t think we finished the movie. The TV is stuck on the recommendation page based on the movie we just watched.
My knees pop as I stand up, but Xander doesn’t budge. At least he’s not a light sleeper. I can’t leave him like that, though. His back will be yelling at him later. I gently shake his leg, hoping that will stir him awake. It doesn’t. I push a little harder, waiting for any sort of reaction. Still nothing.
Leaning down, I brace myself against the back of the sofa. “Xander,” I whisper close to his ear while shaking his shoulder. “Xander.” This time a little louder.
He sits up and almost bumps his head against mine. “Woah.”
“Hey, we fell asleep,” I take a step back, “it’s after midnight. But you looked really uncomfortable, and I didn’t want to leave you like that.”
“Oh, sorry,” he rubs his hand over his face, “I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’ll, uh, go.”
“You don’t have to leave.” I place a hand on his arm. “You can take the couch…or sleep in the bed.”
I can’t believe I just offered that. It’s not something I’ve ever done before, but it appears I’m doing lots of things that are out of character when it comes to Xander. He makes me feel things I never thought I’d want for myself. It’s not because he’s pushed me into having feelings for him, either. It’s the little things. The way he brings donuts for everyone. Or goes out of his way to make sure I have flowers for Valentine’s Day. Nobody I’ve known has ever done that for me before.
He glances up at me, trying to read my expression. “Are you sure? I don’t want to make things weird.”
“I wouldn’t have said it if I wasn’t sure.” That’s a lie. It popped out of my mouth. I really need to learn to keep my inside thoughts…inside.
“Okay,” he stands, and puts his hand out to mine, “as long as you’re sure.”
“Yeah, it’s totally fine.” I place my hand in his and lead him toward the bedroom. “I mean, we’re both adults.” Which explains the very adult thoughts going through my mind.
He follows after me, and I turn on the light as we come into my room. I’m trying so hard to keep this from being awkward, but I don’t know if I can do that. His body is rigid and I think he can feel it, too.
“Same side as last time?” He nods toward the side closest to the wall. We didn’t really establish sides the last time he was here. He followed my lead and waited until I laid down on the side I usually sleep on. That side of the bed faces the window, and I leave the blinds cracked so if I miss my alarm at least the sun will wake me up by shining in my face.
“Uh, sure.” I let go of his hand and move toward my dresser. “I think Kai may have left some sweatpants when he was sleeping on my sofa over Christmas.”
“Oh, no. It’s fine, I can sleep in my clothes.” He’s had those on all day through multiple deliveries. There’s no way he’s going to be comfortable.
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” I continue digging through a drawer and find the pants my brother left. “Here,” I toss them at him, “I’m gonna go get in my jammies.”
“I wasn’t aware you wore them.” Smart ass. Last time I didn’t because we were otherwise occupied. The grin on his face is adorable and infuriating. There’s no way I’m keeping up this barrier between us, and the more time I spend with him, I’m not sure I want to.
“Well,” I huff, “I do. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
I grab the clothes out of my drawer and slam it closed before heading to the bathroom. It’s not like I wear fancy pajamas. It’s literally old college shirts and shorts. I don’t care how cold it is outside, it’s what I wear to bed every single night. I’ve never really seen the point in wearing something fancy when I’m the only one who sees them. At least in a t-shirt and shorts, I’m comfortable.
Taking my time, I remove my makeup and wash my face. Now that I think about it, I don’t think he’s ever seen me without makeup. Hell, even when I woke up late that morning, I still had it on. It may not have been pretty, but it was there. Will he think differently of me when I’m not wearing it. This is the problem with being attracted to a man younger than me. My insecurities scream at me from every direction, and I don’t know how to shut them up.
