I know we’re arguing, but my heart just melted. We’ve never said the words out loud or made it official. I figured it was way too soon, but it feels good to hear.
“Obviously.”
“Why is it obvious?” I turn around and walk backwards as he moves us forward.
“Don’t be cute, Willow. I’m not in the mood.”
“I haven’t had a boyfriend since the tenth grade. I just want some clarity.”
“That clown who took you to the sock hop dance doesn’t count. You’ve never had a real boyfriend. I’m your first and your last.”
“The last, huh?”
I turn back around and walk next to him.
“Can you see yourself with a guy who plays professional football? You might have to move around a lot. Ball players get traded all the time.”
How terrific is this guy?
He’s been daydreaming about our perfect future, too.
“Let’s get out of here,” I tell him.
“What about your mom’s gift?”
“I can order online. We only get this one day off together.”
“So, what do you want to do?”
I grab his hand so he can look at me.
“I want to go back to your place.”
***
I feel self-conscious as I walk into a lush lobby filled with intricate chandeliers and velvet blue couches. The Blue Hill Hotel is usually where CGU parents and alumni stay and is the only five-star hotel in this part of Georgia.
“May I have your ID and a major credit card, Mr. Jennings?”
In some states, you have to be twenty-four years old or older to rent a room on your own, but if they have that rule here, the front desk agent is letting us slide. Probably because she knows exactly who Freak is. There aren’t many people in this town who seem not to know.
I try standing behind Freak because I’m embarrassed. It’s obvious what we’re up to, but Freak insisted. He said something about “spoiling me for once” and we ended up here.
“This room is amazing!” I exclaim as we enter our King suite.
There’s still an edge to Freak’s attitude, and he’s unusually quiet. Is he having second thoughts about this? About us? Or is he still upset about the skirmish between him and Aaron?
I track him as he checks the bathroom and the view. After they meet his approval, he takes a seat on the edge of the bed, kicks off his boots, then slides back to the center of the bed.
“Strip.”
He gives me a one word order that slides down my spine and straight to my core.
Suddenly, I’m wet.
Suddenly, I’ve forgotten about everything that’s transpired prior to this moment.
When I try to sit to take off my sneakers, he stops me.
