“Is it open?” I turn the crank, but it’s locked in the closed position.
“No, I never touched it.” Her voice quivers slightly. “I should have checked the interior more thoroughly. I was too focused on the mechanical inspection.”
“I never thought to check it either. It can be fixed, just like everything else. It’s just a leak.”
She stands and points to the fabric of her pants, now dark and soaked through.
“A leak? The bed is a soggy mess.” She pulls at her hair as more water splatters onto the bed.
“Hey. Look at me.” I place a hand on her shoulder.
“I can’t. I can only see the dollar signs of what will happen if this room develops mold issues.”
“Reese.”
She glances up at me, and I place a kiss on her nose.
“We’re a team, remember? You can share the bunk with me until we get it fixed.”
“Huh. Convenienthow that worked out.”
I lift up my hands, pleading innocence. “Who, me?”
“Uh-huh. Super suspicious.” She points at me. “I mean, could you smile any bigger?”
I laugh at that, unable to hide it. “I mean, I’m not disappointed. Don’t worry, I’ll be an honorable gentleman. It is a snug space though.”
We change into our pajamas and stand next to each other in the kitchen brushing our teeth. It’s an oddly domestic moment, but comforting in a way that feels like I’ve done this all my life.
“Ladies first,” I say, gesturing to the ladder.
“Aren’t you going to make me beg after I wouldn’t let you trade beds?”
“Nah. You need a good night’s sleep just as much as I do.”
She crawls in first, and I roll up two towels as a barrier for her peace of mind.
“You don’t have to do this. I trust you,” she says once I’m done.
“Well, it’s more so that your brother doesn’t murder me when we get back.” I tuck the towel more securely before I can change my mind. “But I appreciate you saying so.”
I crawl in behind her, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. My senses are on full alert. Every sigh, every movement, the sound of her tongue sticking to the roof of her mouth—even just knowing she’s within arm’s reach—is a true test of willpower.
“Tristen?” she calls from the other side of the towel.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for today. For listening and being patient with me. I’m lucky to have you as a friend... and maybe more.”
“More?” I turn toward the barrier.
“Good night.”
“Wait, wait.” I press down on the towel so I can see her mischievous eyes. “What does that mean?”
“It means let’s take whatever this is slow. No pressure. No commitment.” She places her hand over mine. “Okay?”
I flip my palm over and thread our fingers together.
