Twenty-Seven
Poppy
It had been a weeksince I had been staying with Gage and Julie, and during that time, I had only seen Pat twice.I hated the feeling that settled deep inside, telling me that whatever fleeting romance we once shared was now over.
While I had been against staying with my cousin because I didn’t want to inconvenience them or bring trouble to their doorstep, I found that it was rather comfortable at the inn.Everything was decorated for Christmas, and there was the warm, homey feel that I had remembered loving about the inn when my grandparents ran it.Even with all of the updates and renovations, it still felt like the safe space I had come to love growing up.
It was a Friday night, and I was feeling restless, so I stayed in my room, curled up on the bed, trying to read a book so I didn’t bother Gage and Julie with my sour mood.It wasn’t that I wanted to get out of the inn and go somewhere else—it was that I wanted to see Patrick and, for whatever reason, I couldn’t.He’d been secretive about what he was doing and why he couldn’t come around.I tried pressing Gage to see if he would tell me, but they seemed as tight as they had been when we were growing up, which meant I wasn’t going to get anything out of him.
I flipped the page, realizing I didn’t know what was happening in the book because I was so distracted.All I could think about was Patrick and how much I missed him.We’d said we loved each other for the first time right before he left, which was frustrating because we didn’t even get to celebrate the moment.Not that most couples celebrate it, but Patrick had gotten really hard after I said it, and that was worth celebrating.
I closed the book and tossed it on the nightstand, letting out a sigh of frustration when my phone vibrated.I picked it up and felt the corners of my lips turn up into a smile when I saw a new text message from Patrick.
Patrick: I miss you.
My smile widened as my fingers flew across the screen to respond.
Me: I miss you too.Probably too much.
Dots bounced across the screen as he typed.I loved that he was apparently free right now and that I had his attention.
Patrick: There’s no such thing as too much.I miss you a lot, too, baby.
Me: It would be better if you were here.
Patrick: I know.I hate being away from you, too.
Me: It’s a week until Christmas, and all I can think about is how you’re not here to stuff my stocking.
I waited as the screen showed the bouncing dots, then they’d stop.Then they’d start and stop again.Finally, a message came through.
Patrick: Are you by yourself?
Me: Yes.
Me: Do you want to sneak in, and we can fool around like reckless teenagers?
Patrick: Umm....No.I don’t need Gage putting a bullet in my ass.
Me: Yikes.Yeah, I didn’t think about that.He might think you’re an intruder since we’re constantly expecting one.
Patrick: He’d do it just for the hell of it because I touched you.
Me: Well, lucky for us, we’ve practically gone back to virgin status, given how long it’s been since we’ve touched each other.
My phone rang, startling me when I saw a FaceTime call from Patrick.I tucked my hair behind my ears and answered it.
“I take it someone is feeling a little frustrated tonight,” he teased, looking far too sexy sitting on his bed without me.His hair was wet, and I knew that if I closed my eyes, I could smell the scent of his shampoo as if I were there with him.
“I’ve beenmorethan a little frustrated for a while now,” I admitted, getting comfortable against the headboard and adjusting the tank top that I decided to sleep in.
Given that we hadn’t seen or heard anything since the night of the shooting at the cabin, I’d given up on trying to wear something appropriate in case I had to run for my life in the middle of the night.I’d been hot and restless, so tonight I was focused on comfort for once.
“Go lock your door,” he said, his jaw fixed as he waited for me to do as he said.
“Why?Is the big, bad wolf going to come eat me?”
