Slipping my legs beneath the covers, I run my fingers over the fabric. I can see it: waking up every morning to the sight of him. Tangling our legs together as we talk about our day. Having breakfast in bed every Sunday. Reading together just before we sleep.
Every time I close my eyes, I see him. It’s consuming my soul, and I wish I could tear it out of me and go back to the person I was before he became all I could see.
God, I can still remember the first time I saw him like it was yesterday.
For some reason the algorithm decided I was into sports, but the second the video played, I was enraptured. After that, my entire afternoon was spent looking up everything there was to know about him. Now, here we are.
Just hours ago, he was in this very bed. If I concentrate hard enough, I can feel Leo’s warmth lingering within the threads. I rub my face against the pillow, breathing in cinnamon and oak and hoping that it clings to my hair and coats the inside of my lungs. If I could bottle the smell of him, I would.
Now that’s an idea.
My eyes snap open, and I’m in the connecting bathroom in a matter of seconds, laughing like an excited schoolgirl. I don’t bother with my gloves as I grab his cologne and the spare bottles of his body wash from beneath his sink.
I practically skip to his walk-in closet and explore some more, touching every piece of clothing I pass. I reach for the first shirt I find and pull it on, and I don’t stop until I’m drowning in his hoodie and sweatpants.
The material is just right. It’s not too scratchy or too soft that it feels like a cotton pad. There’s little to no pilling on the material, so I can hold it to my face without feeling like I’m starring inPrincess and the Pea.
Everything smells like him. Everything screams him—no, it screamsus. This is the start of our future. We like the same things. We fit like two puzzle pieces. We’re destined for each other.
He’ll realize it soon enough.
CHAPTER SIX
Mina: It’s hard to believe that you’re a top shot hockey player.
Leo: Why? Do I not make it obvious enough?
Mina: I don’t know. Based on your physique, I would’ve guessed you were into golf.
Leo: That is single-handedly the most offensive thing anyone has ever said to me. At the very least, I have the legs of a baseballer.
Mina: Eh. A cricket player. MAYBE. How much do you even bench? It can’t be that much.
Leo: I could bicep curl your weight without breaking a sweat. Single-handed.
Mina: That’s what they all say. Do better, Duval.
Leo: Who else is saying that to you?
Leo: What’s your address?
Mina: What? Why?
Leo: I’m going to send you food so you can drop the attitude.
Mina: 1847 Saxton Avenue
Leo: Did you just send me the address of a golfing equipment store?
Mina: Sorry. There was a typo. 327 Morgan Street. Use the entrance to the left.
Leo: A therapist office?
Mina: To nurse your ego.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Mina
