“Doesn’t seem fine. You planning on talking to him about it?”
“Talking to him?” I laugh. “Why would I do that?”
He huffs. “Talking matters inrelationships, kid.”
“Oh, we’re not like that. We’re only friends.”
“Really?” he asks. “Huh. I could’vesworn...”
“Yep, just friends on a trip. He just likes his space, and there’s not a lot of that.”
“You’re telling me. Extra legroom, my ass.” He crosses his arms. “You don’t have to crowd the poor guy then.”
He’s right. I’ve done enough. No, more than that, and I want to be better. Slowly, I move more to the middle of the seat, where I’m touching the stranger next to me, but at least Nate will have more room. It’s awkward, but it’ll have to do.
“Thanks,” I say.
“Eh, we all have to survive together in these conditions. I feel like a damn sardine.” With a shake of his head, the man goes back to his phone, and I only feel a little better.
The cruise sets out tomorrow, and we have one night in a regular hotel room before we set sail. Originally, that room was supposed to be a king-sized bed, but I make a mental note to change that so Nate can get some space.
It only delays the inevitable, but it’ll be something.
Nate returns moments later. He eyes where I’ve shifted to and sits without complaint. He seems more comfortable now that I’m not pressed against him.
I should feel good about what I’ve done. After all, I’m being a good friend.
And yet, the urge to sneak back closer to him, just to see what would happen, is strong.
What the hell is wrong with me?
Thankfully, I manage to keep my desire to touch him tamped down for the rest of the flight. Once we’re in Orlando, I’m too busy getting a taxi to our hotel to think of anything else.
And I’m still busy when we get to the hotel too, because I have to beeline to the front to ask about swapping rooms. I must be lucky, because there’s an extra one with two queens that we’re able to take.
Nate walks in as I get the key cards. “All set?” he asks.
“Yep.” I hand him one of the cards. “Two beds and everything.”
He pauses. “Did you originally get two beds? Were you planning on not sleeping with Rob?”
I roll my eyes. “I was able to swap the rooms. I can’t do that on the cruise, but at least we can get a little space from each other. The flight was bad enough.”
I grab my suitcase and head in the direction of the room so I don’t have to see Nate’s reaction to what I’ve said. The last thing I want to do is make him feel bad for a fair boundary.
“Wait up,” he says as he catches up to me. “Are you excited to get to the room or something? I’ve never seen you move so fast.”
“I need to reorganize my suitcase, Nate.” It’s both a lie and not. Idoneed to see what all I brought. Packing was a mad dash, and I already know I’ll regret the choices I made.
Nate laughs, and I’m grateful for how easygoing it sounds. “I should’ve known. I’ve never seen you be so disorganized.”
“Watch it,” I warn. “Or I’ll organize your suitcase too.”
“Trust me, you don’t wanna go in there.”
I probably don’t, but I can still threaten him anyway.
Our room is exactly what I want. Two beds and a bathroom in the back. I let out a sigh of relief when I see it.
