Ten minutes later, he walks out.
“Maisie,” he says. “You’re up.”
Me faking sleep must have worked. I know it’s a good idea for us to talk about it, but the idea of what he could say is terrifying. I want to get better about facing my fears, but ruining things between us might be my biggest one.
“I am. Hopefully last night wasn’t too miserable for you.”
“It was ... something. It took me a bit to get to sleep.”
We both know it took no time at all for me to fall asleep. I’d let myself be selfish by asking him to stay.
I shouldn’t have.
“Thank you,” I say. “No more nightmares. So that worked.”
“Good.”
My jaw tightens as I realize that things are now awkward between us. Again. I wish I’d never brought up what worked all those years ago.
Clearing my throat, I stand. “I’m gonna get changed and then I’ll get us both some coffee. I think we need it.”
“I can come with you.”
I shake my head. “You obviously got less sleep than I did. It’s the least I can do.”
I brush by him a little closer than I would have the day before. He takes a healthy step away from me. That’s when I know we’re back to where we were yesterday. The whole cuddling business was a one-time thing, just like saving me from the water was.
My disappointment stays off of my face as I grab my last pair of longer shorts and a shirt. It only shows when I’m in the bathroom. I give myself five seconds to feel it, and then I put my clothes on and walk out of the room.
Nate lets me.
chapter sixteen
While getting coffee,I try my best not to agonize about the way Nate talked about sleeping next to me. The closer we get, the more uncomfortable he becomes.
And it’s killing me.
I’m still in a bad mood when I get two to-go cups and head back up to the room. When I get there, Nate is not only dressed, but is in the hallway talking to Trixie and Aaron.
No sign of the discomfort is on his face. At least he’s moved past it.
“Coffee delivery,” I say as I walk up.
“Hi!” Trixie greets me. “We were just talking to Nate about our plans. Are you excited about the port today?”
I haven’t even thought about it.
“Yeah,” I reply. “Which one is it again?”
“Montego Bay,” Aaron says. “It’s got the clearest water. I was seeing if Nate wanted to go snorkeling with us, but he mentioned you two have other plans.”
“Boo,” Trixie says. “We’d love to have you join us, but Nate mentioned water isn’t your favorite thing or something.”
“Which is weird because we’re on water.”
“Right,” I say. “I don’t always make sense, but no need for Nate to miss out on something like that. You should go.”
“What?” he asks. “But?—”
