“Hey, I'm not making it awkward.”
I bump her shoulder with mine.
“You're making it awkward.”
“It's a joint effort.”
“Sure.”
Side by side, we head down the sidewalk toward my truck.
“Dutton!” Mr. Zink, the high school superintendent, approaches us, holding his hand out to me. His wife is next to him, as well as a few other locals.
I glance at his outstretched hand. Does he want me to shake it?
“I always wanted to see you do the right thing, Dutton. I knew you had it in you, and I hate that it took you all these years to show it. Our town needs people like you to protect it and those who live here. Today, you did that. Thank you.”
My hand fits into his, and he gives me a firm shake.
“I hope we see you around more often, Dutton. Now, you two have a good night.”
Brooke and I share a look, but neither of us say anything. We make it about ten more steps before another town local waves at me. “Hey, Dutton, glad to see you're out already.” This happens one more time before I reach my truck. The moment I get in, Brooke starts to laugh.
“Who would have thought punching someone in the face might have been the thing that helped your reputation after all?”
Yeah … and who would have thought that the one thing to bring me peace on a night like this would be the sound of her laughter.
Fuck.
I’m so gone for her, and now she’s about to spend the night at my house.
The drive is quiet and short. I pull into my garage, turn the truck off, and lead Brooke inside.
It’s getting late and it’s been an eventful day, so I’m sure she’s ready to get some rest.
“The guest room is down the hall to the left, and my room is across the hall from that if you need anything,” I tell her. But she hesitates to go into the spare room. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
It’s a stupid question, considering her day.
She nods but then quickly shakes her head.
“I don’t want to sleep alone tonight,” she admits, an unsure look floating across her eyes. “Could I?—”
“Yes,” I say before she can even get the question out. “I should have thought of that. Of you.”
I reach for her without a second thought and hold her in my arms again.
We stay here in the hallway, holding on to one another for a minute, and then I lead her into my room.
“Do you want me to sleep next to the bed on the floor?”
Her brows dip as if that’s a crazy thought.
“No, I don’t. I’m comfortable sharing a bed with you, if you are.”
“Okay.” I glance at the bed. “Do you have a side preference?"
Really, that’s my question?
