I—
I forget how to exist, just a little. Maybe a lot.
Because now all I can think about is the way he’s looking at me and the way we’re about to be alone and share a bed.
A bed that his mom can’t walk in on.
“…No?” I manage.
He narrows his eyes, watching me, before smirking, that intense gaze holding me in place like a soccer ball caught by the goalie, only inches from hitting the net and scoring a point.
Even though I know it’s not a win for me, somehow, it still kind of feels like one.
The elevator dings again, and Colten heads straight to our room as I trail after him like cattle following the person who brings them their feed.
The room is nice.
Big bed. Honestly, too big. I have to intentionally focus on keeping the disappointed glare from my expression.
But that look he gave me earlier… I turn back towards him, looking to gauge his reaction, but I only see Colten’s back as he disappears into the bathroom. Darn.
When the sound of the shower starts, I flop back dramatically onto the bed. Colten is soresponsible, I think with disgust.
I get it! I do. Big day tomorrow, gotta be rested, focused, and in peak condition for all the scouts and big league coaches and assistants. It’s all very important.
Also deeply inconvenient.
I stare at the ceiling and resist thinking of Colten in the shower. If he’s going to be responsible, then I will respect that and also not embarrass myself by glowing and showing off how horny I feel.
Stupid magic, not even letting me be horny in peace.
Eventually, he comes out, already dressed in his pajamas. He looks unfairly put together for someone who just spent two days in a car with me.
“Your turn,” he says.
“Yes, sir,” I say automatically.
He almost trips, stumbling over nothing I can see. “…Don’t.”
I grin, though I’m not sure what has Mr. Responsible all pink-eared and flustered. I head into the bathroom with the spare toothbrush Colten forced me to take with us.
By the time I get out of the shower, the lights are off, and Colten is already in bed.
At least, I’m pretty sure he is, as I can barely see him. He’s completely buried in the covers, just a lump of fabric with only some of his dark hair visible on his pillow.
I sigh, but dutifully slide under the covers, the sheets nice and cool against my skin. I didn’t bring pajamas and wanted to avoid ruining more of Colten’s clothes, so I opted for my boxers tonight.
I stare at the ceiling once more and try not to think about how close he is. All I need to do is sleep and do well at the combine tomorrow. Colten has been driving for two days, so of course he’s tired.
Besides, it’s not like he has actuallysaidhe wants to kiss me. Who knows what’s going on in that big brain of his?
The last thing I need to do is think horny thoughts and then keep both of us up as I impersonate a particularly horny flashlight—
Wait a minute. I squint at the ceiling and realize there’s a slight light in the room. I look down, but I’m not glowing.
I turn towards the little tuft of black hair peeking out from the covers on the other side of the bed.
There’s a faint light around those dark hairs. Subtle, but definitely there.
