Page 133 of Bend

I’m also tired enough that I’d probably think a bus shelter was charming right now.

They kept me behind going through tomorrow’s schedule, course notes and approximately six thousand different ways the Mountain Course can kill us.

Very relaxing bedtime material.

My duffel disappeared sometime between arriving and heading back out, so I’m assuming someone found me a room.

I’m halfway up the stairs when a door opens above me.

Thorne steps into the hallway.

Gray sweats. Black T-shirt. Damp hair still messy from the shower.

“There you are.”

I grin

“Miss me?”

“Terribly.”

I stop and he stares back at me.

“Wow.”

“Don’t.”

“Wasn’t expecting honesty.”

“Fuck off.”

I laugh as I reach the landing.

Thorne catches the front of my hoodie and pulls me into him before I can say anything else.

His mouth hits mine, warm and familiar.

It's not rushed, or hidden.

Just a kiss because I’m finally here and apparently he feels like kissing me.

My hand settles naturally against his waist.

When he pulls back, I’m still smiling.

“Definitely missed me.”

“Was hoping kissing you might shut you up.”

“Poor strategy.”

“I’m realizing that.”

I lean in and kiss him again anyway.

Shorter this time.

His fingers stay hooked in my hoodie when we separate.