I walk past Leah to take my place when she grabs my shirt. “Hannah,” she whispers, walking with me. “You need to be careful. Several of our girls snapped pictures of you and Ford, and so did a few of the volleyball players.”
“Thanks for letting me know,” I say, giving her a tight smile. My gut twists with anxiety. I know Ford wants us to go back to the way things were over the summer. I want that too, but there’s no more of Ford and me hanging out, just doing our thing. Now everyone is watching.
I get to Ford’s house just after 6. I text Beth and tell her I’m going to his house to talk things out, and I won’t be home for dinner. She texts back that we will talk when I get home. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. I guess I’ll find out later.
Ford is leaning against the open door when I walk up the steps. “Hey baby,” he says, giving me a smile that makes his eyes crinkle and my knees go weak.
I step up to him, grazing my hand through his hair. “Hi, stud. Your hair is getting long.”
Ford lets his eyes close, leaning into my touch. “It just hasn’t been high on my to-do list.” He practically purrs the words.
Ford steps aside, letting me in, and then closes the door. I walk down the hall, but he grabs my hand, dragging me up the stairs. I should protest more, but it’s been a long day. Laying on Ford’s bed is inviting, even though this is the very last place we should go to talk. I guess it doesn’t matter that we almost had sex on the sectional downstairs. I toe off my shoes and crawl onto his bed. “I thought things would settle down this week, and I’d get into a rhythm, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen.”
Ford lays down, so he’s facing me and runs his finger along the collar of my t-shirt. “Things won’t settle down for me until I decide on a college.”
“Have you heard from Sutherland?” I ask.
“Yeah, I got a call two nights ago saying they’re coming in three weeks to the homecoming game and want to sit down and talk with me.”
“Ford, that’s amazing.”
“Yeah, I’m excited, but I still haven’t found the courage to tell my dad about it.”
“Want me to tell him?” I give him a stupid grin.
“I’ll figure it out but thank you for the support.” He leans in, running his nose along my neck. “Clark,” he breathes against my neck.
“Yes.”
“I mean this in the most loving way, but why do you smell like bathroom cleaner?”
I shove his shoulder, looking at him. “Bathroom cleaner?”
Ford shrugs. “Yeah.”
“I smell like the pool. The dance coach had me get in the pool. She showed me some exercises and a couple of dance moves. We didn’t finish until right at 5:45, so I dried off, threw my clothes on over my swimsuit, and sped over here.” I reach up, kissing his nose. “I know how you get when I’m late, and I didn’t want you to think I wasn’t coming.”
“You said you were. I knew you’d be here.”
I open my mouth to speak, but my stomach grumbles. “Sorry.” I laugh. “I haven’t eaten anything since lunch.”
“How about I go make us something to eat, and you take a shower?”
“Yes. I love it when you cook for me. Are you sure you don’t mind me showering?”
“Not at all. You can use my bathroom. I’ll go grab you a clean towel.”
“Perfect.” I walk into Ford’s bathroom and turn on the shower. I take my swimsuit off, rinse it in the sink, and then sit it on the counter to dry. Ford’s shower is so nice and big. I get in, letting the warm water run over my head. I pick up Ford’s body wash, inhaling. It smells good, like sandalwood and spice, like Ford. It makes me want him.
“Hannah.”
I whirl around to find Ford standing just inside the shower, beautifully naked and gloriously aroused. He takes my breath away. “Ford,” I whisper.
His eyes rake over my body. “I’m sorry—I couldn’t—” he lowers his head, closing his eyes. “Tell me to leave.”
My entire body aches with want. I don’t say anything and step up to him, gliding my hands up his chest. “Stay,” I breathe into his neck, wrapping my arms around him.
Ford lets out a shaky breath and opens his eyes. He wraps his arm around my waist and backs me up so we’re standing under the warm water. He trails his fingers along my forehead, down my cheek, across my jaw, and traces the contours of my lips. He leans in, kissing my neck where my necklace charms dangle at the base of my throat. I pick up his right hand, kissing his palm, then kiss the inside of his wrist and bracelet.
