“I’m very down,” I say, “Though we just had a shower a few hours ago at my parents’.”
“Want to make sure there’s nothing on our skin after what happened by that riverbank.”
“Good point.”
“And it wouldn’t hurt, you givin’ me head before we go to bed.” He shrugs and flashes his dimples.
I laugh. Before I’ve stopped laughing, he’s got me hoisted over his shoulder, carrying me upstairs.
***
I fall backwards into bed and yawn. I’m exhausted in the best way. We didn’t run far tonight, but between the running and the multiple shifts I did, not to mention all the sex today, I feel like I could sleep for a week.
Jase slips in beside me and shuffles us into a more comfortable position, tracing my jawline with his fingertips. As my eyes drift shut, he says, “Still have a surprise for you.”
“Hm?”
“Look,” he prompts.
I open my eyes and he’s holding his phone up.
“What’s this?” I ask, despite the fact I see it’s an email confirmation of airline tickets purchased.
“Italy?” I ask.
He swipes up to a picture of the Colosseum. Now I’m looking at St. Peter’s Basilica. He swipes again and now there’s a picture of a train. When he does it again, there’s a picture of Venice.
“Jason,” I whisper.
“Your trip got cut short. Here’s a do-over. We don’t have to do these things, but I’ve got us airline tickets and booked us a hotel for the first three nights so far. Once we’re there, we can do what you want.”
“I…” I let that hang. Because I’m at a loss for words.
“So we’re leaving a week from tomorrow for two weeks.”
“Wow. Um…”
“And tomorrow night, we’ll venture out to the town hall if you want. There’s gonna be a party for Brody and his people. A send-off. Not the whole pack, but those who were involved with Brody’s people the most. They’re leaving the day after for their new digs.”
“You don’t look too happy about that,” I point out. “Do you have concerns?”
“With Brody taking his new pack away? No. With having to take you to a party? Yes.”
I tilt my head a little, assessing his face.
He mutters, “I’ll deal. I know there’s no way you’d miss that party.”
I snuggle in. “Thanks for understanding without me having to explain. Another benefit to mating someone you’ve known your whole life. Even though you might have thought they didn’t pay all that much attention, they truly know you.”
He makes a sound that’s agreement but a grumbling one.
“Thank you for the trip, Jase. I am super-excited about this.”
“But?” he asks.
I pull my lips tight and snuggle in tighter. He definitely knows me.
“But…” he repeats.