I draw back and look at him, but I don’t recognize the expression I find.
He looks like he’s processing two thoughts at once, weighing scales. I know instinctively, whatever he’s thinking, I want the balance to tip on my side. I also know that since I had to talk my way into staying last night — after fighting my way into his arms — leaving now might mean losing ground, but I can’t help it.
“I have to go,” I say, hearing disappointment I hadn’t planned on sharing. “I need to let Gem out and feed him.”
Realization crosses Drew’s face. “Oh, right…”
And my heart does a little soft shoe in my chest because there’s disappointment in his voice too. I’m basically in a mini-cobra pose on top of him. We touch nearly everywhere. Bellies, legs, e-zones. I do not want to give this up.
I draw my lips between my teeth and brace myself. “The look you’re giving me right now…”
Drew blinks, but his expression doesn’t change. ”Yeah? What about it?”
I smile because, right now, he’s not hiding from me. “Promise me you’ll look at me like that the next time I see you.”
Amusement sparks in his gray eyes, but he keeps his smile in check. “And when do you think that will be?”
This question throws me. So far, I’ve been the only one to instigate plans, doomed though they might have been. Is this Drew’s way of taking that step? With me? Nerves swirl in my stomach like a dust devil.
“I-I don’t know,” I stammer. “Whenever you want.”
His laughter makes me bounce. And for the record, of all the ways to watch Drew laugh, lying on top of him is now my hands-down favorite.
“How about I come with you?” he asks.
“Come with me?” Did I hear him right?
Drew nods. “That’s what I said.”
I push myself up. “Y-yeah. That’d be great.” It’s frickin’ amazing. I hope Janine and James really are taking advantage of the chance to sleep in. Bringing Drew over before seven in the morning might be a little awkward if they’re at the breakfast table having coffee.
But who cares? Drew is coming with me.
“Maybe we can get some breakfast after,” I suggest, climbing out of bed. “Have you ever been to Tribe?”
Drew shakes his head and sits up, swinging his legs off the mattress. It might sound stupid and shallow, but I love that I get to see his legs. They’re really great legs. He should wear shorts every day. I send up a tiny prayer of thanks to the cosmic pantheon, specifically the goddesses of love and fertility, for Drew’s superior legs.
Thank you, Freya… Thank you, Venus… Thank you, Pavarti…
“Tribe?” His brows pull together. “Never heard of it.”
“Well, it’s really a collective of three restaurants.” As I explain, he stands and plucks his jeans from the foot of the futon. I have to look down to keep from staring as he pulls them on. “Tribe Bakery, Emerge Raw Kitchen, and Reve Coffee Roasters.”
Skepticism shades his eyes.“Rawkitchen?”
“Well, it’s not all raw. They have this vegan, gluten-free strawberry cake doughnut that’s like Nirvana on a plate.”
One dark brow arches with a mock-serious stare. “Veganandgluten-free, huh?” I can just make out the barely contained smile waiting in the wings. “Sounds frightening, Guppy.”
I give him a faux scowl. “You’re going to eat your words, Drew Moroux.”
His face goes completely deadpan. “As long as I don’t have to eat a vegan, gluten-free doughnut—”
I deliver a deft swat to the seat of his jeans, and Drew barks a laugh. Who knew Sunday mornings could be so much fun?
I move to retrieve my dress that’s draped over the back of a kitchen chair when I feel his calloused hand close around my elbow, and I’m reeled around to face him. Standing front to front, Drew and I gaze at each other. We’re both trying not to smile, both, I notice, a little breathless.
A trip to a drugstore definitely needs to be added to our agenda.