The taste of him that is wholly and uniquely Zach.
It takes longer than usual, but I finally climb into bed. I turn off the light and stare up into the darkness.
I’m never going to sleep.
What is he thinking right now? Is he freaking out too?
Now that he’s got some distance, is he regretting letting things get out of hand?
My phone buzzes, and I nearly launch off the mattress.
I reach for my cell and read then reread the text.
Zach: Hey. Made it home safe.
A grin splits my face.
My thumbs race over the screen.
Me: Phew! Thanks for letting me know. I was worried.
His response is immediate.
Zach: Had a feeling you would be.
Then…
Zach: No need to worry.
Does he know me this well? Know that I’m already dissecting the day’s developments and second-guessing everything?
Everything except how good it felt to kiss him.
Me: Are you worried?
ChapterNineteen
ZACH
Worrieddoesn’t cover it.
I’m scared shitless.
But I’m not going to admit it to Greta. I can tell she’s worried enough for the both of us.
Right now, I just want to do exactly what she’s letting me.
Take it slow.
Because that’s a hundred thousand times better than how I thought this day would end—after I nearly blew it all apart in the clearing.
So instead of laying that shit out, I keep up our joke.
Me: Nah. It’s a long trip from your place to mine, but I can handle it.
I’m lying in my pullout bed. All the lights are off, and I’m practically holding my breath so I can listen.
And then I hear it. Her soft snicker.