Page 37 of One Last Run

Danica laughed. "Oh, not even close."

As Danica handed Pete the towel, she saw Kiera watching them closely, seemingly curious about the shift in their interaction. Everyone took a moment to find dry clothes and change into pajamas, then agreed to get whatever extra blankets they could find in the condo to get cozy in the living room and watch a movie.

Danica was the last to return, and Maggie moved from where she was sitting beside Pete, shifting instead to sit in the chair, saying she could see better from that angle. Pete didn't think Maggie could be any more obvious at trying to make sure she and Danica sat together.

Izzy, Pete, Danica, and Kiera all sat on the couch, crammed together with their blankets. After an epic round of rock, paper,scissors, Danica picked a Wes Anderson movie they'd all wanted to see together in college, but it had come out after their graduation.

Izzy fell asleep almost immediately, and Maggie conked out right after her. Kiera stayed awake until about forty-five minutes into the movie. Pete sat as still as she could, not wanting Danica to move away with any kind of touch or contact. She was keenly aware of just how close Danica was, how her hair smelled like rosemary shampoo, how she awkwardly rested her hands on her thighs like she might also be afraid of accidental contact with Pete.

Danica laughed at a particularly silly scene in the movie and Pete couldn't help glancing toward her, taking in the way the reflected light bounced off her cheeks, making the long, elegant curve of her neck stand out. She was even more beautiful than Pete remembered.

Noticing Pete's gaze, Danica's blue eyes widened. "What?" she asked self-consciously.

"Everyone's asleep but us," Pete pointed out in a whisper.

Danica nodded. "Yeah, we should turn it off and head to bed, too."

"It's still early enough," Pete said, her voice still quiet. "I was thinking it might be kind of magical to sit in the hot tub while it snows."

Danica watched her for a long moment, then turned away, clearing her throat. "Sounds fun. Enjoy."

Pete's voice was barely audible as she leaned forward so Danica could hear her. "You don't want to join me?"

Danica crossed and uncrossed her arms, looking adorably nervous. "What do you want me to say right now?"

Pete’s gaze was steady as a wry smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I think you already know what I want.”

"Let's get everyone off to bed," Danica said.

Pete wasn't exactly sure what that response meant. She shook Izzy's shoulder, ignoring her protests of being comfortable. Kiera claimed she hadn't been sleeping, but her groggy voice said otherwise. Maggie jolted awake, startling everyone, and then speed walked out of the room without a word. Danica got Kiera a glass of water and handed Izzy a few Ibuprofens for her incoming hangover, and as their friends shuffled off to bed, Pete turned toward Danica. They were finally all alone, standing in the dining room.

There was an awkward sort of anticipation lingering between them, like two people on a first date who didn't know how to interact with each other.

"I’m too tired to change," Danica said, glancing over her shoulder. "I might just go to bed."

"Hmm. Truth or dare?" Pete asked with a mischievous quirk of an eyebrow.

Danica frowned at her, then sighed. "Don’t you dare.”

“So, it’s a dare, then?” A grin tugged at the corner of Pete’s mouth.

Danica shook her head slowly, not breaking eye contact with Pete.

"I dare you to go skinny dipping in the hot tub,” Pete whispered conspiratorially.

"I thought we weren't getting Aunt Jade evicted."

"With the lights off, no one will see us," Pete said. "Unless you're too chicken."

Danica paused for a long moment, and appeared to be weighing the pros and cons of the situation. "Can I wear a beanie?"

"I suppose."

As Danica watched Pete, taking her time, Pete’s stomach flipped with anticipation of her 'yes'.

"I will if you will," Pete said.

Danica pulled at the hem of her shirt. “Alright. Fuck it.”

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