Page 89 of The Flirty Forward

“What are you doing?” I ask in alarm.

He gives me a weird look. “I was going to kiss you.”

“Nope.” I’m already moving slowly toward the edge of the bed.

“Why not?” he nearly growls.

“Morning breath,” I say as I stagger out of bed. The room spins for a minute.

“Whoa.” Strong arms come around me from behind. “Easy,” he murmurs in my ear. “Just give yourself a minute; you haven’t been vertical in a little while.” I close my eyes and let myself rest against his strength a few minutes.

“I’m good now,” I tell him, and he releases me slowly. “Wait,” I say, turning around. “Did you say two days?” He nods. “So, it’s Monday morning?”

“It is.”

I shriek. “What time is it?”

“It’s almost seven-thirty.”

“I have to get ready for school!”

“Stephanie, Love,” he says, pulling me back to him. “Bri told your principal what happened; you have a sub for today.”

My panic melts. “Oh. Good. Phew. Then is it okay if I take a shower?” I glance down at myself. “Um, what am I wearing?”

“You are currently wearing my t-shirt and shorts, and no, I didn’t change your clothes. Yes, I wanted to; but Brielle wouldn’t let me. And yes, I love you in my clothes.”

I frown. “Okay, that’s a lot to process. I think I’m just going to shower.”

“Go ahead, Baby. I made sure you have products in there.” He walks ahead of me and turns on the light to the bathroom. When I walk inside, I stop and stare at the huge Jacuzzi bath.

“Oh,” I breathe. “Scratch that; I’m taking a bath.”

He chuckles. “Good.” He stops in front of me, puts his hands on my upper arms, and bends low as he looks into my eyes. “Your eyes are clear. That’s good. I’ll start the water for you.”

“Can you make it hot? I like it really hot.”

“Will do.” He stands up and walks back over to me. “You need help?” he asks hopefully.

I smirk. “I think I’ve got it.”

“Are you sure? I’m just looking out for you.”

“Positive.”

His face turns serious. “Seriously, though, if you need me, just holler. I’m going to work on something to eat. You have to be starving. Anything sound good?”

“Coffee,” I tell him, sounding desperate.

He smiles. “Got it.” He kisses me on my forehead. “Take your time.” He disappears a moment later. But before I can start undressing, he knocks on the door. “Hang on a second, Babe.”

“You can come in.”

He opens the door. “I brought my clothes for you. I realize they’re going to be big, but that’s all I’ve got for now.” He puts clothes on the sink. “I don’t have any underwear for you. I was going to go out and buy some for you, but I didn’t know if wewere to that stage of our relationship yet.” He turns around and faces me hopefully. “Are we?”

“No.”

He grins. “That’s what I thought.”

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