Page 69 of The Risks of Reuniting

LOL does not mean Lots of Love

Mom

That's not that Grandma Sue told me.

It means Laugh Out Loud

Mom

Why would I be laughing out loud about you flying?

Exactly.

I smirk as I turn off my phone and get settled, knowing Gavin will take it from here, and when Holt takes my hand in his, I lay my head on his shoulder and sink into him. We're going home, together.

I manage to doze on this last leg of our journey and I'm grateful. When we get to the gate and turn our phones back on, there is one text that has me both laughing and holding my breath.

Allie

I hope he's wearing armor, because I'm about to go Gladiator Allie on his face.

I show the screen to Holt and he pulls a face before pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Same team, baby," he reminds me.

"Same team."

But someone might have to tell Allie that, because her text promises she's not in the business of making friends and forgiving easily. Honestly – what bestfriend would?

Few things have made me as nervous as standing at the curb at the Salt Lake City airport and wondering what happens next. We made it back to Utah, we decided we're going to give this thing a chance, but what now? How does this work? I need freaking guidelines with bullet points. Are we giving each other some space while we figure things out? Will we see each other in the evenings? What's his internship schedule? Where is he staying?

Why haven't we already talked about all of this?

All I actually know is that I'm supposed to have dinner with my family tonight, and I need a nap.

I had already planned to take a hired car because I'm independent like that. Holt was doing the same thing because his parents had a commitment this morning, and I'm glad for the extra time together. He stands next to me, one hand in his pocket, the other holding the handle of his duffel bag, and I have no idea what he's thinking about. It would be weird to throw up right now, but I'm afraid it's coming if one of us doesn't say something.

A car pulls up to the curb and our line moves forward. I'm now first, the next car will be mine. Do I simply go home and assume we'll be in touch? Do I make a plan with him? Am I attempting a new easy-breezy personality here? I feel as rumpled as my clothing.

Another car pulls up and the airport attendant motions for me to move forward as the trunk pops open. It's time. I'm up. The hourglass is empty.

I can't look at Holt. I've risked enough, and I'm too tired to risk more. I'll go home and let things settle and figure it out from there.

I lug my pack into the trunk and go to shut it when a hand appears to hold it open. Holt chuckles at my expression as I turn to face him.

"I'd like to make it home with all my fingers," he says, hefting his own bag in next to mine. Then, when I keep staring, he closes the trunk and opens the back door, gesturing for me to get in. I do, and he slides in next to me, a smile still on his face. "Should I be offended that you were prepared to leave here without me?" he teases.

My eyes are still on him as he closes his door and leans forward to give the driver my address.Myaddress. My face heats with pleasure and I lean back in the seat. The cab pulls from the curb and Holt reaches for my hand.

"Communication is key," he jokes.

I roll my eyes. "You could have communicated that you were sharing a car with me."

"You could have asked." I pull another face and he squeezes my hand. "I'm not about to let you go that easily. I'm like glue."

"I can do glue," I say softly, squeezing his hand in return.

Chapter 24

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