Page 23 of The Summer Dare
But from the heat in her eyes, it’s obvious she didn’t hate it.
I wasn’t lying when I said I’m invested and need to know how the movie ends. But the real reason is I’m not ready to rush into things. It feels like I’ve known her forever, but in reality, it’s literally been two days. A point I keep reminding myself because Lanie’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on—and she has no clue what she does to me.
It’s not that I’m opposed to one-night stands, but with her, there’s a possibility of more. I’ve only felt this way once in my life and I fucked it up by sitting on the sidelines. I certainly won’t make that mistake again. But with Lanie… even after two days, I know I need to play the long game and tread carefully. She’s also been through a lot with her grandma’s passing. I don't want to ruin things by moving too fast.
Eventually, I stop thinking about the woman in my arms and return my focus to the movie. It’s not my typical first pick, but honestly, I think I’d enjoy reading the book, though this movie is pretty fantastic on its own.
When the movie ends, I’m surprised Lanie doesn’t move. I figured she’d be chomping at the bit demanding to know what I thought of it. She’d been so eager to know my thoughts earlier and it practically killed her to keep from spoiling it for me. But she managed. When I look down, I’m surprised to find her sound asleep against my chest.
I can’t help but admire her beauty. For the first time, I notice the natural highlights around her face and a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose and the top of her cheeks. Her lashes are long and thick. God, she’s absolutely breathtaking. She’s so peaceful, I don’t have the heart to wake her. Reaching for the remote, I select another movie to watch and settle in to just snuggle her.
While I’m waiting for it to begin, I spot a blanket on her side of the couch. In a snap decision, I snag it and do my best to cover her with one hand. The moment she’s covered, I feel her burrow deeper against me. When the opening credits of the latest Marvel movie begin, I rest my head against the back of the couch.
I could get used to having Lanie in my arms.
The next thing I know, the loud beep… beep… beeeeeepppp of my alarm jolts me awake. Keeping my eyes closed because I’m just not ready to start the day, I reach for it on my bedside, but all I get is a hand full of hair.
Hair? What the fuck is going on?
As if someone reads my mind, “Make it stop…” is moaned and something pats at my leg.
My eyes bolt open and I’m blinded by the light coming into the room. Eventually they focus and I am suddenly very aware of my surroundings. “Fuck. I fell asleep.” I grapple along the couch to where my phone’s still beeping, getting louder with each long pause.
Eventually, I find it wedged between Lanie and the couch cushion. When I finally turn off the alarm, I glance at the clock and realize I’m screwed. I have less than forty minutes to drive home, change, and return.
However, Lanie’s still a lead weight wrapped against me. Somehow, I’m hunched over on my side, and her head’s resting on my lower abdomen. I have no idea how we ended up in this position, but if I move without waking her, she’ll end up being dumped on the floor.
Using the hand that’s been resting against her hip, I shake her gently. “Lanie… Lanie. I need you to wake up.”
“Five more minutes,” she mumbles and reaches for the blanket that’s been pushed around her hips.
“Sorry, sweet girl. I can’t do that. I’ve gotta haul ass to get home as it is to get back here on time. I need you to let me up. Lanie? Did ya hear me?”
When I shake her again, her soft and languid body instantly stiffens, her eyes bolt open, and she looks aroundthe room. “Wha… what’s goin’ on?” comes out groggy and confused.
Shrugging, I smile apologetically. “Sorry. I guess I fell asleep. Do you think you can let me up so I can get to work on time?”
A playful smirk plays around her lips. “But you’re already here,” she reminds me.
“Yes, but my work clothes aren’t. Jared will be here soon and I’d rather not be late.”
She pushes away from my lap to sit up and nearly falls off the couch. Thankfully, I’m able to catch her. “Whoa. Slow down. I don’t wanna hurt you.”
When she finds her balance, she mutters, “I’m good. I’m so sorry I fell asleep. Did you at least finish the show?”
“Yeah. It was great. You may have convinced me to read the series, if there are more books about the other characters.”
Grinning triumphantly, she pats me on the chest. “I told you it’s an amazing series. I’ve got them all on e-book if you want me to loan them to you.”
“Not to be rude, but I really gotta get moving. Can we rain check this conversation?” When she doesn’t say anything, I quickly tack on. “What about tonight when you get off? I can pick you up again.”
“Uh, today’s my day off, so I’m sticking around the house.”
“Mind if I stop in when I’m done workin’?”
“Only if you’ll let me cook you dinner? I’ve been craving one of Nana’s casseroles and it’s way too much for me to make for only myself.”
“It’s a date,” I say, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Good morning, by the way.”
