Page 32 of The Summer Dare
After watching her yawn for the second time in a few minutes I ask, “Will you go back to bed once I leave?”
“Not likely. I doubt I’m tired enough to sleep through the banging outside.”
Shit. Now I feel guilty for keeping her up all night. “I can give you the keys to my place and you can sleep over there.”
Her face lights up with a beautiful smile. “As sweet as that offer is, I think I’ll pass. I’ve got a few things to finish before the girls get here tomorrow. Besides, it’s weird to invade your space without you there.”
“Are you a coffee drinker?” I ask, thinking I could use a cup or three about now myself.
“Nope. Not really… wait, are you? I could’ve made you some.”
“I only drink it when I’m desperate for caffeine. Usually, I’ll grab an energy drink on campus if it’s that bad.”
“I might grab a chai latte today,” she admits. “I can’t do black coffee. I require too much cream and sugar for it to still be considered coffee. If I’m out, want me to bring you something back?”
“No need. But thanks.”
Glancing at the clock, I shovel the last bite of my breakfast into my mouth and stand to clear my plate. Seeing that she’s done, I swipe hers, too, then quickly rinse them off and put them in the dishwasher. Grabbing the pan from the stove, I make quick work of washing it as well, then wipe down the counters, so Lanie doesn’t have to.
When I turn around I catch her watching my every move.
“See something ya like?” I tease as memories from last night flood my mind.
“I’ve got one word for you, Murdock,” she says with a heavy sigh.
“Really? What’s that?” I ask, playing along.
“Condoms.”
This isn’t where I thought she was going with this.
“Condoms?”
“Yep… Let’s not forget them in the future.”
By the timemy sisters arrive Friday evening, I am wound up with excitement. It’s only been about a month since I drove up to Gonzaga to see them, but it feels like forever.
The moment they walk through the door, I am up off the couch squeezing the life out of them.
“God I’ve missed you two. I’ve ordered pizza and picked up gelato from your favorite store downtown.”
“Thank god,” Raven moans. “Sloane wouldn’t let us stop to get anything to eat because she knew you’d do something like this.”
“Hey,” Sloane cries out in defense. “You were also the one complaining how you needed to get here so you can work early in the morning.”
Rolling her eyes, Raven walks to the kitchen. “You know I have to start work early tomorrow with the festival this weekend. I would’ve left last night if this trip was up to me.”
“Well, you’re here now,” I remind them. “Let’s grab your things from the car and eat. I’m starving.”
By the time we unload their car and eat dinner, the sun is setting, so I suggest we go sit on the back deck to watch it like we used to when we were kids.
Settling onto the Adirondack chairs we have on the back deck, Sloane yawns. “I for one am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.”
“I wish,” Raven groans. “I start first thing in the morning—with the festival starting tomorrow.”
“What are your plans, Lanie?” Sloane asks, stifling another yawn.
Laughing at how pathetic she looks trying to pretend she’s not exhausted, I suggest, “You should go to bed, Sloane. You’re beat.”
