Page 120 of The Disasters of Dating
How do you know what I smell like?
Keaton
Because it’s become my new favorite smell. I have no idea what it is, but it’s…well, my favorite.
I’m glad you like it. It’s called Chakra Crown. It’s my own blend.
Keaton
I’m not surprised. Maybe you can mix me up one so that I can carry it with me.
Why are we texting when you could come in here and we could talk?
Keaton
You don’t have to ask me twice.
He comes into the shop, dragging a suitcase behind him. He leans down and kisses me lightly on the lips. “Hey,” he says.
I smile up at him like some giddy teenager. “Hey, back.”
He leans against the counter. “Man, I missed you.” He frowns. “I hope that doesn’t freak you out.”
I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. “Nope. I’ve missed you, too.” I grin. “I’ve been watching the gates you usually fly into, but I never saw your flight.”
He smiles as he reaches up and grips the strap of his backpack, shifting it up on his shoulder. It’s then I notice the black cord with the three stones snugly wrapped around his wrist. He probably only slipped it on as the plane landed, but I don’t care. I’ve never felt so seen. I’ve never wanted to kiss him more than I do right then. But a customerwalks in and grabs a few things off the snack wall and moves over to the electronics.
Keaton’s gaze keeps dropping to my lips, and I think that maybe I’m not the only one wanting a kiss.
I move behind the counter. “Do you need to leave right away? My lunch hour is in about fifteen minutes if you want to grab something to eat with me.”
He smiles. “I’ve got nothing planned. I’d love to take you to dinner.”
I swear it’s been at least thirty minutes by the time Kendra saunters in to relieve me, although the clock says it was indeed only fifteen minutes. Conspiracy? Perhaps.
Keaton had stood next to the counter, talking to me when the crowds died down, pretending to look at merchandise when people were in the store. Now he’s at my side.
Kendra smiles when she spots him. “You two going for dinner?”
I nod. “Yep.” I say, grabbing my fringe-y bag from beneath the counter.
She winks at us. “Have fun.” She glances down at Keaton’s bags. “Do you want to leave those behind the counter?”
Keaton looks at me.
“You trusted her when she was a total stranger.” I lift my shoulder.
He grins at Kendra. “If you don’t mind.”
She shakes her head. “Not at all.”
Keaton hands off his backpack and suitcase. “Thanks a lot. I appreciate you keeping them here.”
“No problem at all. Now, go enjoy your lunch break.” She gives me a look that I’m sure she thinks I know what it means. Knowing Kendra, I probably don’t want to know.
“Thanks, Kendra.” I say, and we head out of the shop. But a step into the terminal, and I stop and turn around. “Can I get you anything?”
She shakes her head. “Nope. I’ve already eaten. But thanks for checking.”
