Page 57 of Fall With Me
I pull onto Dawson’s street and cut the headlights on my car. Finn’s bedroom is at the back of the house. He told me all about his window overlooking the backyard the first night we met. But I’m not taking any chances of waking him up.
If I don’t get to touch Dawson, I’ll explode. When we parted after Finn’s football game, my heart was heavy the rest of the day. Even my beloved Utes winning didn’t cheer me up. Now as I park in Dawson’s driveway, sweat coats my palms and my heart thrashes against my ribs.
I’m thrilled, nervous, and worried. What if I don’t like the movie? What if Dawson gets annoyed with me by the end of the night?
What if it’s perfect?
Getting out of my car and closing the door as quietly as possible, I tiptoe to Dawson’s front door. My usual step wouldn’t wake a light sleeper, but the need to creep fits the situation.
Knocking, I adjust the long cardigan and plaid scarf I’m wearing. I went with the outfit Kate put together for me. It’s cute and comfortable with black leggings, a white tunic shirt, a long mustard-colored cardigan, and a tan and white scarf to tie it all together. My hair is up in a messy bun, and I went light on my makeup.
Dawson opens the front door, and my heart stops beating. I saw him earlier. Why does seeing him now in joggers, a gray V-neck T-shirt, and bare feet make me want to jump on him and never let go?
“Hey, 007,” he whispers. “Come on in.” He moves out of the way, giving me space to enter the foyer.
Unraveling my scarf, I set it and my purse on the bench in the entryway. Toeing off my shoes, I say, “Is Finn asleep?”
Dawson sighs. “I think he instinctively knew I had plans tonight. He wanted to keep reading, asked for a glass of water twice, and asked a million questions about space. I checked on him a minute ago. He’s finally out cold.”
“Let’s wait on the popcorn then.”
“What about waiting for a hug?” Dawson opens his arms wide, a hopeful smile pulling his lips wide.
“Not required.” I eagerly step into his waiting arms, wrapping myself tight around him. The nerves from earlier disappear, swallowed whole by his warmth, comfort, and peace. I inhale the fresh, clean scent that is Dawson and nestle in closer. This man gives the best hugs.
“Do you know how hard it was not to do this when I saw you at Finn’s game today?”
I nod, my head brushing against his firm chest. “I imagine as hard as it was for me.” Not only today at the game, but onWednesday as well when we went to Wheeler Farm and This Is The Place to check out more venues. Finn came, which was good. We had fun, but I really would have liked holding Dawson’s hand.
He pulls back, looking into my eyes. “Want to take this to the couch?”
“Depends. What are your intentions when we get there?”
Dawson puts his hands on either side of my face.
My stomach goes wild with flutters. Gah! He’s so freaking handsome and sweet.
“For now? Holding you.”
My insides melt like chocolate chips in a fresh-baked cookie. “Yes, please.”
Dawson releases my face, slides his hand down my arm, catching my hand in his. He guides me to the couch in the family room. I can’t stop luxuriating in the moment. I’m here with Dawson, holding his hand, getting ready to glue myself to him for the night. I feel like I’m floating above myself, watching this scene play out, but it’s not really happeningtome.
The TV is paused on the opening credits of the movie. A humongous gray minky blanket is folded over the arm of the couch. On the coffee table is a tray with two bottles of water, a bowl of licorice, and baked potato chips. “This is perfect,” I say, taking the middle cushion.
Dawson’s couch is extra deep. If I sit all the way back, my feet don’t touch the floor.
Grabbing the remote control, Dawson sits in the corner seat next to me, pulling the blanket over both of our legs. “Are you comfortable?”
I lift his arm, slide myself as close to him as possible, then drape my legs over his, resting my head against him. “Now I am.”
Dawson’s hand settles on my hip. He squeezes it once. “Yeah, this is much better.”
The fluttering in my stomach comes back in full force. His hand heats me enough, the blanket is making me hot. Guaranteed, I won’t be paying too much attention to what happens in the movie. Not with Dawson touching me like this.
But I have no complaints.
This moment is exactly what I imagined it would be like if I ever got married. Weekend nights curled up together after putting the kids in bed.
