Page 26 of Pictures in Blue
And now I wish I was upstairs with my vibrator, that image firmly planted in my brain, because I think I want that. I want to dance with him and feel him slowly move with me, his hands roaming. One on my ass and the other at the base of my neck, teasing my ribbon, maybe tugging it from my hair.
The vibration from my phone startles me with another text from him.
Hudson
I don’t usually come out to those things anyway.
I don’t remember inviting you.
I imagine his features changing from a soft smile to a scoff, brushing off my comment and rolling his eyes, putting his phone down to run a hand through his long hair, fingers tangling in it at the ends.
Hudson
I don’t remember asking.
I throw my head back with a laugh, because I can’t help myself. The way he doesn’t back down from me is intriguing and I want to know more.
My legs itch to move, so I untangle myself from the chair and start walking to the other side of the wrap-around porch, thinking of what to send next. Do I ask him to come with Sky and me? If I don't, would he show up? Do I want him to?
Yes,I answer myself.
I do want him to.
But I also don’t want to be too forward. Or should I be?
I groan at my circling thoughts, clearly getting nowhere. It’s been so long since I have gone out with anyone, not for lack of trying, but James was the last serious relationship I had and I don’t know if I’m ready for anything like that again. Especially when this trip has an end date.
I walk around the porch passing my empty chair, the pounding rain fueling the rising energy in my chest. That last cup of coffee may not have been the best idea. When I come to the back of the inn, I stop for a second to take it in. I breathe deep, calming my racing heart, and thrive in the smell of the rain mixing with the pine trees.
The mountains peek just above the trees, three points reaching for the sky. I listen to the sounds of the rain until I feel my heart calm to a steady pace and I continue walking, wishing I could go out for a run. Technically, I guess I could, but that would also mean coming back completely drenched and that’s not the way I want to spend my evening. I’d rather spend it learning more about him.
I lift my phone and hover my thumbs above the keyboard, responses filtering in and out of my head as I search for the right one.
You need a break.
Finally relax a little. Shut off that ever present brain of yours…
Charlotte’s words echo in my head and before I have a chance to sabotage myself (again) I type out my reply and hit send.
Maybe I’ll see you there.
His reply comes immediately and I bring my fingers to my lips, fidgeting with the bottom one, smiling like a love struck teenager at my screen.
Hudson
Maybe.
Maybe.
I stifle a yawn and glance at the timestamp on my phone.
8 p.m.
We’ve been texting for longer than I realized and even though I spent most of the day relaxing, my body still feels tired and in need of sleep. It’s hard to believe I used to stay up all night studying or reading. More often than not, I find myself wishing for my bed by 7 p.m. and reading until I fall asleep.
I turn back from the railing and return to my spot to gather my things, ready to head upstairs, curious to see what tomorrow night might bring. Less than 24 hours from now, I could be face-to-face with him once again, wondering if he is going to show his grumpy side or the side I can see in his texts. Something different than what he tries to give off in person. Layers I want to carefully peel back, revealing who he is underneath it all. A discovery waiting for me; these little moments in time a map leading me to the bright red X.
Comfort from the creaking stairs enters my body as I slowly climb them to my room, being careful not to make too much noise in case people are asleep by now. The inn is dark and quiet, the creaks echoing off the walls.
