Page 97 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
He lingers in the doorway, clearly not wanting to leave. "Separate rooms is torture."
"Your mom's rules."
"My mom's rules," he agrees reluctantly. "Goodnight, Harper."
"Goodnight, Cole."
After he leaves, I sit on the edge of the bed and look around the guest room. It's decorated in soft blues and whites, with framed photos of the family on the dresser. Through the wall, I can hear Cole moving around in his room, and the sound is comforting.
This is my summer. This house, this family, this man.
I pull out my phone and text Maddie.
Me:Made it safely. His family is perfect. I think I'm going to love it here.
Maddie:Told you! Now go make out with your boyfriend (quietly so his parents don't hear).
Me:SEPARATE ROOMS.
Maddie:That's adorable. Have fun being wholesome.
I'm smiling when I set my phone down and get ready for bed. Through the wall, I hear Cole's door open and close, then a soft knock on mine.
"Harper?" he whispers.
I open the door to find him standing there in sweatpants and a t-shirt, looking sheepish.
"I forgot to give you this." He holds out one of his hoodies. "In case you get cold."
"Your room is literally ten feet away."
"I know. But still." He steps closer, his voice dropping lower. "I'm really glad you're here."
"Me too."
We stand there in the doorway, close enough to touch, both of us aware that his parents are asleep down the hall.
"We're really doing this, huh?" I say. "Whole summer together."
"Whole summer together," he confirms. "Think you can handle me for that long?"
I reach up and kiss him, soft and quick. "I guess we'll find out."
"Goodnight, Harper."
"Goodnight, Cole."
I close the door and lean against it, his hoodie clutched to my chest, smiling like an idiot. From the other side of the wall, I hear him laugh softly, like he knows exactly what I'm doing.
This is going to be the best summer of my life.
40
Summer Interlude
Cole
Thesummerunfoldsina series of moments I know I'll remember for the rest of my life.
