Page 91 of Not in My Book

“How do I look?” he asked.

“You look born and raised in Johnson City,” I teased.

“That’s a good thing?”

“That’s a great thing,” my dad said. “I was born in Memphis, raised in Johnson City.”

“Where do you two live now? Rosie mentioned it once I think.”

“Rogersville,” my mom supplied. “You should visit with Rosie sometime.”

His gaze slid to mine. “I’d love to. Now that I’ve got the cap to go with it.”

My parents laughed, delighted. My whole body eased at the sight of them talking back and forth, like this could be real. He kept asking them questions about Tennessee, and they asked him a few about New York.

It was nearly three when we all decided to go to bed. It wasn’t as rowdy as our Christmases back home, but it felt just as perfect. As the night wore down, we all began to yawn. Nerves ran through me at the thought of having to share a bed with Aiden.

Alexa’s room was the same size as mine with a full bed. It wasn’t as small as a dorm, but it’d be a tight fit.

My dad lent Aiden an extra pair of sweatpants he’d brought and I gave him an oversized t-shirt. I changed into flannel bottoms and a sweatshirt. After we both were ready, we stood on opposite sides of the small bed, staring down at it.

“You know, I’ll be fine on the floor with just a blanket and a pillow. We don’t have to …” He gestured toward the bed.

“No, no, you’re the guest. I’ll take the floor.”

“There’s no way I’m letting you sleep on the floor, Rosie.” He puffed out a breath, setting his hands on his hips. “We can share the bed, can’t we? We’re adults.”

“Graduate students.”

“Taxpayers.”

“A bed is nothing,” he said, seemingly convincing himself more than me.

“Nothing.”

Still, neither of us made a move toward the bed. I rubbed my arm anxiously. God, this whole situation was stupid. I was acting like a fifteen-year-old girl again, refusing to look Aiden in the eye.

“Well, good night.” Aiden bit the bullet, pulling Alexa’s comforter and sheets back, settling in.

“Right. Good night.” I flipped the light off and slid in next to him.

The last time I’d slept in a bed with someone was Simon over a year ago. I could feel Aiden’s body heat radiating next to mine. If I moved even the slightest bit, my leg would be pressed against his.

“Aiden,” I whispered after a little while. He didn’t respond, his hands folded over his stomach as he slept. I poked him in the shoulder, hoping to wake him, but he still didn’t move. “Aiden.”

Still no response. Even though this had been one of the longest days of my life, I couldn’t sleep. I was too aware of Aiden next to me. I shifted, the sheets rustling, but still nothing woke him.

I moved to my side to face his shoulder and said, “Are you asleep?” With no response, I pushed his shoulder slightly. Okay, maybe a little harder than I should’ve, but his eyes snapped open.

“Iwasasleep, Rosalinda.”

“Uh-oh.” I smiled into the dark. “I must be in trouble if you’re not calling me Rosie.”

“Would you prefer Rosie Posie?” The corner of his mouth quirked up and I groaned.

“I knew you’d use that against me.”

“I love it,” he said honestly. “I wish I came up with it.” He turned to his side to face me, too, his arm curled under his head.

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