Page 35 of Watercolor Skulls

“You all are no fun,” she pouts.

I make a mad dash for the stairs, hearing Dan right behind me. When we get to my room I start throwing my clothes on in a rush. “I can’t believe I forgot it’s Saturday,” I grumble, struggling to get my jeans up over my still wet legs. I throw Dan his t-shirt as I stumble around.

Dan stops me. “Hey, chill, it’s not that big of deal. So, they saw us naked.”

I shake my head and sit on the bed, placing my face in my hands. “They are going to think I’m easy. I slept with you on our first date. Oh my god, what was I thinking, I’m not that sort of girl.”

Dan sits down beside me. “Lily, they are going to think no such thing. They are my family. If I chose to be here with you they know you are something special. I don’t sleep around.”

Peeking out between my fingers I study his face. I drop my hands in my lap. “I didn’t mean to sound like I was regretful. I’m not. I just…I’ve never done anything like this.”

“I know. Neither have I.”

My eyes bounce between his. Then we both burst out laughing, the humor in the moment finally hitting us now that we are dressed.

He wraps me up in his arms. “They are going to tease us but it’s only teasing, don’t take it personally. The club is full of assholes.”

“I’m so embarrassed. Seriously, I don’t know how I forgot they were coming today.”

“So, I’m assuming the club is here to work on the house?”

I nod. “She didn’t tell you?”

Jesse hollers from the other side of the door, “I wrote it on the white board in the kitchen.”

Dan chuckles but throws his boot at the door. “Go away,” he tells her. Jesse laughs on the other side.

She doesn’t go away. “Are you two fucking decent?”

“Yeah.” He sighs.

Jesse opens the door, resting her hip on the door frame. “Like I said it was on the white board at the warehouse.” She crosses her arms over her chest, her eyes dancing from Dan to me and back again.

“I guess I didn’t see it.” He smacks his hands on his knees before standing. “Well, I guess our date will have to wait until tomorrow. Where do want me boss?” He pulls me to my feet, his eyes on Jesse.

“I’ve got a crew to finish the painting and one working on the floors. Why don’t you go with Raffe and Dirk to get the furniture that Lily needs picked up in town?”

“Will do.” He leans down and kisses me soundly on the mouth. When he pulls away he offers me an encouraging smile before he heads out leaving Jesse and I alone in my room.

“I’m so, so, sorry, Jesse.”

She sits on my bed, pulling her long blue-back over her shoulder. “Lily, you don’t have to apologize. You forgot. It’s no big deal. Besides, it was a good laugh.”

My face heats as I sit down beside her. “I didn’t plan on bringing Dan home last night. It just sort of happened.”

“You like him?” she asks, tipping her head to study me.

I nod, smiling shyly. “He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met.”

She chuckles, sighing as she lays back on my bed. “Dan is special.” I lay down, turning to face her. I tuck my arm under my head for a pillow. “He isn’t like most guys.”

“I’ve noticed.” I wrap my finger around my dragonfly necklace. “I think my dragonfly led me to him,” I whisper, knowing how silly that must sound.

“Hmm, I get you. The universe led me to Dirk when I needed him most.” She rolls on her side. “Maybe Dan can help you get over your bad breakup.”

A knot forms in my throat, I’ve missed having someone to talk to. I miss Jenny so much.

“There really isn’t anything to get over. My family sort of arranged for me to date the guy. We were only together as an obligation.”

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