Page 46 of It's a Date (Again)

“It’s necessary, and it’ll make me feel better knowing you’re sleeping comfortably. So, go ahead and get snug as a bug.”

Robbie laughs but stands there, assessing the situation. His gaze bounces from me to the bed and back again. This is a no-brainer. I won’t have Robbie sleeping on the couch when I have this perfectly nice bed with more than enough space for the both of us and a pillow wall. I tell him I’m going to change quickly and disappear into the bathroom. When I return, I expect to have to storm into the living room and drag him back to my bed, but he’s there, lying on the right side with the comforter pulled up to his chest.

“I’m snug as a bug,” he says, wiggling his body under the covers.

I can’t help but smile back at him. “Good,” I say, turning off the bedroom light. I crawl into bed and pull the blankets up to my chest. Robbie and I lie on either side of the pillow wall in silence. After a few minutes, his breathing deepens, and I think he may have fallen asleep.

“Robbie,” I whisper in the dark.

“Peyton,” he whispers back.

“Do you think my memories are going to come back?”

“Yeah, I do.”

I pull the covers up a little farther so they’re practically nestled under my chin.

“Thanks.”

“What are you thanking me for?” he asks.

“For being here.”

“You don’t have to thank me for that. That’s what friends are for.” I can’t see him, but I feel like he’s smiling, just a small one.

I stretch out and roll over, my foot accidentally slipping under the pillow wall. It touches his. His skin is warm and soft.

“Sorry,” I say, pulling it back to my side.

“Jesus.” Robbie flicks the comforter off him.

“What?” I jolt up.

It’s dark but I can see the outline of his body. He jumps out of bed and walks to my dresser. A drawer slides open and closes.

Robbie shuffles toward me and flips the comforter up at the end of the bed.

“What are you doing?”

“Your feet are freezing.” His hands find them. I giggle at his ticklish touch. He slides a thick sock onto each foot, making sure they’re positioned correctly, the seams at the tips of my toes. He tucks the comforter and pats the top of it, right where my newly clothed feet are positioned. “Better?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say with a laugh as he slides back into bed.

I wait a few minutes and whisper his name again. His breathing slows and deepens. When he doesn’t respond, I know it’s because he’s fallen asleep. I close my eyes and smile, feeling safe and warm and knowing I’ll sleep much better tonight.

CHAPTER9

Nash leans his back against a vintage red Corvette parked in front of my townhome. He holds up his hand and delivers a small smile. He texted me earlier today, telling me to dress casual for our date. Well, specifically he said to wearsomething I could get dirty. I opted for a pair of blue jeans, Keds sneakers, and a graphic tee that says something likeMICHAELSCOTT’SDUNDERSCRANTONMEREDITHMEMORIALCELEBRITYRABIESAWARENESSFUNRUNRACE FOR THECURE. I know Debbie said I was a good person, but I had no idea I was into rabies charities. Must be a passion of mine. It’s a bit chilly today, so I threw a jean jacket over the tee. I jog down the steps of the porch toward him.

When I reach Nash, he asks, “Ready?”

I nod. “Yeah. Ready to get dirty.”

His cheeks flush as he pulls the passenger door open for me and gestures for me to step in.

“Nice ride,” I say.

“Thanks. It was my dad’s.”

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