Page 27 of Here's to Tomorrow

I nod and find myself a bit sad when he breaks us apart so we can get out our phones. Mine vibrates as I’m slipping it back into my pocket, and I raise my eyebrow at Hudson.

“I sent you a text. Don’t read it until you get home though. Might make this a little less awkward.”

Suddenly he steps back into me, closer than before, leaving no room between our bodies. He slowly reaches up and places both hands on my cheeks, gently sliding them up until he’s cradling my head. We’re locked in another stare.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, then leans forward and places his lips against my forehead. I close my eyes and feel myself melting into him. He holds his lips there for several seconds while I attempt to draw air into my lungs. He’s warm, and surprisingly soft. I don’t want to let go.

“Goodnight, Rae,” he whispers against my skin. He slowly lets me go and walks off toward his building.

I stand there frozen with my eyes still closed for what seems like hours, though I know it’s only been seconds since he walked away.

Only seconds since I started missing him.

* * *

I pull my favorite teal blanket around me tighter, trying to get my racing mind to calm down.

I wish Haley were still awake because Ireallyneed someone to talk to about tonight. I found her passed out on the couch when I arrived home. She may have had cheese puffs smashed on her sweatshirt and melted Skittles still in her hand, and I may have taken photographic evidence.

Tonight was…well, it was amazing. I wasn’t expecting Hudson. I wasn’t expecting him to be so open, so sweet, and I damn sure wasn’t expecting his favorite band to be my favorite band. He scored major points with that one. Everything with him was so easy—the conversation, the laughing, even the silence. I’ve never had that before.

I roll over, looking at the clock on my nightstand: eleven thirty. I’ve been lying here for twenty minutes trying to calm my brain. I notice the light flashing on my cell, indicating a notification.

The text.I completely forgot about the text!

I practically throw myself across the bed and halfway onto the floor when I grab for my phone. I unlock it and stare perplexedly at the name popped up on the screen.

FMK?

FMK: You better be home while you’re reading this, little lady. I had a great time tonight. Thank you. Hope this is a little less awkward than walking me to my door. ;-)

Me: FMK?

FMK: Future Mr. Kamden. Ya know, since you so beautifully proposed to me tonight.

I laugh, because he’s got me there.

FMK: Lame?

Me: Very cute.

FMK: You think I’m cute, huh?

I do, but he doesn’t need to know that.

Me: I think the name you put in my phone is cute. I’m still trying to decide if you are.

FMK: You’re a terrible liar.

Me: Fair enough. Thank you for tonight. Goodnight, Hudson. x

FMK: Goodnight, Rae.

I fall back onto my pillow with a smile on my face. For the first time in weeks, I find peaceful slumber.

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