Page 26 of Love, Just In

Silence slides between us and hovers there for a moment.

‘That’s very sweet that you kept that,’ Zac eventually says.

I give a dismissive grunt. ‘You’ll probably notice it at the op shop next week. I’m gonna trade it in for a used pair of old man’s shoes.’

His chuckle turns into a yawn. I have no idea what time it is, but the last thing I want is for Zac to fade off to sleep and this night to be over.

I sit up higher, waking him up with my voice. ‘So, given all the reminiscing, I think we should play an old high school game.’

He shoots me a look.

‘“Two Truths, One Lie?”’ I suggest in a sweet voice.

His mouth pulls up into a smile. ‘Remember the last time we tried to play that game? We guessed the lie every time. We know too much about each other.’

‘OK then, “Two Truths, One Lie” based on the last two years only?’

He clutches the side of his face. ‘That sounds like too much effort right now.’

‘What about “Spin the Bottle”?’

I’m not being serious, but Zac stills and his eyes graze over my lips for a split second that I don’t miss. I need to show him I’m joking, so I let the laughter tear from my throat, even though I’d love to have teased him with that one a little longer. ‘Just kidding.’ I slap my knee, and he jumps. ‘What about “Would You Rather”? Oh no, wait—I have it! “Best and Worst Features”. Wehaveto play that.’

He rests his chin in his palm. ‘“Best and Worst Features?”’

‘Don’t you remember that game? I tell you what I think your best and worst feature is, both physically and personality-wise, and you do the same for me.’

‘That sounds totally juvenile.’

‘Exactly! Which is why I love it.’ I grin against the rim of my glass.

Compliments from Zac have always lit sparks in my chest, even though I’d never admit that to him. I can handle him telling me my two worst features in exchange for two things he loves about me.

Zac looks unconvinced.

‘I’ll start,’ I press.

My gaze begins a slow trail over his body, assessing the ruffled curls that sit up over his forehead, the curves of his biceps that stretch the sleeves of his T-shirt, and the tanned forearms that bulge in all the right places. I glance down, taking in the length of his defined calves. I might have to make up a ‘worst’ physical feature.

‘I think your best physical feature is … ahh,’ I grumble, ‘I can’t choose between your eyes and your hair.’

‘Myhair?’

‘You have no idea how good your hair looks right now. That haircut is seriously hot.’

‘Wow, OK.’ He runs his palm up the shaved back of his neck before tugging at a couple of curls springing from the top.

‘Now for your worst physical feature.’ I clap a hand over my giggle. ‘I feel so mean.’

‘Let’s not do worst features,’ he says. ‘At least, I’m not going to tell you anything bad about yourself.’

God, I could hug him.

‘Fine, agreed,’ I sigh like I’m giving in. ‘Just best features, then. So, for your best personality feature, there are honestly so many, but I would have to say your sweetheart nature. You’re always so kind and thoughtful.’

The corner of his mouth lifts, and suddenly I’m on my first day as the new kid at school, looking at thirteen-year-old Zac who’s making me feel like less of a nerd over my geriatric taste in music. I don’t think he realises that he’s been making me feel less alone ever since.

‘Thank you,’ he says, his eyes glittering in the low light.

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