Page 59 of Drew
Drew’s eyes dart away and focus on the floor. Is that… no, it couldn’t be. Are Drew’s cheeks turning red? This strong, confident man suddenly looks chagrin, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.
Focusing my attention on him, I reach out to brush my thumb across his cheek as I quietly ask, “What’s wrong?”
“I… Uh… didn’t plan on anything beyond seeing you. Now that I’ve hijacked your evening, got any ideas?”
My stomach takes that exact moment to gargle and growl furiously, and embarrassment floods through me. A distinct reminder I haven’t eaten all afternoon. Crap, how did I lose track of time so easily?
Drew raises an eyebrow and smirks as he asks, “When was the last time you ate?”
Thinking back over my day, I cringe. “Lunch… probably?” It comes out as a question because I remember having a cinnamon roll sometime after breakfast, but I don’t remember eating since.
“Angel, it’s after eight. Want me to fix you something?”
Shit. I didn’t shop for groceries today. There’s not much other than breakfast food in the fridge at this point. But there should be plenty for both of us. “Would you be interested in pancakes or eggs for dinner?”
“I ate earlier, but I wouldn’t turn down anything. I make a mean pancake, Angel. So be warned.” Before I can right myself, Drew leans in and pecks me on the lips before standing to set me on the floor. “Let’s get some food in you, and then we’ll figure out what else to do.”
I shouldn’t be surprised when Drew and I work seamlessly together in the kitchen. He insists on making the batter from scratch, while I set in to frying some bacon and eggs. In no time at all, we have plates full of food and are sitting at my kitchen table.
“So,” Drew says after he finishes a bite of bacon. “What would you say to a change of plans tomorrow? I’m caught up on all my homework, and if you are, too, I thought we might head out to the beach?”
My eyes widen in disbelief. It’s been forever since I’ve gone to the beach. It’s a few hours away, but since I don’t have to be anywhere until Monday, I can’t imagine why I shouldn’t go. “I’m up for it. I got a lot done today and other than an exam I could study for, I’m free until Monday.”
Drew’s grin spreads wide, making his dimple pop. Damn, the man is sexy. “Good. Bring your homework. My aunt’s cabin is in Long Beach. She usually rents it out, but it’s free for the weekend. She suggested I take a break since I’m between games and have a rare free weekend.”
A weekend away with Drew… Does this mean what I think it means? Or am I reading more into this than he intends? Shit.
Drew must read the shock on my face because he’s suddenly back-peddling. “If you don’t want to go, it’s not a big deal. I’m just extending the invitation. If you’d rather do something else, I’m all game for that, too. There’s no pressure, either way, Angel.”
The thought of the beach alone has me begging to leave tonight. Giddiness rushes through me, and I practically bounce in my seat as I nod my head and say, “Yes.”
Drew’s adorable as he cocks his head to the side and raises an eyebrow. “Yes to what exactly, Angel? You want to go away, or you want to stay here and hang out?”
Gah. I’m such a dork around him.
“Yes.” I take a deep breath and try to reel in the million thoughts hurling around like a hurricane in my mind. I nod in reassurance, then fill him in on my thoughts. “As in I want to go away with you.”
Since Drewand I are eager to get a jump on the day, we’re on the road by eight the next morning. He showed up with a sexy smile, coffee, and pastries for the ride. He claims he’s packed food for the weekend, and all I need to do is bring a bag of personal belongings and my schoolwork to enjoy the impromptu mini-vacation. I must admit, I’m impressed. I don’t even know if I would have thought of the things he’s packed for this road trip.
I’m eager as I carry my pillow and a bag of snacks out to the car. My schedule’s been just as hectic as Drew’s, and the thought of getting away from it all fills me with excitement. Like the gentleman Drew is, he insists on doing the heavy lifting and carries my bags to the car. I’m dying to get away. I haven’t been to the beach in years.
Though as we get on the highway, my nerves kick in. I’ve been on road trips with my girlfriends, but I can’t say I’ve been on an overnight trip with a guy before. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not a virgin, but my schedule never lent itself to destination sleepovers, either.
Even though my type A tendencies fly in full force in every other aspect of my life, I’ve always been a go with the flow type of person when it comes to relationships. The few guys I dated were more out of convenience, rather than chemistry. My focus was on graduation and med school. I didn’t have time to tie myself down. And let’s face it—the desire for making things long-term wasn’t there either. But with Drew… there are so many possibilities.
He’s come a long way from the cocky jerk I judged him as that first day. He’s somehow managed to worm his way into my heart, and I’m not so sure I want to let it go. I know I shouldn’t get attached. Neither of us know where we’ll be in mere months from now, but with him—I’m not sure I have a choice. There’s no way I want whateverthisis between us to end, but am I ready to take things further?
Yes, this is beyond physical for me. Just thinking of those lips and that dimple and the way he lights my world on fire with just a simple touch. The answer is quite simple.
Hell yes, I want to take things further. Even if it’s only until we graduate. No one can guarantee the future, but I do know I’d be a fool to let this opportunity pass me by.
But how do I let him know I’m ready for more?
I let out a deep sigh as I ponder how to broach this subject.
“Everything okay over there?”
“Yeah,” I respond dreamily. I could just tell him, but when I glance to look him in the eye, I completely chicken out. I’m more of a show, don’t tell type of person and instead of making this car ride uncomfortable, I think I’ll keep this tidbit of information to myself for a while. Besides, I’d rather let things happen naturally than to put awkward expectations out there.
