Page 20 of Just Another Meet Cute
Fat chance.It took so much for this date to happen that I definitely wasn’t letting it end now. I squared my shoulders and gave him a bright smile. “No, I’m fine. I’m a little tired from chasing Chrissy around. I’ll be better after we sit down.”
Once we were inside the gated dog park, Chrissy was practically bouncing with anticipation. Ryan stooped down to let her off her leash. Rubbing my eyes, I stumbled forward and sat on the bench nearby. When Chrissy was finally free, she ran off and he came over to sit next to me.
“So, do you have any sisters or brothers?” Ryan asked, angling his head in my direction.
“Well, I do have a half brother and half sister. Remember?”
“No, I don’t think you’ve ever told me about them.”
“Really? I could have sworn I did when we were—” I suddenly broke off as it hit me. I did tell him on thehike. Which he didn’t remember. “Hmm, I do have a sister and brother, but I’ve never met them.” I shook my head, not wanting to get into all my family drama on our first date. Didn’t want to chase him away already. “It’s a long story.”
He laughed. “You seem to have a lot of those.”
“You have no idea.” Summoning up all the willpower I had, I tried to stifle another yawn. And failed again. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m good.” Or at least I hoped I was. Everything was starting to look a little blurry now.
This was definitely the last time I was ever going to listen to Linh again. Or take Benadryl. I didn’t care how bad my allergies got.
My eyes fluttered heavily against my will. I leaned my back on the bench and slouched down an inch or two to get comfortable. “The sun’s in my eyes. But I’m okay. It might help to close my eyes for a little bit though.”
He sat back, too. “Okay, if you really think so.”
I assured Ryan again that I was fine. Or at least I think I did. To be honest, I had no idea when or how it happened, but I passed out. Like one second I was looking at his handsome face, and the next I was conked out. Practically dead to the world. I don’t even know how long I slept, but when I finally woke up, the sun was already behind the trees.
It took a little while for my head to clear. Like the pieces were still catching up in my mind. Slowly in small doses. Bit by bit. Dogs were barking in the distance. People were talking behind us. There was a fresh minty scent that surrounded my nose. Not like the trees or flowers. Just … fresh and clean. And my head was on something soft but slightly hard at the same time.
I finally opened my eyes only to realize my face was nestled against Ryan’s shoulder.
Embarrassed, I pushed myself upright. “Sorry. How long was I asleep?”
He rubbed the arm I was laying on seconds ago. “Just a little over two hours.”
No way. Two hours?I buried my face in my hands. “I can’t believe I did that. I’msosorry.”
“It’s okay. Really.” He stretched his arms over his head and continued massaging his upper arm with his other hand.
I peeked up at him through my fingers. “Areyouokay?”
Stopping, he grimaced. “Uh, yeah. My arm’s kind of numb from being used as a pillow for so long. You seemed really tired, so I didn’t want to move and wake you up.”
I started to apologize again when my eyes zeroed in on something else on his shirt. Right where I was a few minutes ago. Oh. My. God. Was that a huge wet spot on his sleeve? My hand flew to my mouth, and I inwardly groaned at the drool I still felt on my chin. I swiped at it with the back of my hand.
That’s it. This was officially going on record as the Worst Date Ever.
“I’m sorry about your shirt. And your arm. And … falling asleep on you.” I winced. “Basically, everything that happened today.”
He gave me the sweetest smile in response. “It’s okay. My arm will survive. And I’m just hoping I’ll be able to keep you awake next time.”
My heart jumped. “Next time?”
Now it was his turn to look embarrassed. “Uh, unless you don’t want to go out with me again. I didn’t want to assume—”
Before Ryan could continue, I leaned against his shoulder—the same onethat I drooled on—and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Next time would be great. Although—”
Lacing his fingers through mine, he lightly kissed the top of my hand like he was a prince at a ball. His breath tickled my sensitive skin, and I swear I could feel the tingles straight down to my toes.
