Page 25 of Curious
He looks over his shoulder at me in surprise. “You really don’t want to be alone.”
“No,” I say, my voice husky.
“Okay, hubby.” Tucking himself back into my side, he aims the remote at the television and turns it on.
“Want to watchBuilding Off the Grid?”
Shelby grins. “Absolutely. Does that show give you ideas for the house?”
My stomach sinks. “I wish.”
I don’t want him to know that I actually don’t have great plans for this place. It was clear that the mold-ridden drywall, popcorn ceiling, and asbestos in the attic had to go. But now? I’m not sure what I’m going to do. Especially since I’m hurt and so low on cash.
So I don’t elaborate. Thankfully, he doesn’t ask any more questions. We simply watch television together until it gets late. Finally, after an episode with a particularly weird, unlivable home—they were planning on using a solar-powered outhouse in Alaska in winter, sheesh—he leans over and kisses me.
Shelbykissesme. It’s the first time I’ve been kissed by a guy. And I like it.
“I should go to bed,” he says. “Thanks for a wonderful wedding day.”
“Yep,” I say. “Same. I mean, thanks. For everything.”
He gives me a wistful look. “Goodnight, Cam.”
“Goodnight, husband,” I say, and his eyebrows shoot up.
Before I can help myself, I tug him by his shirt, and he comes willingly to give me a hug. Then he stands and heads toward the door to the backyard. I can’t help thinking that this isn’t the way it’s supposed to go.
“Is anything wrong?” I ask.
His cheeks redden. “I guess I never thought I’d be spending my wedding night by myself.”
“Oh.”Oh. I make a fast decision. “Give me a few, and I’ll join you,” I say. “If you don’t mind,” I hasten to add. “And we won’t do anything. Just sleep. Maybe kiss, if you want. But if it will make you feel right, then we should do it.”
He holds up his hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I don’t want to be alone on my wedding night, either,” I admit.
His gaze softens, and warmth rushes into my chest.
“I’ll be there after I brush my teeth?” I ask.
Shelby swallows hard and nods, and my heart is in my throat. “Okay, see you then,” he says.
A few minutes later, I’m stepping out into the night, swinging on my crutches. Frogs croak, and a car drives past on the street out front, but it’s pretty quiet otherwise.
I knock gently on the guesthouse door, and in a moment, Shelby opens it. His hair is a mess like it never is during the day, his spun sugar hair going every which way. He’s clearly washed his face and brushed his teeth, smelling minty again. Now that his makeup is gone, his bruising is more visible. Ireallywish I’d hurt Evan more.
“Um,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck.
He opens his arms. “Come here.”
I step forward, and he wraps his arms around my waist. He’s shorter and much smaller than I am, but I like him holding me. It feels like I can shelter him but that he’s keeping me up, too.
He takes my hand and pulls me toward the bed. After I settle my crutches to the side, within easy reach, I take off my shirt and strip down to my boxer briefs, then crawl into his bed, which is newer and better than mine. I’d intended it for future Airbnb guests, but I’m glad Shelby gets to use it now.
Shelby mutters something under his breath, then takes off his leggings and slides in next to me, wearing his T-shirt and briefs.
There’s a moment where we both look up at the ceiling, and then I flop over and beckon to him. “C’mere,” I say.
