Page 46 of Chasing Stars
“Yay!” Morgan squeals. “Tell me about him.”
So, I do. I fill her in on how we met, how he fixed my tire and then paid for another one. I tell her how he taught me to surf, bought me a coffee pot, and a TV, and gave me the best orgasm of my life. Then I tell her he’s divorced, and how Joy keeps warning me that he is incapable of being serious with a woman,despite everything that has happened between us. “I’m scared,” I admit, feeling the fresh sting of tears again.
“Oh, Jenna. It’s normal to be scared. But the things he’s done for you? If I’ve learned anything, it’s that guys don’t do anything they don’thaveto do, unless they really want to. It sounds like Miles really cares for you.” Morgan’s words comfort me. “I wish I could reach through the phone and hug you right now.”
I laugh, sniffling and wiping the tears that won’t stop. “Me too. What if it doesn't work out? What if I end up alone?” I shudder. “I already feel so alone. I’m afraid to give in to the possibility of someone actually wanting me.”
“Stop it. You will never be alone. You will always have me, and you can come and stay here any time. As long as you can hold a baby and don’t mind spit up,” she teases.
I miss her so much it aches. “I will come visit soon.” Before I can say more, I’m interrupted by a knock on my door.
“Jenna? Are you home?” A voice calls from the other side.
I hop off the couch, carrying my FaceTime call with me. “I think he’s at my front door,” I hiss at Morgan.
“Ooh! Let me see him,” she squeals, looking giddy behind the screen.
“Absolutely not. Go snuggle your babies and I’ll text you later,” I whisper.
“Who are you talking to?” Miles’s amused voice comes from behind the front door.
“Bye!” Morgan whispers back, and then she’s gone.
I swing open the front door, and there’s Miles—sexy as ever in jeans and a hoodie, his sleeves pushed up. His hazel eyes glimmer with mischief. He’s holding several hangers of clothing and grinning like a schoolboy, but his face falls when he sees mine.
“Jenna, what’s wrong?” he asks, concern enveloping his features. “Are you crying?”
I shake my head, sniffling. “No. I was, but I’m okay now.” I hold open the door wider so he can come in. “What do you have there?” I ask, hoping he’ll drop the subject. Of course, he doesn’t.
“Well, whywereyou crying? Let’s talk about it.” He reaches for me, pulling me into a tight hug, despite everything he’s holding. The musty clothes separate us, but I melt into his arms. He smells like saltwater and beach air. He smells like home.
I pull back and gaze up at him. “I don’t really want to talk about it anymore. I called my best friend and told her everything that’s been happening.” I sigh. “It’s just been a lot to handle alone.”
“You’re not alone. You have me,” Miles says firmly.
“Miles…” I want to tell him that I can’t be sure Ihavehim. I can’t count on someone I’ve only known for a few weeks. How could I? But his face is so earnest, I hold back. I shake my head to clear the thought. “Show me these costume ideas.”
Miles drapes everything over the couch, taking a few minutes to reorganize the items. He rubs his hands together excitedly. “Okay. First up is this.” He holds up a large taco costume and a yellow dress that looks like it might fit me.
I push my lips together, my brow furrowing as I piece it together. “Taco Belle?” I ask, laughing.
“Bingo,” Miles says, pointing at me. Next, he holds up a plush red robe, a crown, and a panda bear winter hat.
I stare at him, waiting for him to explain. “What is this?” I ask, unable to hold back my laughter. Just ten minutes ago I was crying, feeling sad and alone, and now Miles is here making me laugh.
“It’s Burger King and Panda Express!” he says, holding out his hands proudly. “Fast food, get it?”
“Were you hungry when you were brainstorming?” I ask, giggling. I shake my head. “These are silly.”
“Okay, okay, I thought you might say that. My last suggestion is that we both wear all black, and go as Sandy and Danny from Grease. You already have wavy hair!”He lifts his eyebrows and grins, holding up his hands. “What do you think?”
“Done. That sounds like a winner,” I say, stopping to take him in. He really put effort into this. I don’t know why I’m surprised, but I am. “Do you want to stay and hang out?” I ask, not bothering to hide my hope.
Miles steps closer to me, backing me against the couch. “I wish I could,” he murmurs against my lips. “I have to go help my mom put up her twelve-foot skeleton.” He kisses me softly, and I melt into it, as if he didn’t just say the silliest thing I’ve heard all day.
When we pull apart, I ask, “What about your dad?” I try not to sound whiny, but I really would love his company tonight. We haven’t had any solid alone time since the other day after the beach, and I’m craving more.
“He’s a town councilman, and they have a meeting tonight,” Miles says, tugging my hips into his. I can feel how much he doesn’t want to leave, and I ache for him. He kisses me again, then down my jaw to my ear. “I don’t want to go,” he groans, letting his warm breath linger. “But I promised my mom I’d help her. My dad hates Halloween.”
