Page 73 of Take 2
“But?”
“But of course I can’t, because I’m neurotic!” I scrub my hands over my face and leave them there to cover my eyes.
“I’m not asking for anything more than one day at a time.”
“I know … but I had forgotten that things could feel like this.” I search his eyes for a sign of arrogance but find none. “You’re reminding me of a lot of feelings I didn’t remember. It’s good, but overwhelming. And scary.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you relax about it?”
I laugh and shake my head. “You’ve made a valiant effort to fuck my brains out, but alas!”
His smile doesn’t erase the concern behind his eyes. Poor guy, even when I communicate, I’m confusing as hell. If I can’t figure myself out, he doesn’t stand a chance. Sweet of him to try, though. So, I sit up to face him directly. Uncovering my naked boobs probably isn’t going to help facilitate a meaningful conversation. That’s only a little on purpose.
“That’s why I stay so busy,” I say. “Can’t give myself enough time to overthink things and psych myself out.”
“Is that why we can’t seem to keep clothes on?” His hand slides up my ribs to cup a breast.
“Possibly.”
My nipple prickles and stiffens as he rubs it. “Is that what you want now? To forget everything that isn’t right now?”
Wanting is never in question. The wanting pools low in my belly, daring me to ignore it. Is itsmartto keep having sex to avoid thinking about it? Probably not. But we have catching up to do on this front, and it’s guaranteed to keep me present in the moment.
I turn and slide my leg to his other side, straddling him. “I want us to forget our own names.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Four Years Ago
Jamesopensandclosesevery cabinet and drawer as loudly as possible. “Where do you keep anything in this kitchen?”
“Honestly, the only things I can find on the first try are coffee mugs and stemware.”
“That tracks.” He unearths a cutting board from I don’t know where, but I guess it’ll never be there again, so it doesn’t matter. “Go get ready!”
“I am ready.”
“Oh, Mira, I’m sorry. You must not have known. Today is the Academy Awards.”
I cock my head to the side.“Vampire Academyhas awards?”
“No, the other Academy.”
“Police Academy?”
“Nope.”
“Oh! Is it the one with the gold statues of that guy?” I snap a few times. “What is his name again?”
“Olaf, I think.”
“No, that’s not it. Oliver?”
“Otto?” James offers.
“Orion! I know I’ve heard it called the Orions.”
“That’s the one! And you must wear a dress for the Orions.”
