Page 99 of When We Were Us
My skin is flushed, and I work to focus on the TV, my eyes prickling. It’s overwhelming—the flood of emotions. Longing, desire, relief. Safety.
We snuggle up on the couch, him with his arm around me, and me with my head on his chest. We make it through two more episodes of some old show I can’t remember the name of, and soon, we’re both yawning.
He rubs my arm and I sit up as the show ends.
“Ishould probably head out.”
“Yeah, ok,” I say with a nod and a glance at the clock.I’m surprised to see it’s after eleven.
“I have to be up early to start work on this chick’s house,” he says, and a teasing note changes his voice. “She’s a real ballbuster.”
A laugh bubbles up from my chest. “Yeah? She sounds fantastic.”
His expression turns serious as he takes me by the shoulders. His eyes are soft as he nods. “She is.”
“In that case, you better get going. Get your rest so you’re not late on your first day.”
He pushes to stand, and I follow him.
“You ok?” He runs both his palms down my arms, stopping just above my elbows.
“Yes.” No. Stay. Kiss me again.
“Promise?” He holds up his pinky like we used to when we were younger. I laugh, raising my hand and hooking my pinky around his.
I drop my eyes to where our fingers are joined. “I promise.”
We walk to the door, and he puts on his boots, then his hat. Opening the screen, he steps out onto the porch. When he turns back, he’s wearing a small smirk.
“Lock that door.”
I hit him with a playful eye roll. “I will.”
He takes two steps and then turns back. Bringing his hand up, he cups my cheek in his palm. He eyes my mouth again, and then brushes his lips lightly against my cheek.
“Goodnight, Wren.”
Then, he’s gone.
I should be disappointed, and I guess I am somewhat. But I’m more hopeful than I’ve been in a really long time, and the anticipation of what’s to come is sweet.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
wrenley
Hank
Morning. Did you sleep?
Wren
Eh, a bit. You?
Hank
So-so. Couldn’t get this chick out of my head.
Wren
