Page 36 of Love Notes and Late Nights
He decided that instead of going straight to bed like he planned, he’d turn on a movie and hoped Wolf would join him. Jaws came to mind because it was the movie’s 50thanniversary,and Wolf could practically recite all the one-liners from the classic shark tale. The guy would never miss a chance to watch it. But, when Harris exited the bathroom, Wolf was asleep on the couch. He didn’t want to wake his friend, but if the TV did, that wasn’t his fault.
He had no problem logging into his Netflix account and started the movie, purposely turning up the recognizable theme song, but Wolf remained unconscious, so he lowered the volume and hoped his friend would wake at some point in the next two hours.
About a half hour into the movie, someone lightly knocked. Curious as to who it could be, since there was no reason Ethan and Tyler or Marshall and Amy would be visiting him at this hour, Harris peeked through the peep hole. It was one of the bodyguards.
As soon as he opened the door, he saw the giant panda bear.
“Sorry to disturb you,” the bodyguard said. “You left this in the car, and we couldn’t decide whether to hang on to it until the morning or not, but I heard the TV.”
Harris quickly took the giant stuffed toy he’d won earlier, remembering how much Wolf liked it. “Thanks.”
“Have a good night.” The bodyguard nodded once and resumed his post in the hallway.
After Harris closed the door, he held the bear out in front of him, happy that the bodyguard dropped it off because it would diffuse any leftover tension. He checked on Wolf again, hoping the conversation with the bodyguard woke him, but it didn’t.
Wolf had the cutest half smile on his face, so different from the scowl he wore earlier. His hair fell in wild waves down his shoulders, and he had his arms folded across his chest while he lounged sideways into the corner of the couch.
Harris sighed and squeezed the bear in a hug, feeling warmth radiating through his body at watching his friend so peaceful. Heplaced the panda on the couch next to Wolf and shut the TV. He was about to go into his room but decided to leave a cute note on the bear so when Wolf woke up it would make him smile.
He silently read the note back to himself.Harris is sorry he was a jerk. You mean a lot to him. He’d rather cut off his right arm than do something to jeopardize your friendship. And that says a lot because he’s a drummer.?? Hugs, Oreo the panda bear
***
The smell of fresh coffee, followed by the sound of the hotel room door closing, woke Harris. He rubbed his eyes, stretched, and checked his phone. It was barely nine. Why would Wolf be up before nine when they had the day free? He didn’t care, because there was coffee, and it smelled delicious. Wearing only his sweats, he headed out of the bedroom, but as soon as he reached for the door handle, he stopped dead as the previous night burst into his memory like a lightning bolt.Fuuuck.He wiped his hand over his face and blew out a breath, hoping Wolf didn’t rush out of the suite early because he felt awkward and was avoiding him.
With nothing else to do, Harris walked out of his room and hoped there was a carafe of coffee in the kitchenette. He got about 10 feet before he stopped short again. Wolf didn’t split early. He ordered room service.
A food cart with covered plates sat near the small dining table. Wolf sat in one of the chairs, coffee cup in hand, and the giant panda sat in another. “What’s all this?” Harris asked.
“Breakfast,” Wolf answered. “I hope you’re hungry.”
Harris didn’t know what to say, so he poured himself a cup of coffee and brought it to his lips. He saw the panda again and smiled. “I didn’t know we were having company for breakfast.”
Wolf rested his eyes on the bear with sweet affection. “You went back down to the car last night to get him?”
Harris wished he would have thought of it before the bodyguard did. “No. One of the bodyguards brought him up after you fell asleep on the couch.”
“I’m glad. I’d be upset if something happened to Oreo.” The corners of Wolf’s lips curled slightly as he looked up at Harris. “I never said anything about them, but I love the little notes you leave me.”
Heat burned Harris’ cheeks. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
“I keep them all in a little box in a drawer in my nightstand.”
“You do?”
Wolf nodded. “They’re very sweet. Thank you. For being so kind to me.”
Harris’ mind was reeling. It was as if Wolf had the night to think about the kiss and was having second thoughts or was starting to feel more than just friendship for Harris. Or Harris was fabricating the whole thing in his head. He needed to say something, though, because Wolf was still staring at him, and still wearing that adorable little smile. “You missed Jaws.” Of all the things he could have said—I care about you, you deserve it, or you’re welcome—Harris chose to say, “You missed Jaws.” What an idiot.
“Jaws was on? The first one?” Wolf asked, excitement making his voice rise.
“Of course, the first one.” Harris answered, happy about the change in conversation. According to Wolf, Jaws 1 was the only Jaws. None of the subsequent movies came close to the suspense and fear, or the acting, that Jaws 1 had.
“Shit! You should’ve woken me up.” Wolf acted as if he hadn’t seen the movie at least 100 times before.
“We can watch it later, if you want.”
“We can invite everyone over and have a Jaws party!”
