Page 93 of Almost Never

Chapter Twenty-three

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My eyes flutter openand lock with Alec’s. He’s curled on his side facing me, our noses so close they are nearly touching.

“Hey,” he whispers, and even though I can’t see his mouth, I know he’s smiling.

“Hey.” I slide my hand under my cheek and drape my leg over his. “What time is it?”

“Just after seven.”

“In the morning?”

He nods.

“Have you slept?” I ask, my voice thick with sleep.

“A little. But mainly I’ve been watching you.”

“Because that’s not weird or anything.” I pull my bottom lip into my mouth in an attempt to hide my smile.

“I couldn’t help myself. You’re just so damn beautiful.” He leans in and slides his nose against mine. It’s the single cutest thing ever. “So what’s the plan for today?”

“The plan?” I question.

“Yeah.”

“Well, I have to work at six.” The thought of having to leave him is nearly impossible to stomach. I have to remind myself that this isn’t like all the other times we’ve said goodbye. He’ll be right here, waiting for me to get home.

“Well that gives us about eleven hours then. What would you like to do until then?”

“Absolutely nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing. I just want to stay in bed with you the entire day.”

“You’re not going to get any complaints from me.” He slides his arm around my side and pulls me closer. “Though at some point I will need to go to my car and get my things.”

“Moving in, are we?” I tease.

We haven’t really discussed it in any detail, but when he said he was here to stay, I assumed he meant here with me.

“Unless you don’t want me to.” He pulls back slightly. “If it’s too much, too soon, just say so. I’m sure I can find a place in the city.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Not only is it impossible to find anything decent that won’t bleed you dry, the market is very limited. You’re staying here. I want you here.”

“Good, because this is the only place I want to be.” He kisses the tip of my nose.

“Do you think we’re crazy?” I ask, not able to keep my thoughts to myself. “Moving in together when we’ve barely spent any time together in the last few years.”

“Maybe.” He chuckles.

“What if you realize you hate me?”

“Not possible.” He squeezes my side.

“What if this turns out to be a huge mistake?”

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