Page 16 of Rekindled Desires

He narrowed his eyes, smirking playfully. “I fell because I was rescuing you. It doesn’t count against me.”

I rolled my eyes, smiling. When he poked my side, pretending to try and tip me, I slapped at his hands. He grinned at me, relaxed and easy going. Like I remembered him, before everything went sideways. He always had a serious face when he showed up but he’d start to relax after a while and eventually he’d let go of the stoic façade. I had to wonder how many people actually got to see the real James.

It hit me again that maybe some other girl got to see him this way. Eighteen months is a long time, he could have easily met someone else. I didn’t, no one ever came close to James so I never bothered, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t either. I looked him over, trying to find any hint of his relationship status.

“You’re staring. What?”

I pursed my lips. Not answering that. Instead, I hugged my knees, resting my chin on top of them. I pretended to watch the TV but I was hyper aware of him next to me. We ate on the same bed so we wouldn’t have to pass the box back and forth.

He tugged on my ring finger. “What’s this?”

He was referring to the band on my finger. “It keeps the creeps away. For the most part anyway. All my friends do it. It's easier to enjoy conventions when people aren’t hitting on you.”

He nodded but didn’t let go, playing with it. “I could keep the creeps away.”

He murmured it so quietly, I almost missed it. When he looked up at me, there was vulnerability in his eyes. Since I’ve met him, I thought I’ve seen all the faces of him. Obviously I was wrong. And every part of me wanted to lean over and kiss him, to tell him I missed him. But the universe hates me. I barely leaned forward before his phone rang. When I made a face, he chuckled.

“It’s just Liam checking in. I won’t be long.”

I stood when he did, waving my hand lightly to the bathroom. “I’m going to get ready for bed. It’s been a long day.”

He nodded, flashing me a soft smile before he picked up his phone. And just like that, the moment passed. I wanted to beat my head against the door. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I was really starting to dislike Liam and I’ve never even met him. He just always seemed to call when something was about to happen between James and me. He was the world’s worst killjoy and I felt bad for Jo being married to him. Did he ever take a night off?

* * *

I figuredJames would get ready to leave when I got ready for bed. Part of me wanted to ask him to stay but I felt awkward. We haven’t discussed what’s happening between us and I didn’t want to pressure him.

When I came out of the bathroom, James was taking off his shirt and I let out a squeak, almost falling on my ass as I tried to backpedal back to the bathroom. I slapped my hands over my face.

“Sorry! I didn’t know you were changing, I’ll give you privacy.” I tried to edge my way back to the bathroom without uncovering my eyes.

“Are you going to hide in there all night? I thought you were tired.”

“Shut up!” I could feel my face burning beneath my hands. Suddenly, as I took another step backwards, James scooped me up and tossed me onto the nearest bed. Actually tossed me! I shrieked, sitting up instantly and throwing a pillow at him. “James!”

He chuckled. “Stop hogging the bathroom and get some sleep.”

I glanced over him, shirtless and apparently shoeless too. “Are you staying?”

He sighed. “Didn’t we already cover this?”

I scowled at him. “We covered you staying for dinner, not sleeping here. I feel bad, I’m sure you’re busy.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Elizabeth, not unless you want me to. Do you?”

I shook my head.

“Alright then, get some sleep. I’ll be out in a minute.” He flicked off the main lights to the room, plunging me into darkness as he disappeared into the bathroom.

My mind was racing. Should I leave a light on for him? He might hurt himself trying to get into bed. Maybe I should take the farther bed so he won’t trip. Should I ask him? No, I don’t want to interrupt him in the bathroom, that’s awkward. Ugh!

I finally convinced myself to go to the other bed. I’d just tell James when he came out that I switched and he wouldn’t have to feel his way around and possibly hurt himself. I hopped out of bed and into the one by the window, wriggling into the middle and trying to shut my brain off.

ChapterNine

There weretwo things wrong with my plan. One: I didn’t realize how exhausted I’d be once my head hit the pillow. Two: I didn’t realize he wouldn’t be able to see me even if I didn’t manage to tell him I switched. I had just drifted off when he slid into bed beside me and froze.

---