Page 54 of I Can't Help It

“No, you were okay.” Dang. How does she look so good wearing those? “I didn’t hear any snoring.”

“Good.” She props an elbow on her pillows, and then uses her hand to cradle her head. “So, about last night…” She lets out a sigh. “I shouldn’t have gotten upset with you like I did. I was just really disappointed. I like you a lot, Luke.”

I almost command her to say the words again. I want to hear them over and over, like an overplayed song on the radio.

“But it’s not fair of me to pressure you with expectations,” she continues, pushing her glasses up with her other hand. “I’m sorry. The agreement was one date, and we had one date, so I will try my best to back off. I promise.”

All I can do is stare at her.

This should be a good thing.

I should be relieved by what she’s saying.

And yet, I want to beg her to take it all back. I need more than one date with her. I need more than one life-altering kiss. I need more than one night of sleeping in the same bed together.

I mean, eventually we’d get there, I’m not saying it needs to happen again anytime soon.

I’m just saying that I’m open to the possibility.

“Okay,” she says, sitting up all the way, “I’m going to pop my contacts in and change clothes. After that, I’ll probably head downstairs for breakfast, just so you know.”

“Okay.” I choke on the word as she slides off the bed. Those freaking pajama shorts… “Sounds good.”

“But first—” She makes her way toward the balcony’s sliding door. “We need to start the day with some fresh air.”

I don’t think that was an invitation, but I leave the bed anyway and walk over to the open sliding door. Then, I poke my head outside. It’s a beautiful, crisp morning—and yet, my eyes would much rather focus on Ava.

Ava, who is strolling to the end of the balcony in her fuzzy socks and tempting pajamas.

Ava, with her toned legs and sexy bedhead.

It’s selfish, but I’m really hoping we’re the only ones awake right now. I don’t want to share this view with anyone else.

I need some water.

So, I cure my dry mouth and flushed body with a water bottle from our mini fridge.

Dang it, THE mini fridge.

After a few gulps, Ava comes back into the room and closes the sliding door behind her. Our eyes meet like they don’t have a choice, and then her gaze shifts to the rest of me. Yesterday, she saw me in the tank top when we were getting ready for our date, but this is different.

We’re both in our pajamas. We slept in the same bed last night.

Everything feels even more intimate.

Well, until Ava clears her throat, and then the moment is over.

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” she says, grabbing some clothes from her suitcase. “I shouldn’t be long though.”

I mutter a hasty, “Take your time.” And I chug the rest of my water as Ava disappears into the bathroom, sliding the door shut once again.

At least we’re not fighting this time though.

While I wait for her to finish in the bathroom, I decide to check my text messages, and I see that Colton replied to the text I sent him yesterday.

Colton: I’m glad to hear the lodge and Briar Haven are already making such a great impression. I told you there was nothing to worry about!

He did tell me that, but it honestly just made me worry even more.

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