14

At my best friend's insistence, I walk you out to your truck when it's time for you to leave. We all have to work tomorrow, so I'll be calling a cab after I punch Rose for being a pushy bitch.

You lean against your truck and give me a slow once over before meeting me eye to eye. "Are you mad Rosalie invited me to celebrate her birthday?" you ask.

"No. You don't have to go if you don't want to. I'd hate for you to feel obligated because she asked you on the spot like that. Do you want to come?"

Please say yes. Please say yes.

"Yeah, I think it sounds like fun, but you got quiet after she mentioned it. If you feel weird about sharing a tent with me, I can always sleep in my truck."

"Of course not. It's a small space, but I'm sure we'll manage." I haven't shared a tent with someone since I was in high school, and most of that time, I woke up alone because Rose would end up with Emmett. I imagine it will be a lot like that except I'm sexually attracted to my temporary roommate.

You cradle my face and run the pads of your thumbs over my cheekbones. It drives me crazy with how gentle you are. When you move in and I can feel your warm breath on my face, the docile butterflies awaken.

I hope with time you'll realize you don't have to wait for permission to kiss me. You whisper my name and lean in closer, pressing your mouth to mine and nibbling on my bottom lip, making me moan.

I throw my arms around your shoulders, pulling you down so I don't have to stretch so far, and one of your hands slips into my back pocket, holding me close.

I smile into the kiss, and you pull back just far enough to whisper in my ear. "You should let me drive you home. Now."

I didn't bring a purse, and I can get the cookie platter back from Rose anytime. I should go tell her I'm leaving, but I figure she'll eventually put two and two together.

I nod and you pick me up, depositing me in the driver's seat and pushing me across the bench until there's room for you.

The drive to my apartment is quiet, but you sneak kisses at red lights and stop signs, and your hand that isn't on the steering wheel wanders up and down my thigh.

I'm so glad I shaved above the knee this morning.