Come Away with Me (With Me in Seattle, #1)(13)

“I wasn’t going to say that.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “You were thinking it. You’re hot too, Nat. Enjoy him. He’s lucky you’re interested. We both know that doesn’t happen often.”

“Yes, that’s what worries me too.”

I tell her about having happy hour, and how he seemed uncomfortable out and about with me, but when we were at his house he was much more relaxed. I tell her about the best kiss on record, and the sunset.

Jules

listens

patiently,

doesn’t

interrupt, or get all giggly or jumpy like she always does. She simply smiles at me, and before I know it she’s pulled me in for a big hug.

“You deserve a good guy, Natalie.

Don’t run from it. Enjoy it. Really.” I lean into her and suddenly feel like crying, which is mortifying.

“I don’t even know when I’ll see him again.”

She pulls back and grins. “Oh, I have a feeling it won’t be long. Sounds like he’s smitten.” There’s the Jules I know!

I smirk and kick my shoes off. “I’m going up to bed. It’s been an eventful day.”

“Okay, goodnight sweetie.” She briefly hugs me again, and heads back to the living room and whatever she was doing before I came home.

I run upstairs and straight into my bathroom. I take my makeup off and brush my teeth and stare at myself in the mirror for a moment. I touch my lips.

They’re still sensitive from Luke’s kisses. My cheeks have a glow, as do my green eyes. My dark hair, that he pulled out of my bun, is all disheveled and kinda sexy.

Remembering his comments about my ass, I turn around and peer at it, giving it a good study. I’ve always considered my butt to be too big, too round and prominent. Yeah, I definitely have a round butt. I guess Luke likes round butts. I smile to myself, strip naked, turn out the lights and jump into bed to text him back.

No, thank YOU for today. I had a good time, despite almost being mugged. I’m home and safely tucked in bed. –Nat.

I smile, happy with my flirty response and lay back on my pillows. A few seconds later there is a ping.

Glad to hear you are safe. What are your plans for tomorrow?

Oh my! I quickly hit reply.

No sessions tomorrow, thinking about going to take some photos at Snoqualmie Falls. What are your plans?

I glare at my phone until I hear the ping.

What time shall I pick you up? :) Pretty sure of himself, isn’t he? I can’t help but laugh and turn on my side while considering my response.

Will it be safe? I will have my camera with me, and I know how that angers you. I chuckle to myself, thinking I’m quite witty when suddenly my phone starts to ring and it’s him.

“Hi.”

“I thought you’d already forgiven me for this morning.” He sounds frustrated.

What the…?

“I was kind of being a smart ass, Luke. I’m sorry, I guess texting is not a great way to flirt.” I close my eyes.

He takes a deep breath. “No, I’m sorry. Would you mind if I join you tomorrow?” Gosh he has a sexy voice, and he sounds hopeful. Who am I to say no?

“I would love the company. Shall we say 10:00 am?”

“That works for me.” He sounds relieved and I get the giddy feeling in my chest again.

“I’ll text you my address.”

“Okay.” He sighs. “So, you’re in bed?”

Oh, now it’s gonna get good! I smile and lay on my back. “Yes. You?”

“I am too.”

“We had a long day.” I’m picturing him in that huge, gorgeous bed of his, naked and laying under the covers and my mouth is suddenly dry.

“Yes, we did.” I hear rustling as he moves in the bed.

“I hope you sleep better tonight.”

“Me too.” I hear the smile in his voice.

“Why were you having a hard time sleeping last night?”

There is a long pause, and it’s perfectly quiet, and I wonder if I’ve lost the call.

“Luke?”

“I’m here.” He sighs again then says, “I just don’t require a lot of sleep. How about you? Why up so early today?”

I’m not entirely satisfied with his answer, but let it go.

“I’ve suffered from insomnia for a couple years now. I usually only get a few hours of sleep here and there.”

“That sucks,” he breathes.

“Yeah, but I can take advantage of the early morning light.”

“You’re something of a work-a-holic, aren’t you, Natalie?” I think he’s laughing at me!

“No, I just enjoy what I do.”

“And what are you wearing to bed tonight?” Geez! Change of subject!

“Goodnight, Luke.” My smile is in my voice.

“Sweet dreams, Natalie. See you in the morning.”

He hangs up and less than ten seconds later there is a text.

Can’t wait to see you in the morning, and to one day see what you wear to bed.

Oh, I definitely hit the nail on the head when I said he was a charmer.

There’s that mention of ‘One day’

again! I’m also looking forward to tomorrow.



Sleep