Page 25 of Whimsical Ink

Daniel sits on the bed heavily and lies on the pillows in the middle of the bed, taking up as much room as possible.

“I hope you’ll make room for me,” I say, crossing my arms and staring down at him.

He grins tiredly and slaps his chest. “You can lie here.”

I laugh and turn from him to rummage in his bag and find a soft T-shirt to wear. I head to the bathroom, but his voice stops me before I enter it.

“You can change here.”

My body freezes in surprise, and I face him again. He’s still sprawled on the bed, but he’s turned on his side and gazes at me with a soft expression on his face. Green eyes heavy and gentle.

“Really?”

“You showed more skin on the beach, and I’ll shut my eyes.”

“If you shut your eyes, you’ll fall asleep.”

“I won’t.”

He’s right that I’m more covered now than the beach, and it’s not like I’ll rip my clothes off while facing him and throw them at his face. He’ll only see my back. And the bed looks so comfortable, especially with him in it.

Decision made, probably fuelled by the champagne I drank, I turn around so my back faces him and remove the top I put on after I showered the beach off me.

It slips off easily and I unclasp my bra, flinging it at my bag, careful not to turn properly and flash my nipples at Daniel.

His T-shirt slides over me, and I shimmy out of my shorts. The T-shirt’s soft on my skin and smells like him. I breathe in citrus and turn towards the bed.

Our eyes lock, and he bites his lip.

“You were supposed to shut your eyes.” I place a knee on the bed and climb onto the mattress, staying on my side to avoid invading his space, which is difficult since he rolls from the middle of the bed to me, snags me around the waist and pulls me onto his chest.

I don’t protest like I should, instead I rearrange myself so I’m fully on top of him, our stomachs pressed together, and my arms crossed on his chest so I can raise myself up and look him in the eye. His arms wrap loosely around my waist, and my legs fall between his.

It doesn’t feel as weird as it should.

We’ve been touching each other all day. After I kissed him on the beach, the floodgates opened and neither of us could help ourselves.

Is it the best idea?

Probably not.

Do I care?

Ask me in a few days when all of this disappears.

At the moment I’m enjoying being with him, drinking in the affection and his cheeky smile. I know it’s not real. Know it will end as soon as we drive home, but I can’t help myself. I don’t even care that it’s all because of a bet with his sister.

I can’t help but take the opportunity to be close to him for once in my life. To have permission to touch and experience him.

Even though it’s not real.

My chest tightens, but I focus on his soft smile, and the ache goes away.

So what if he’ll never feel the same?

This week I can pretend. Pretend he wants me the same way. Even if he just wants some fun, I’ll take it. Take the experience and whatever he’s offering.

I’ll deal with the aftermath later.