“Not bad for a first kiss?” I ask with a smile. She rolls her eyes in response. I take her hand and pull her toward the couch. “Come on, let’s watch this movie.”

I’m not much for cuddling, a little too intimate for my taste. But it might be necessary for this job. I’m sure as shit not going to let her run away to the nether reaches of the couch again. She needs to get used to having her body pressed against mine. I pull her down into my lap and hold her there.

“Cozy?”

“Not really,” she answers. I don’t put much stock in her words. Actions speak louder. People show their true selves eventually. Instead of pulling away she shuffles her body around in my lap before pulling the blanket off the back of the couch and draping it over us.

“Good.” I reach forward, grab the remote and press Play.

Chapter Four

Elizabeth

The rhythm of Austin’s steady heartbeat is relaxing, like listening to ceaseless waves gently crashing ashore. Bum-bump. Bum-bump. Bum-bump. There is comfort in the consistency. I don’t know if I’ve ever been cozier than I am tucked into his hard chest, feeling it rise and fall with every breath. I want to lose myself, to live here in the safety of his arms.

But I can’t.

Sitting in Austin’s lap is as unnerving as it is delightful. Casablanca is one of my favorite movies, but I’m completely incapable of focusing on it. I spend two hours chasing the thoughts running through my head, my brain preoccupied with calculating my next move. I’m so far out of my element I’m not on the periodic table anymore.

Maybe I’m too heavy. His legs must have fallen asleep by now.

Is he comfortable?

Is he just being nice when he really wants to shove me off into the other corner of the couch?

Was I supposed to move on my own?

Should I move now?

He doesn’t seem to want me to move. He keeps me wrapped tightly in his arms. Maybe I’m supposed to make some sort of move. I wouldn’t mind kissing him again.

Or forever.

He knows in excruciating detail how inexperienced I am now. I can’t believe I told him I’ve never been kissed before. I should’ve taken that secret to my grave. He can’t seriously expect me to put the moves on him. That’s the whole point of this stupid deal. I have no idea how to do this. I can’t relax. As good as it feels to be cradled against his warm body, my muscles are tense and my heart is racing.

I’m terrified.

These two hours are serene torture.

As the credits roll, my body goes stiff. I’m frozen in place, scared of making the wrong move. Austin doesn’t seem to notice as he easily moves me off his lap and stands up.

I mourn the loss of his arms around me.

“What time is it?” he asks as he stretches and yawns. I drag my eyes from the tan abs he exposes to check my watch.