I open my eyes to find his face not far from mine and a huge grin on it. “Let’s see, I saw you at The Hideout a few times, here…” If I thought long enough I could probably tell him every single time, in order. The details are harder to remember off hand, but that feeling of excitement and hope that it was the night we’d finally talk is the same feeling I have now. Being with Tanner is exhilarating.

“You forgot the most important part of the story.”

“You looked hot,” I assure him.

“Of course I did, but the most important question was what were you wearing?”

“Oh, I didn’t forget. I wasn’t wearing any clothes, I was naked.”

His eyes darken and his jaw ticks before I start laughing.

“You’re so gullible.”

Big, warm hands find my waist under the covers and tickle my ribs and sides. I jump and squirm to get away, but he holds me tight and continues his onslaught. “Stop, oh man, stop. I’m so ticklish and I will so get you back for this.” I’m not sure how much of my words can be understood as I squeak and laugh. I manage to elbow him in the chest and he finally quits but doesn’t stop touching me.

“Turn around.”

“You think I’m going to turn my back to you? No way, I’m keeping my eyes where I can see your hands.”

“I won’t tickle you anymore. Come on, turn around, I want to cuddle.”

I comply, half-convinced he’s joking, but he pulls me tight against his chest and sighs.

“I didn’t picture you as a cuddler.”

“I am the best cuddler.”

“Says who?” My eyes flutter closed, and I revel in the feel of him wrapped around me. “You do this often?”

“Says me and no, now shh.”

“You’re very bossy.”

His grip squeezes around my middle. We breathe together and my body goes limp, happy and content and finally tired.

“’Night, Tanner.”

“’Night, babe.”

5

TANNER

“Sydney’s coming over again?” Datson has a smug smile on his face. “You two are like a thing now, huh?”

“Not exactly.”

“Why not? She’s pretty hot.”

“Pretty hot? You need your eyes checked.” I hit the bill of his hat as I hurry to answer the door.

I pull it wide and Sydney stands there, phone to her ear, in a bright blue dress, blonde hair pulled up in a ponytail. Jesus, every time I see this girl, she legit takes my breath away.

Her eyes meet mine and she mouths hello while walking inside.

“Okay, Mom, I’ve got to go now. I just walked into a friend’s house.” She tilts her head side to side impatiently while I imagine her mom keeps talking. She smiles at me, but I’m stuck on the word friend.