“Let me just go check to see if Sydney’s coming.”

“Yeah, sure. I think I’ll start down.” He picks up the cooler and heads out the back door.

The door to the spare bedroom is ajar, but I knock and call out, “Babe?”

“Back here.” Her voice carries from the small attached bathroom.

She’s leaned over, her hair falling over her face as she finger-combs it and then flips the long, blonde mane back and stands straight. The way girls get ready is strange.

“Datson’s chomping at the bit to get out on the lake. Are you ready?”

“Go ahead. I’m going into town. Coach found a physical therapist here for me to check in with, and I want to see if I can get a yoga mat and some bands for here.”

I hadn’t noticed before, but she’s not dressed for a day on the lake. I slide a hand over her waist. The thin, cotton material of the bright yellow dress isn’t as soft as her skin, but it’s probably good I have a barrier right now.

Being able to touch her like this still trips me out a little. “Is it crazy that I’m thinking a day shopping sounds better than the lake right now?”

Her sweet laughter echoes in the small space, and she steps closer and wraps her arms around my neck. “You’d be bored out of your mind in the first five minutes. I know how you are with shopping.”

Bored while with her? Doubtful.

“You’ll come with us to Jonah’s tonight, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll be back later this afternoon.”

“Keys to the Firebird are on the kitchen counter,” I say like I’m leaving but don’t move.

“Thanks. Have fun with Datson.”

Still, neither of us moves. I bury my nose in the crook of her neck and breathe her in.

“I planned out our first date.”

“Yeah?” I can hear the smile in her voice. “What are we doing?”

“You, your favorite dress, and me trying to keep my jaw off the table.” I work my way up her neck and jaw, kissing every inch.

More of that sweet laughter slips into my mouth when her lips press against mine. “I can’t wait. Gives me a good excuse to find a new favorite dress, too.”

All I want to do is stay with her, take her out now, but I’ve waited this long. Another day or two won’t kill me. I don’t think anyway. I should Google the health risks of extended blue balls, just in case.