Me:
Oh, that’s a good one. The flight had more turbulence than I would’ve liked, so I kissed the tarmac when we stepped off the plane.
Wait, you actually kissed the ground?
I did. I’ll see if the social media team got a picture of it.
*Me clicking on the Wolverines’ socials to see if said picture has been posted*
Repeat after me: I am confident and capable.
You’re right on again. I am confident that I should’ve packed a jar of your amaretto peach jam. The hotel jam tastes like preservative garbage.
Repeat after me: I am worthy of greatness.
Let’s hope you’re right on this one. I repeated it. But maybe if you say, “Carson is worthy of greatness” out loud, together we can manifest that shit.
Alright, Golden Boy. I said it. Now go out there and score me one.
That one was for you, Super Nanny.
Smiling to myself, I set my phone down on the counter and get into the tub. When I walked through this house, I knew it was the one when I saw this oversized soaking tub. It’s the perfect size to fit my large frame and then some.
After my bath, I knock twice on Dakota’s bedroom door. “Are you still awake, Austen?”
A few moments later, the door swings open, and the sight of Dakota wearing one of my college hockey T-shirts just about brings me to my knees.
“Yep,” she replies, somewhat breathlessly.
“Nice shirt,” I tell her as I pinch the hem of the short sleeve. When my finger brushes against the skin on her arm, I have to swallow the groan that wants to escape.
“It is. I’m not even going to try to lie, I stole it when I was putting away some of your laundry.”
I chuckle at her honesty. “That would explain why a shirt I haven’t worn since I’ve lived here wound up in your hands.”
She hides her head in her hands. “I’m so sorry. This probably looks really weird, but I promise it’s not like that. I saw it in your dresser, and it was a weak moment that had me missing you. If you want me to give it back, I’ll go change.”
“Keep it. I insist. Besides, I don’t mind the way my last name looks splayed across your back.” I also don’t mind one bit that she’s openly admitting that she missed me.
“You’re unrelenting in your teasing, aren’t you?”
“Of course. So, do you want to watch the show here or downstairs?” I ask, shifting the discussion back to the show to try to distract me from how turned on I am right now.
“Let’s watch it here. I’m getting a little tired now, so I don’t want to have to walk up the steps later.”
Giving her shoulder a little nudge, I tell her, “You know, I could always carry you to bed if you’re too tired to walk, Austen.”
She stares back at me before blinking rapidly a few times as if she were lost in thought. I’d give anything to know what she’s thinking right now as we get situated in her bed, while she’s wearing what looks like possibly nothing but my shirt, and there’s been a recent shift between us.
I’m not sure where she stands with everything, but hearing her admit she missed me brings a sense of ease that I didn’t realize I needed until now. It gives me hope that someday she’ll miss me as more than just her friend.
15
May
I’d just like to point out that things have escalated quickly. Between McKenna and Griffin, that is. Well, amongst others as well, perhaps. But I’m not ready to go there yet.
Tonight is the night of Kenna and Griff’s joint bachelor and bachelorette party. Yes, they’ve only been engaged for a month. Yes, their wedding is only a month away. And yes, they are the absolute cutest couple I’ve ever met.
