She didn’t have an issue being alone. But alone in her apartment building was a way different vibe than alone in a creepy cabin. Okay, fine: it wasn’t creepy, but it was still removed from everything else. She’d give in to her weaknesses tonight, but tomorrow started Operation Suck It, Emmett. She was going to throw herself into this trip and do every single thing offered on the lodge’s website. She might not like the outdoors or hiking, but this family, these people, were amazing, and she had no doubt they’d do whatever they could to ensure a great vacation.
“You up for roasted marshmallows?” Beckett asked. He held up a bag of huge ones.
“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d love to take a shower, put on my warmest clothes, and crawl into bed.”
She wasn’t imagining the heat that flashed in his gaze when she said “crawl into bed.” Even though she was in no state to act on it, nor did she think he’d take advantage, it soothed her wounded pride to recognize and acknowledge it. It bothered her to realize just how long it had been since she’d felt wanted. She’d allowed that to happen by looking at a bigger picture and not seeing what was right in front of her.
“Of course. Yes. Absolutely.”
They both stood there for a moment, and she wondered what he saw when he looked at her.
“But you’re staying, right?”
His smile was soft, genuine. “For sure. I promised marshmallows.”
Just then, Ollie came bounding out of the bathroom with a smile. “Marshmallows!”
Jilly laughed. “Awesome. She really needs the sugar.”
Ollie grabbed the bag from his hand and zipped out the back door.
Jilly stood near them. “You have everything you need. Fresh towels, toiletries.”
Presley did her best to make her smile as genuine as Beckett’s. “Thank you. I appreciate you both.”
“We appreciate your flexibility. A good night’s rest will make things look better in the morning. That’s what our mom says, anyway,” Jilly said, then added, “I’m going to go check on Ollie.” She left them alone, sending her brother a look that Presley couldn’t interpret.
He tucked his hands in his pockets. “Listen, my couch is just as good as Gray’s. Would it make you more or less comfortable if I slept on it?”
She could kiss him. And not just because he was good-looking and sweet. She didn’t want to socialize, but she didn’t want to be alone here either. Somehow, he read her better than her ex. What had she been thinking? Clearly, Island Presley was much more aware of Emmett’s true self. It was like breaking up with him had pulled the cloak off her own skewed vision of him.
“I want to say I’m fine. Usually, I have no issue being alone, and I know you don’t know me, but you’ve already been so kind, so I hope it won’t make you feel weird if I take you up on the offer of you staying. Sleeping on the couch. Or I could take the couch.” She didn’t care. She just wanted to put today in the past.
Beckett pulled his hands from his jean pockets, shaking his head as he stepped closer. “Absolutely not. I’ve got no problem staying, especially if it makes you feel better. But I’ll take the couch.”
She could only nod. She’d felt more like crying today than all the days of the last year combined.
“If there’s anything you need, anything I, or we, can do, please ask.”
He looked so heartfelt, the dam nearly broke. Breathing deeply, she did her best to keep her emotions in check so she didn’t embarrass herself further.
“Presley?” He bent his knees, locking his eyes on her in a way that made her feel like he could see her.
She raised her brows, her words caught in her throat.
“Are you okay?”
She bit her lip.
He put a hand on her shoulder and she closed her eyes, absorbed the warmth of the caring, friendly touch.
She opened her eyes to look at him. “Just a breakup. Nothing major. I’ll be okay, and I promise you won’t have to babysit me the entire time.”
He hadn’t moved his hand, and Presley really didn’t want him to. Little whispers, like static electricity, moved outward from where he touched her. “That guy?” he whispered, holding her gaze and, sadly, dropping his hand. “He’s an idiot.”
She laughed. “I could be the idiot.”
He shook his head. “Nope. You’re a good person.”
