My pulse ticks up.
I want to give him my number. I want him to call me. But…
“Is this a good idea?” my fingers twine together in an effort to keep them from tugging at my sweater.
Beckett narrows his eyes, “Yeah, Smoky. This,” he uses a finger to point from my chest to his, “is a good idea.”
The pulse between my legs is saying yes, this is a good idea. But my brain is still in play, and I’m trying to listen to her.
“What do you mean by this?” it’s my turn to gesture. “I’m not asking for a commitment, or anything like that. I just…” I huff out a breath, “I don’t even know where you’re living. Are you just back for a visit? Are you leaving again soon?” My hands slap down against my sides. “It’s fine if that’s what this is, but I want to make sure we have the same expectations.”
Beckett takes a step closer, “If I said I was just back for the week, you’d be okay with spending a few nights together?”
My tongue swipes against my lower lip. “I wouldn’t say no,” I admit.
And it’s true.
I’m not opposed to a booty call, friends with benefits, fuck buddy – whatever you’d call it. But I know how I work, and if that’s what this is, I need to know ahead of time, Or else my heart will get too invested.
Said heart gives a discreet cough and eye roll. Reminding me I’m more than a little invested already.
Beckett holds my gaze, “And if I told you I was back for good?”
A flutter ripples behind my ribcage, “Are you?”
He nods. “I don’t know exactly where I’m gonna live, here or closer to downtown, but I’m in Minnesota to stay.”
The look in his eyes is so serious.
“Really?” The hope of my younger self leaks into my words.
“Really. I’m staying in Darling Lake, at my cousin’s place for now. I get to spend time with Clint and use him as an excuse to not share a roof with my parents.” He blinks like the thought alone creeps him out. “Do you live in town?”
I smile, “I bought my parent’s house.”
Surprise covers Beckett’s face, and the feeling of catching him off guard pulls my mouth all the way into a grin.
He grins back, “So, you gonna give me your number now?”
I take the phone from his hand and tap in my number, noticing he’s labeled the contact as Smoky Hall.
Beckett takes his phone back, typing out a text to my number before hitting send.
“There,” he tucks the phone into his pocket then holds his elbow out to his side, “shall we?”
Looping my arm through his, I shake my head, “A first date at the 3rd through 5th grade Science Fair. How are you ever going to top this?”
He pulls the door open, holding it for us to walk through. “I’m sure I’ll think of something.”