Page 101 of Sunset Catchers

But in the very assuming way of a girl who knows that actions always have consequences.

The action: having sex with Levi.

The consequence: my crush taking on national botanical garden proportions. I’m talking award-winning type of place.

There’s also the upending doom I feel somewhere deep in my core, a feeling that grips me anytime I verge too close to true happiness. It’s an itch I’d have to flay myself open to scratch. But I’m not ready yet to go this deep.

Then, there are questions! So! Many! Questions!

“I have questions,” I announce. Levi throws me a quick half-smile, keeping his attention on the rainy road ahead of him. We’d woken up to a dark, grey sky filled with swollen clouds, but mostly cuddling each other.

And we’d kissed good morning (?), and made out for a few minutes (??). Then, contrary to yesterday when Levi tried to get his morning boner away from me, this time, he got it closer to me for a session of sleepy morning sex (???).

I’ve only ever hooked up with guys under a dark sky, in dimly lit rooms. But now, I understand the appeal of being a princess pillow first thing in the morning. It’s great! From this day forward, I want to wake up every day and be railed into oblivion! This could easily replace my morning iced coffee at the top of my list.

But see how all of this might lead to many questions?

I’m trying to be mature here and have a proper talk with Levi. I cleared my throat, angling my body toward him.

The Q&A is open.

“What are we now?” Levi’s face creases. I try a second go at my first question. “What’s the status of our relationship?”

He hums. “I don’t know? Did we even have a status before?”

I scoff. “Of course, we did.”

“Please Win, enlighten me.”

“Well, first, we were coworkers.” He agrees bobbing his head. “Then, work friends when I agreed to do the whole happy hour thing with you,” another bob of head. “Then, we became buddies of some sorts…and now, here we are.”

“Okay. So what are you thinking now?”

A few options rapid fires in my mind. I love a brainstorming session.

“Coworkers with health benefits?” He winces. Right.

“That seems like a demotion to me,” he says.

I ponder it, then dip my chin, agreeing.

“Friends who fuck?”

“No.”

“Thrusting buddies?”

“Ah! Good one.”

“Thank you!” He chuckles and shakes his head in a fond manner.

“How about, we’re two adults who date?” He is being as straightforward as ever. My second question raises a hand in my mind. I give it permission to speak.

“Do you have a crush on me? And be really honest here, Levi.”

He looks exasperated.

“Yeah, Win. I absolutely have a crush on you.”