Page 89 of Sunset Catchers

“What the hell, Levi?” I’ve just walked smack into his back. “Is there traffic or something?”

“Or something,” he confirms, roughly.

My sharp intake of breath is dramatically loud when I finally see what caused said traffic. “Where’s the other bed?” My eyes quickly circle the entirety of the room, where there is no other bed to be found. There isn’t even a couch. Only two armchairs next to a round table in the right corner of the room, near the huge windows overlooking the town center. An oak credenza with a big television hanging above on another wall, a door leading to the bathroom beside it, and then, on the opposite wall, there’s the bed.

The one and only bed.

I reach and open the door to the closet. Close it when I don’t find a tiny bed hidden bed in it, beside two plush robes hanging.

“There’s just the one,” Levi confirms, browsing my face. He takes in my arms that are loosely crossed over my torso.

“Well, at least it’s king-sized,” I say. Levi chuckles, and so do I. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen. It really was an honest mistake with the date thing.”

“Yeah, those seem to be going around today.” I snort, then let my head fall, pinching the bridge of my nose with slightly trembling fingers, bottom lip trapped between my teeth.

This day is too much.

“Win. It’s really no big deal. We can share a bed.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Are you okay with it?”

Am I okay with sharing a bed with Levi, whom I just kissed, then told we shouldn’t do it again, and now regretting saying so?

“Hum, yes. Totally okay.” My voice pitches higher. “More than even. I love sleepovers. So, I’m cool with it. I’m talking cool as a pickle.”

“I’m pretty sure the saying is cool as a cucumber.”

“That’s to be confirmed.”

“I confirm it,” he says.

“I don’t think anyone gave you the authority to do so, but if it’s true, then I’m cool as a garden cucumber, one that was homegrown with love. They always taste better.” His lips roll with contained amusement.

“I’m sorry. My brain is fried. I’m tired. You must be too. After, I cried in your face for half the day, and trauma-dumped on you. Plus, you drove for hours. Fuck, I should’ve offered to drive. I’m an asshole, I’m sorry.”

Levi drops his hands on my shoulders. “Winnie. Stop apologizing. This isn’t a big deal. And you can’t drive Ben’s truck.”

“Insurance thing?”

“Yeah, as in my only insurance that we’ll survive this road trip is if I don’t let you get behind the wheel because you drive like a maniac.”

Hi chest puffs out with pride when I laugh.

“Are you at your Win’s end yet?”

“Not even close,” he says with a grin.

“Good. I might just go take a shower then. You’re good with staying in tonight?”

“Yes. There’s this pizza place you wanted to try close-by. We can order dinner there, and I’ll go pick it up.”

“That sounds perfect, big stud.”

I grabbed my suitcase and rolled it into the bathroom. The space is neat and modern, with a mix of mosaic tiles in shades of blue, greens and grays covering the shower walls and the floor. The amenities are sparkly white; the frosted window softens the natural light coming in while giving some privacy.

I ignore the mirror; I can’t stand to look at myself right now. It’s always like this, after I’ve spoken with my mother. Once in the shower, I allow more fat tears to roll down my cheeks. I’m on autopilot as I get through the motions of washing myself. Brushing my hair and doing my skincare. Putting on my pajamas. Next thing I know, I’m opening the door to the bathroom, a puff of cherry-scented steam escaping with me.