I shifted to Tyler’s expression, and it wasn’t ashamed, it read more like exaggeration. I smiled politely again, “High school crushes are the best.”
Tyler held back a laugh by clearing his throat. “Yeah, Savanah, I told you about Alexis, she and I went out on and off in high school.”
I wrinkled my face, “I don’t remember.” I looked at Alexis, “I mean there were so many, right?” I laughed a little too high.
Alexis flared her nostrils a bit. “Well it was good to see you Ty. I’ll see you around.”
“Nice to meet you,” I smiled as wide as I could at her.
“You are so cute when you are jealous.” Tyler reached for my hand across the table.
“I don’t like her.”
“Yeah, well neither did I.”
“But I thought you were high school sweethearts.” I made air quotes.
“Not exactly. She was,” he looked down, “never mind.”
“She must have been a sure thing.” I smiled taking another drink.
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Our dinner came and we changed the subject. It was good food, and I couldn’t believe how hungry I was.
“I hope you are ok with me saying we are heading back tonight. I didn’t want any pressure to hang out with people.” Tyler leaned in close to keep from being overheard.
I furrowed my brow. “I figured. It’s totally good.”
We left the restaurant, while Tyler said hi to a few more people here and there.
He pulled into a grocery store parking lot. “You can stay in the car; I will be right back. I’m going to grab something for the morning. I have practice, and you have class at one, right?”
I nodded, and he slipped out of the car.
I took the alone time to text Camryn and let her know we were staying here for the night, and that I didn’t want to hear a word.
Her text back was the best, “Love you and tell him to be nice.”
I rolled my eyes. She was so funny.
Tyler was back in no time. He put the bag in the back seat, and we were headed to the ranch.
We walked in and Tyler noticed the box was moved.
“Sorry, I just gathered it up and put it in the shelf in the dining room. I figured you wouldn’t really want that just lying around.” I opened the cupboard I stashed it in.
He went to retrieve it, “Yeah, no that is a really good idea. I’m going to put it in the safe.”
“Safe? He has a safe, and yet he stored that out in the freezer?” I took the bag to the kitchen to unload it. A box of donuts and some muffins. He’d also picked up a shampoo and conditioner, a couple of toothbrushes and that is when my hand froze. A box of condoms.
“Hey, I just wanted to be prepared. It doesn’t mean we have to. Seriously, I’m not pressuring you.”
I nodded, even though the blush ran deeply down my neck at this point, I was glad he stood behind me. “Thank you, this was all very thoughtful.”
“Savanah, I mean it, we don’t have to do anything. Although, I would like to sleep,” He grinned, trying to lighten the mood.
“I’m tired.” I smiled, turning into him.
He kissed me lightly, then went to add more wood to the woodstove. It had warmed the house up nicely while we were gone. I followed him as he led me upstairs to the bedrooms. The entire home was just perfect. His grandparents' room stood pristine, as if they had made the bed that morning. The other two rooms straddled a bathroom. He walked into a sparsely furnished room that housed an old metal framed double bed.
“I will see what I can find for clothes for you.” He slipped out, and I continued to take in the details. A little metal truck sat on the windowsill above a wooden toy chest. I visualized Tyler as a little boy playing on the floor, imagination going wild. The pictures were family photos, mixed with sports themed ones. The lamp on the bedside table was the white knobby glass style, my own grandma had.
It was perfect. Just like everything in this house.
Just like today had been.
My emotions started to tighten my throat.
“Hey, I found some flannel pants, or boxers, and a couple of t-shirts to choose from. He sat the stack on the dresser. I’m not sure what you like to sleep in.”
“Usually I sleep in the nude,” I laughed, watching his face, register my sarcasm. “Boxers and a t-shirt are perfect.”
He nodded his head. “Ok, I left the toothbrushes and everything in the bathroom.” He grabbed a few things for himself and stepped into the other small bedroom. I heard the door close and wondered if he was more nervous or I was.
I went into the bathroom, changing, brushing my teeth, and talking myself into being the strong confident woman I strove to be. Even if it was only in my own mind.
Stepping into the bedroom, Tyler laid out casually on the bed. He wore the pajama pants I’d passed on, and no shirt. I stood for a moment staring at how absolutely beautiful he was.
My brain clicked off, and my heart took over.
My feet carried me to the bed, and I kissed him, while climbing to straddle his hips. His lips were rushed this time, harder more intense. He nipped at my neck and I buried my hands in his hair. I gripped his curls, then let my fingers run down his back, down his shoulders, back up his neck all at once. He rolled us over gently, kissing me deeply, and pulling himself
