I hadn’t wanted to test him. I didn’t think about Vaughn like that. I didn’t put him in a category with past boyfriends. What connected us was different. I didn’t think it needed a definition because I felt it so strongly in my bones.
But Greer reminded me there were other elements in the real world that would tumble into our path. And because of that at some point I would have to determine how real this thing was between us. Could we navigate the everyday ups and downs? Could sex sustain us through emotional challenges or stress and crisis? Did the physical bond strengthen everything else between us? Could we hang out with other couples over dinner and talk about movies? Would we dominate a game of bar trivia? My head spun, picturing us in every scenario.
“Want to go to the store now?” Greer asked.
“Now?” I groaned.
I was comfortable and warm. I liked how Vaughn’s body felt next to me. I didn’t want to move.
“Want me to go with you?” he offered.
“You grocery shop?” I let a giggle slip.
“For donuts I do.” He winked and I knew my cheeks instantly reddened.
“Come on. We can catch up,” Greer prodded.
“Are you ok staying here?” I wanted to make sure he didn’t feel as if I was leaving him for extra girl time. I’d rather stay with him.
He nodded. “I think I’ll be fine with the coffee and this crossword.”
“Ok. Let me get dressed.” I rolled out of the chaise, but not before his arm circled my waist and pulled me in for a rough kiss. I tasted the sugar on his lips. The kiss caught me off guard.
“Wow,” Greer whispered.
I staggered to my feet and followed her in the apartment. She closed the door behind us.
“Is he always like that?”
“Like what?”
She planted her hands on her hips. “Intense. Like he’s always going to devour you.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. I guessed she saw it too. I wondered if it was only my perspective. I was used to it, but hadn’t taken it for granted.
“Yeah. He’s intense,” I admitted.
“I think I’m jealous.” She smiled.
“Really? It’s not like that with Preston?”
She glared at me. “You know Preston and you know the answer to that.”
I wrinkled my nose. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you know how he looks at you. Say you know you have something every girl in this city is looking for.”
I felt a combination of pride and guilt. As if I had taken something that didn’t belong to me.
Greer shooed me. “Go get dressed. I have a million questions for you.”
I stole another glance at Vaughn. He was working on his tablet, sipping coffee. It was in that moment that I knew what had happened.
I had fallen in love with him.
Chapter Sixteen
Greer and I waited in line for the couple in front of us at the market. They had to be buying groceries for the entire month.