Ain't No Sunshine

Summer’s silent for a minute before drawing out a long, “Maayybee,” and then giggling.

That’s a yes, then.

There’s a slight commotion on the line, and Dylan’s voice comes through, “Come on, little one; let’s get you some water. Sorry, Cory.”

I sigh with relief and smile. She has someone else looking out for her. Maybe I don’t have to worry?

“I thought Cory was the little one?” Nate calls out as he heads toward the kitchen, shooting a wink my way.

“Actually, I’ve heard that’s you, Nate,” Summer teases just before the call disconnects.

My head flies back, almost hitting the cabinet behind me, and I laugh so hard. More than I have in a while.

Nate stares at me with a fake, hurt expression. “Easy there. It’s not that funny,” he says as a small smirk forms on his lips.

“Come on; it’s pretty funny,” I say between laughs, trying, unsuccessfully, to control myself. I’m not even sure it is that funny. It’s certainly not true. Just one of those moments when I laugh for no reason.

A huge smile breaks out on Nate’s face, even though I’m laughing at his expense.

He watches me until I finally calm down and then steps forward, running his thumb across my cheek. It’s so light and quick that if my eyes were closed, I may have thought I Imagined it. I shiver and immediately tense up. God, I wish we weren’t in this mess.

“Hearing your laugh, with all that we have going on, means everything to me. You have a beautiful laugh and smile, and I’m so sorry I’ve taken that away from you lately.”

I swallow a lump in my throat. This is just as much my fault as his. “I’m sorry, too. I know you probably think I’m doing this to punish you, even though it was my idea, but I’m not. I just—”

“I get it Cory. Mostly. You don’t need to explain it right now. But one day, I hope you do.”

He’s right. I probably wouldn’t be acting this way if my previous relationships hadn’t screwed me over so badly. That fact that he’s being so understanding about it should speak volumes. So, why can’t I tell him?

I sigh as Nate stares at my hand on my face. I hadn’t even realized I’d been tracing the pattern he’d just made with his thumb. I pull my hand away quickly and tuck it behind my back.

Nate sighs and looks off into space. We’re both quiet for a moment until he turns back to me with a tentativesmile. “I have an idea, but you’re going to have to keep an open mind?” he says with hesitation.

Huh? My eyebrows pull together and my lips purse. “Nate, I don’t think—”

“Please, just hear me out. I’d like us to try something.” he says, biting back a nervous smile, and I know he’s up to something.

“I’ll need the details before I agree.” I try to keep a straight face, but I’m sure he can tell I’m intrigued.

“Wouldn’t expect anything else,” he says with a wink. “I want us to talk without senses.”

My eyes widen with shock and confusion. “Ah… What?”

“Well, not no senses. That’s unrealistic, but minimal senses. No touch, no sight, no taste…” He bounces his eyebrow at the last one, and I shiver at the thought of him touching me again. “Only sound and smell are allowed. And I’m only allowing smell because it’s difficult to control. It’s not like I’m going to make you block your nose.”

I laugh because he’s crazy and I don’t really know another appropriate reaction. He must take my laugh as confusion because he continues trying to convince me.

“I want us to talk, and really listen to each other, and to feel the energy in the room. Maybe that sounds corny, but I need more time with you. And if eliminating the pressure helps, then I’ll do anything.”

My hand reaches out to gives his a quick squeeze without my permission. “I happen to love corny,” I say, because it’s true.

Nate smiles widely knowing he’s got me. “Great, I’ll be right back.”

My heart jumps as I realize what he’s saying. “Wait? You want to do this now?” I call after him as he walks towards my room.

“Now’s a great time. You heard Summer; she won’t be home for hours. But I’ll message Dylan just in case.” he says, pulling his phone from his packet.

I shake my head and frown. What did I just agree to?