Imagine With Me (With Me in Seattle 15)

I laugh and reach for another condom, already turned on again. “Actually, yes.”

She pauses and holds my face in her hands. “You truly believe it’s better the other way, don’t you?”

“I do, yes.”

She sighs deeply and then rubs her hand over her forehead. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but we’ll do it your way. However, I’ll talk with Luke and fill him in on this. He’ll have the final say.”

I drag my nose up her neck. “You’re going to fill him in on this?”

I push two fingers inside her and watch the beautiful smile spread over her lips.

“No. This will stay between us.”

“Good answer.”Chapter 15~Lexi~Get out of the house at least once a day.

I brace my pen against my lips and stare down at the notebook in my lap. It’s two in the morning, and I can’t sleep. Shawn and I have to leave for the airport at five, and I just have too much on my mind.

So, I got out of bed and came out to the living room, where I curled up at the end of the sofa to drink a cup of tea and make my official life goals list in my shiny new notebook. I made the original one in my phone, but I’m expanding on it a bit.

Meditate. First, download meditation app.

Take a dance class.

I wrinkle my nose at that one. Putting myself out there like that will be tough, but I enjoyed dancing with Shawn at the pub, and maybe a class will help me feel more confident in similar situations.

Not that I have men clamoring to ask me to dance, but you just never know.

Plan a trip abroad.

This one is also meant to push me out of my comfort zone. I hate flying, so I’ve hardly been anywhere. Life’s too short for that. I want to see things, and planning a trip will get me excited to travel, even if I have to get on a plane to do it.

I’m pretty sure my doctor would prescribe something to help me sleep on a long flight.

Start dating.

I stare at those two words for a long minute, then take a sip of my cooling tea. I cross them out.

Honestly, I think I need to figure myself out before I start thinking about a serious relationship. This trip has taught me so much about myself, and I have a feeling I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg.

I want to spend time with myself before I bring someone else into the equation.

It has nothing to do with the fact that I’ve grown attached to Shawn, and I’m going to miss him.

I can admit it, here in the dark by myself, that what I feel for the sexy Irishman is more than sexual. Is it love? I don’t know. I’m not convinced of that. But I care about him. I’m so freaking attracted to him, I spontaneously combust whenever he’s within fifty yards of me.

And I like him.

So, no, I don’t relish the thought of rushing home and diving right into dating someone else. I have enough work to do on myself.

I read through my list.

Run at least three times a week.

See friends once a month or more.

Spend more time with Mom.

Learn to speak a foreign language.

Get out of the house at least once a day.

Meditate. First, download meditation app.

Take a dance class.

I think that’s enough to tackle for now. I close the notebook and set it aside, then watch the reflection of the moon bouncing on the water below as I finish my tea.

I’m going back to bed to snuggle up to a sexy man while I still can.

After I set my cup in the sink, I pad into Shawn’s bedroom and slip into bed. He immediately reaches out for me and pulls me to him.

“You okay?” he whispers into my ear.

“Yeah. Just couldn’t sleep.”

He kisses my temple as his hand drifts down to my hip. My body instantly responds, and I cup his handsome face in my hand.

“Just one more time,” he whispers as he covers my body with his.* * *Shawn takes the exit off the freeway on the way to the airport.

The ferry ride was a blur.

The entire trip here seems surreal.

I can’t believe I’m leaving.

“The blankets and stuff are all boxed up and labeled. I’ve arranged for UPS to pick it up tomorrow, you just have to set it outside.”

“I know,” he says with a reassuring smile. He squeezes my hand, but I pull away.

Shawn touching me just makes it harder.

“That’s my airline,” I say, pointing to the sign ahead. “You can drop me off anywhere.”

“Are you okay, Lex?”

“Sure. I’m fine.” I swallow and unbuckle my belt, ready to get out of the car. I don’t want to get tearful in front of him. I’m not necessarily sad. I’m nervous.