Until May (Until Her/Him)

“I already scheduled a ride.”

“Cancel it.”

“I don’t want to get up that early, so I’m not going to ask you to do that.” I take the bite that’s still held in midair.

“You’re not asking me to do anything. I’m telling you that I want to take you.”

“Seriously, you don’t have to.”

“I know.” He digs into his food, ending the conversation.

With a sigh, I start to eat, feeling flattered by his interest but also caught off guard by it. He’s not some guy who works a regular job; he’s a professional soccer player, and with the way he looks and speaks, he might even be a player-player.

On top of that, I don’t even know if he plans on staying in Tennessee. Then again, does it really matter? He’s not asking to marry me. He just wants to take me to the airport.

“What are you thinking?” he asks once more, and I turn to look at him.

“Nothing.”

“Hmm.” He reaches up and runs a finger between my brows. “These two lines tell a different story.”

“Rude.” I lean back and rub between my eyebrows. “Those exist because I need Botox, not because I’m thinking about something.”

“Right.” He presses his lips together like he’s trying not to laugh. “So what is it? Are you still worried I’m a serial killer?”

“No.” I roll my eyes, then turn when the back door opens and Hanna steps inside.

“Sorry.” She giggles as she stumbles, trying to close the door. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just need to use the restroom.”

“You’re not interrupting,” I assure her, and she looks from me to Aiden.

“You say that, but his face says otherwise.” She grins at him, then looks at me and wiggles her brows. “And you know I don’t like to say I told you so, but… I told you—”

“I thought you needed to use the bathroom,” I cut her off, feeling my ears get hot.

“Fine.” She laughs. “I’m leaving.” She walks past us, and I turn back to my food and pick up my beef patty, finishing off the last of it in one bite, then get up with my plate, which is almost empty, and carry it to the sink. As I’m rinsing it off, I feel Aiden come around into the kitchen, and it’s weird that I actually know he’s close without seeing or hearing him.

“Do you wanna go out and hang with everyone?” he asks, coming to stand next to me after putting his container of food in the trash.

I look at the clock to check the time, then tip my head back to meet his gaze. “For a bit, then I need to come in and pack so I don’t have to do it in the morning,” I say, and he grabs both our waters off the counter before opening the back door.

When we get outside, we walk to where everyone has gathered around a small bonfire on the beach, and as soon as Nalia spots me, she grabs my hand and pulls me down to sit next to her, while Aiden walks over to where the guys are all standing. “Try this.” She shoves a cup of liquid toward me, and I smell it before I take a small sip.

“Wow.” I cough from the sharp sting of alcohol. “What is that?” I wipe my mouth.

“I don’t know. The guys made it.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “I wish you didn’t have to leave tomorrow.”

“I know. Me too.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders. “Do you know when you’ll be home next?” I ask, still thinking of Tennessee as her home, even if she hasn’t lived there in years.

“I’m hoping this spring.” She holds the cup out to me again, and I shake my head.

“I don’t want to be hungover in the morning when I get on the plane.”

“That’s probably smart,” she mumbles, then arms wrap around me from behind, and I turn, coming face-to-face with Hanna, right before Willow flops down on my other side.

“This has been a great trip.” Willow wraps her arms around Hanna and me. “We need to do this more often.”

“We do,” I agree. “I just wish everyone else was here.”

“Me too, but no, they all have to be married and have babies,” Willow grouches, and I laugh, because she makes it sound like something bad, when we all know our sisters and cousins who’ve gotten married feel the complete opposite.

“I wonder who’s going to be next down the aisle,” Nalia says, and all eyes come to me.

“No, no way.” I hold my hands up. “I haven’t even been on a date in forever.”

“We’ll, I wouldn’t be upset if it was me.” Hanna sighs. “I’m ready to settle down and have some babies.”

“Really?” I ask, honestly surprised since she’s always seemed to love being single.

“Really, I just need to find a man who isn’t a complete player.” She shrugs.

“Well it’s not going to be me.” Willow shakes her head. “I’m enjoying this time in my life. What about you sis?” We all look at Nalia.

“If it happens it happens, but I’m not actively looking for someone.” She shrugs then holds up her cup. “Whoever it is cheers to the last girls standing.” We all laugh, then I bite my lip when I find Aiden’s gaze on me through the fire burning between us.

Seeing the look in his eyes, my heart starts to pound, and just like that, I can’t help but think I’m in trouble.