Page 24 of Can’t Let You Go (Ivy Ridge #3)
FALLON
W hat a stubborn man. He could barely walk this morning when he rolled off the couch, and I could hear him moving and grunting all night, and yet, he still refused to share the damn bed.
It’s so frustrating.
I’m finishing curling the last piece of my hair before we head down for breakfast and the first few hours of the day.
Jason is already dressed and ready to go, but he opted to wait for me, instead of heading down by himself.
I’m not exactly sure why. It’s not like he ever wants to spend time with me, but I guess I don’t mind.
All of our conversations have been clipped and short while here, but I guess that’s Jason’s new normal.
He doesn’t share as willingly as he used to.
I give myself a final once-over in the mirror, and head out of the bathroom.
Today, I’m dressed in one of my favorite black pleated skirts that is about mid-calf length with a bow around my waist. For a top, I’m wearing a baby blue blouse and another blazer over it.
My hair is curled loosely around my face, and I went with a light makeup look.
I’m definitely wearing flats again today.
It’s not worth it wearing heels if it’s not a work event.
When I exit the bathroom, I spot Jason with his arms up above his head as he attempts to stretch out his body.
His arm muscles are taut as he tries to massage and stretch out the tightness there.
I skate my eyes up and down his body as he’s distracted, taking in the softness of his stomach, and chest. He’s not the same muscular man I knew in college, but honestly, I like the softness of him now.
I quirk my brow at him, narrowing my eyes. He does the same, like he’s daring me to say something. I decide to poke the bear. “All I’m going to say is you can’t complain. I gave you options so you didn’t have to sleep on the couch. Now, you’re a grumpy bear.”
“I’m not a grumpy bear,” he grumbles under his breath.
“Sure,” I say with a small laugh. “Are you ready to go?”
He nods, doing one final stretch over his head, and grabbing his wallet and phone from the side table.
We head down to where breakfast is being served and find a table.
We go our separate ways to get food, and end up back at the table eating a few minutes later.
I check my phone while we eat, sending a message off to my mom to check in on Presley.
She replies, letting me know everything is going fine as per usual.
I send off a text to Megan, updating her on the circumstances of the weekend.
Me
So. Jason and I are sharing a room.
Megan
What?? Why? Isaac said he left two rooms for you guys.
Me
Long story, there was a mix up with the hotel.
Megan
Wow.
Me
It gets better.
It’s a king suite, so there’s only one bed.
Megan
OH MY GOD. Are you sharing a bed?? Please tell me you are.
Me
Nope. He’s too stubborn. He slept on the couch last night, even though I offered to, and offered to share the bed. And now he’s all grumbly and wincing in pain every five seconds.
Megan
When is Jason not grumbly, though?
I mean really, he’s quite a grumbly guy.
Me
Trust me, I know. He’s grumpier than normal though.
Megan
I can think of a way to make him less grumpy.
Me
Nope. Not going there.
Megan
You’re no fun. You’re living out the perfect romance novel dream, only one bed, and yet, you aren’t even going to try??
Me
It’s not going to happen, Megan.
Megan
We’ll see. Have fun, I love you!
Me
Love you too.
As expected, breakfast is awkward. On those rare occasions I’ve been able to get more than a few words from Jason, I think I’m starting to crack his shell, but then he turns back into a one word responder again.
Then he goes and waits to eat breakfast with me, but doesn’t say a word the entire time.
I don’t know what to think of it. I wish things were the way they used to be, where conversation flowed between us with no awkward pauses or breaks.
I want to get to know him again, not just try and reconcile this version of him with the old Jason, because clearly they are very different men.