Page 29 of Crash

“Wow, I think I left something over there,” she jokes.

I laugh and follow them to the main entrance where her father is patiently waiting. Once outside, I again lift her and help position her in the car.

She fastens her seatbelt and looks at me with those beautiful brown eyes.

“You’re coming straight over, right?” she questions.

“I have a few things I need to get done first, then I’ll be there. Mr. Gordon, will it be okay if I stay the night?” I never want to be disrespectful.

“Of course, son. Even if you weren’t dating my daughter, you know you and your family are always welcome and we’d expect a slumber party.”

“Thank you, sir. Okay, Tessa. I’ll see you in a little while. Go home and rest.”

“I’m sure I’ll be asleep when you get there. If you want, you can just stay—”

I lean in to kiss her before she can even think about finishing that sentence. Our lips part, and silence falls to hers.

“I’ll see you in a few hours.”

She nods in agreement, and I step back to close the door. Her mom smiles and enters the car. They leave, and I wave as they exit the parking lot. A heavy sigh escapes my lungs, and I slowly saunter back inside to grab me a coffee and wait for my Uber to come get me and take me to my truck.