Page 10 of Falling Too Soon (Seasons of Love #1)

NATHAN

I woke up grinning into my pillow, but as I reached across the bed, I was met by cool, empty sheets. Where was Daphne? Shit, was that a dream? I didn’t drink that much, did I?

Fuck, I hoped she hadn’t left. Last night was incredible, and I was very freaking interested in doing that again and again and again.

Did I need to be rushing into something with someone new?

Absolutely not, but I was immediately drawn to her in a way I had never felt before.

I didn’t know where things would lead, but I knew I was not ready to let her go just yet.

I had to learn more about this beautiful creature who had come crashing into my life.

I peeled myself out of bed and, after using the bathroom, walked into the main living area. I could see her car through the front window. Knowing she was still here gave me an instant sense of relief, so my next priority was to make some coffee and text my brothers. I needed help.

Me

Guys, something happened last night and I need advice.

Brandon

What’s up?

Me

I met someone…

Brandon

You met someone while alone in a cabin in the woods? How? Where? What happened?

Dylan

Fuck yeah! I told you to go get you some.

Me

Jesus Dylan, calm down, it’s not like that. I guess the rental was double-booked, and she just walked in and…idk my brain stopped working. She’s beautiful and funny and shit. Things happened, but I need to know more about her. Is this crazy? I’ve never felt this sort of instant connection before.

The next messages came in at almost the same time.

Dylan

Yes, this is crazy, but I’m glad you’re getting your dick wet—tell me you’re getting your dick wet?

Brandon

Yes, this is crazy! Wtf are you doing, brother? You need to be focusing on you and getting over Courtney, not trying to jump into something with someone new.

How were my brothers so different? Brandon was so levelheaded and honestly, I think he was a hopeless romantic at heart, even though he himself had yet to find love.

He really rooted for me and Courtney, especially at the beginning of our relationship.

Then there was Dylan, the consummate “player” who swears he’d never settle down.

He never liked Courtney. Maybe he was a better judge of character than Brandon and me.

Me

Guys, look, I don’t know what’s going on with us, but the chemistry between us was off the charts. She just got out of a relationship too, so I don’t want to spook her. I want to get to know her to see if there could be something there.

Brandon

Well, I say go for it. It is batshit crazy, but you never know—this could end up like one of your books. Try not to rush things though, be her friend. I’m sure she could use one of those right now and so could you.

Dylan

How am I related to you two?

I heard the door to her room open and steps coming toward the kitchen, where the smell of coffee was now wafting through the space.

Me

Thanks for the advice Brando and thanks for nothing, as usual, Dylan. Love you guys. I gotta go. I think she’s up.

I was smiling like an idiot as she rounded the corner and practically jumped out of her skin, clutching her hand to her chest when she saw me.

“Good morning.” I smirked at her, and damn if she didn’t look adorable.

Her hair was piled up on top of her head in a messy bun, and she had on an oversized hoodie with black leggings and a pair of fuzzy slippers.

She still looked half asleep and clearly wasn’t expecting me to be in the kitchen.

“Shit, you’re up early. Morning,” she murmured as she gestured to the coffee. “Can I get some of that?”

“With your creamer?” I asked her as I retrieved two cups from the cupboard.

“How did you…” I poured her a steaming cup and turned to grab her creamer from the fridge.

“I saw it when I was picking up your groceries. But pumpkin spice?” I asked, genuinely curious about how people drank that crap. I guess I hadn’t noticed the flavor when I put it away last night.

“Oh, you’re gonna give me shit for liking pumpkin spice too? My bestie, Lexi, is always giving me a hard time about it,” she huffed. “I’m a basic bitch, okay? It’s not my fault that it’s the perfect fall flavor. ”

I placed the cup of coffee and the creamer on the island as she took a seat. “I’m not saying anything.” I raised my hands in surrender.

Daphne took a deep breath. “So, about last night,” she started, her eyes avoiding mine, “I, um, I don’t usually do things like that.

I mean, sleeping around. I just barged in here and messed up your solo trip, so I’m gonna get out of your hair this morning and go find a place to stay in town.

” She nervously picked at her mug. It was cute that she was a little off-balance around me, but I had to try to make her more comfortable.

I needed to figure out how to get her to stay.

“Hey, there’s no rush, and I hope you don’t think I do stuff like this all the time either. You were definitely an unexpected but very welcome surprise.” I winked.

Oh God, what was I doing?

I think she may have actually cringed at me.

“Yeah, but last night was a mistake. We both came here to get over exes and clear our heads, and instead, we numbed our pain with each other. While I had a great time, I don’t think it was the best idea I’ve ever had.

After I’ve had my coffee, I’ll get out of here.

” She shook her head as if she was trying to get the images from last night out of there.

She was right, of course, but the fact remained that I had no regrets about getting lost in her last night.

“I had a great time too, and I totally get where you’re coming from, but you don’t have to go.

I know this is a strange situation, but there’s plenty of room, and I promise to be on my very best behavior—no more losing control.

Maybe we can even have some fun. Platonic fun, of course, while we try to forget about our crappy relationships.

” She was staring at me as if I had lost my mind again, but she hadn’t said no yet, so I continued.

“I’ll be busy writing anyway. You’ll have plenty of time to yourself, to relax, to explore the town, and then when you want some company, maybe we can share a meal or something. ”

“I think it’s called a one-night stand for a reason.

You don’t usually see each other a second time, let alone live with them for a week.

This is weird, right? I mean, I’ll admit that last night was pretty amazing, but it was a one-time thing.

I’m not trying to get involved with someone so soon.

” She was making total sense, but I wasn’t having any of it.

“I couldn’t agree more, but, like you said last night, you still need to get your money back from this mix-up with the rental, and I’m happy to share the cabin while we figure it out.

It’s a weird situation for sure, but we’re both adults.

Surely, we can share the same space without jumping on each other again.

” I chuckled. I believed not one word of what was coming out of my mouth, but if it made her stay, I’d do and say just about anything at this point.

I’d even keep it in the friend zone, for now.

She sat quietly for a moment and stared into her now-empty coffee mug.

I was sure she’d say no. I reached for her mug to refill it and she looked up at me.

When her eyes met mine, I knew this girl could absolutely ruin me, and I was going to let her.

Pulling me out of my thoughts, she said, “ Okay.” I blinked.

Did she just agree to stay? “I’ll stay for now, but if shit gets weird, well, any weirder, I’m outta here. ”