Page 52 of Surviving Love

“But at least maybe we’ll have a better understanding of each other from this point on. It might make our alliance stronger.”

“It may not matter what we think of each other.”

“What do you mean?”

I shrugged. “Who knows if the game will even continue? The show expected a storm, but this might be way bigger than they’re prepared to move past.”

“True. Hopefully we’ll know more tomorrow. I’m crossing my fingers this storm will blow over by morning.”

“God, I really hope so.”

He let out a tired breath. “We should probably sleep.”

“Not sure I can. I’m soaking wet, and I have a headache.”

“We should still try. Time will pass faster if we can get some shuteye.”

I shifted my position, my back pressing the back of the shelter. “I guess we can try. Did you want to lie down?”

“If possible.” He got onto his knees and squeezed in beside me. “Sorry. I would lay head to foot, but I don’t want my head near the door.”

“I understand.”

His warm breath puffed against my hair as he maneuvered his long body into the narrow area next to me. He grunted as he lay on his back. “Damn. There’s a rock against my spine.”

“Ouch.”

He sighed. “I can’t get it because my arms are pinned at my side.”

“Oh.” I frowned and shifted to try and give him more room. “Is that better?”

He wiggled for a few moments and then said, “Ahhh, got it.”

I smiled. “Now it’s just like the Hilton.”

“Only wet and torturous.”

“But it’s free.”

“If you don’t count losing a piece of your soul,” he said, sounding amused.

I lowered myself all the way onto the ground, wincing at how muddy it was. “God, this is horrible.”

“It’s better than being outside, but yeah, this sucks.”

Our arms were pressed against each other, so I turned so that I had my back to him. He did the same, and we leaned into each other. His back was broad and warm, and I closed my eyes, praying I could sleep. He was right—time would go much quicker if I could sleep.

If I hadn’t been wet and shivering, it might have been kind of cozy nestled with my back against Jack’s. I closed my eyes, listening to the rain and the thunder outside. For some reason, my mind drifted to how neither of us had given our relationship status. I still had no idea if he liked women or men.

Why was I even thinking about that stuff?

I sighed and curled into as much of a ball as possible in the cramped space. I was glad that Jack and I were getting along better now. I’d been nervous about telling him my story, but he’d been so compassionate, I didn’t feel like it had been a horrible mistake. If the game continued after this, would things be better for me? Would I feel more a part of something?

Or would I feel like an outsider, as usual?

Chapter Eleven

Somehow, I drifted off to sleep. When I jerked awake, I was facing Jack. He was facing me too, his arm looped over my waist. My heart pounded as I listened to Jack’s steady and deep breathing. He was still asleep, which was a relief. How we’d moved into such an embarrassing position without waking each other, I had no idea. There was no denying this situation was awkward as hell, but if I tried to shake his arm off me, he’d probably wake up. That would be ten times more awkward.