37. Dakota
37
DAKOTA
Tonight was a dream.
As much as I expected Callaway to make a move once the night ended, he handled himself like the gentleman he’s proven to be.
I can’t help but be appreciative of that.
Walking me back to my room at a decent hour, I still have life left in me, but his thoughtfulness over my sleep was not surprising. He dropped me off at my hotel door with a soft kiss, hoping to spend the plane ride home tomorrow together.
I’m smitten, and I don’t care who knows it.
He’s consistent.
Never pushing me further than my limits and making me comfortable to share things about myself I’ve kept locked away for so long. He makes it easy. If I could have conjured the idea of the most perfect date in my head, tonight was it.
Since meeting Callaway, there have been very few opportunities to genuinely miss him, seeing as how we work together daily. But tonight, the feeling of his touch still lingers, the way his strong arms wrap around me, holding me to him—it’s a security I’ve longed for .
I can’t remember the last time someone touched me intimately in a way that would show they loved me. Trevor never did, which continues to make me feel stupid for putting up with him for so long—more so after being treated like a fucking queen by Callaway.
Although nothing about our night together was even remotely close to first base, I know our chemistry will undoubtedly be electric behind closed doors. I can feel it in the way he kisses me, like he’s pouring his entire self into the kiss. It flusters me bone deep.
I can’t wait to take it further.
But I’m not in a hurry to rush it; I’m enjoying the thrill of what’s to come. I think knowing there’s nothing holding us back and it’s attainable makes me excited rather than anxious for it.
After Callaway dropped me off, I jumped in the shower to freshen up for the night, washed my hair, and changed into a light blue lace tank and shorts night set. I’m such a hoe for hotel beds with all-white sheets, weighted blankets, and down pillows that feel like clouds. Surely a good night's sleep is in my future.
I can remember when I was in college, stressed beyond measure from all of my coursework and then working full time on top of that. My parents would send a carrier—usually Navy—with a surprise envelope for me to open. It was always unexpected and fitting when I needed it the most, but eventually, I caught on to their antics. The envelope usually contained a weekend hotel stay somewhere random and local for me to unplug and reset.
It did wonders for my mood.
I would leave feeling rejuvenated and motivated to grind harder at my goals. They loved me so intentionally; the memory makes my heart mourn .
Today, tonight, all of it, feels like one of those moments for me.
Giving myself over to the cool side of the pillow, I rest my eyes softly, soaking in the goodness of today, and wait for sleep to claim me.
The chime of my phone makes me jump. Reaching over, I unlock it to find a text from Callaway.
Callaway: I had fun tonight. Thanks for taking a chance on us.
He said us, not me. brB, I’m melting.
Dakota: Thanks for the best night. Sorry not sorry, you got your ass beat.
Callaway: I’ll give you the win—this time.
Dakota: You’re finally catching on.
Dakota: Is Bodhi sleeping?
Callaway: Why? Are you trying to have phone sex with me, angel?
Dakota: In your dreams. I was just curious.
Callaway: Yes, he is. I don't know how. It’s hot as fuck in here.
Dakota: What do you mean? My room is freezing .
Callaway: Our A/C broke, so we have to suck it up for the night.
Dakota: No, Callaway. You can’t sleep without air conditioning. You need your rest to play.
Callaway: As much as I appreciate the concern, angel, I’ll be fine. We don’t play tomorrow, and I’ve slept in worse.
My heart sinks at the thought. I can’t imagine the conditions he’s been forced to sleep in that were considered normal for him.
Dakota: You pitched today, which means recovery is important. Stop being stubborn. You can sleep with me .
Callaway: So eager…I knew you always wanted me.
Dakota: Okay, yeah, sure, old man. I’m leaving the upper latch out so you can get in. Don’t be stupid. Get your ass over here before someone breaks in and kills me.
That better get him over here.
My desperate attempt is confirmed when the sound of the hotel room's heavy door opening causes me to sit up slightly, letting the hallway light filter in, then closing shut, locking us in complete darkness.
My body hums to life.
All it takes is for Callaway to be within a short distance from me, and I can’t get close enough to him.
I’m struggling to see with the lack of light, but as soon as my eyes adjust, they find him grabbing a decorative pillow and a folded sheet to lay quietly on the floor. He doesn’t say a word.
Oh, hell no. Might as well sleep without air if you’re going to subject yourself to cum and feces on this repulsive floor. The hotel is clean and beautiful, but I don’t trust a room to be thoroughly disinfected unless I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes.
I speak up into the darkness of the night, “Sir, tonight is not the night to test me. I’ve had the best date, a body-numbing shower, and I’m lounging in sheets that feel like a utopia; don’t mess that up for me.”
His chuckling brings me immense joy, and I’m fortunate he found me funny enough to vocalize it.
“You sure? I’m a bed hog and a perpetual snuggler.”
He’s insane if he thinks that wouldn’t make me pressure him even more.
“I’ll take my chances. ”
The only sign of his agreement is the shuffling he makes as he drags his tall frame in the direction of the bed.
His tall frame stops in front of me. “Scoot over.”
What the hell?
“Why? There’s an entire side over there you can sleep on?”
I point backward, trying to clue him in on the space that’s literally right next to me. He must really be tired.
His stubbornness is in full force tonight. “Scoot over, Dakota. I need to be by the door.” Oh.
“Um, okay. Do you favor the door side, or is this you being too exhausted to walk around?”
I can’t see his face clearly, but I can imagine he’s rolling his eyes at my ability to argue with everything.
Tough shit, buddy.
Giving up, I slide myself to the other side of the bed, waiting for him to lay down in the spot I conveniently left warm for him.
“Thank you. I need to be closest to the door. At least this way, I know you’re safe. I’m biologically wired to think of the worst-case scenario in unfamiliar places. Now go to sleep.”
I feel his heavy exhale as soon as we both settle. “Sleep tight, baby.”
He kisses me on the cheek and rolls to wrap his arm around my waist before falling into a deep sleep.
I’m wide awake and stunned. Callaway’s care is immeasurable.
I’m past the point of no return. He’s everything I want in a life partner and a future.
Nothing can keep me from pursuing him now.