Chapter 24
24
CHUCK
Later, as we lie tangled in the sheets, her head’s on my chest and my fingers trace lazy patterns on her back. I have this sensation of, I don’t know… contentment or something. It's not just the afterglow of great sex. It's more. I can’t describe it or put into words.
Yeah, I have a long way to go.
"Penny for your thoughts." Her breath is warm against my skin.
"Well… thinking how glad I am that you missed that shuttle."
She props herself up on an elbow, looking down at me with a fake-frown. At least, I think it’s fake. "Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head. I still think this whole retreat is ridiculous."
"Oh, absolutely," I agree. "But you have to admit, it's been... educational."
She snorts, swatting my chest. "Is that what we're calling it now?"
I catch her hand, bringing it to my lips. "Among other things."
She softens. "Chuck... what are we doing here?"
It's a loaded question, one I'm not sure I have the answer to. But I know one thing for certain.
"I don't know," I say. "Why don’t we find out?"
She’s quiet, and I wonder if I said too much. But then she kisses me again.
"Well," she says. "Let's find out together."
As we settle back into each other's arms, I can't help but sense a shift. I don’t think is this just a fling, a vacation romance born out of bizarre circumstances.
Or is it?
Who knew that a mix-up at a couple's retreat could lead to... this?
It doesn’t matter because I'm in . And judging by the way Ruby's curled into me, her breathing evening out as she drifts off for another mini-snooze, I think she is too.