Between The Lines

Chapter 79: 'But I'm Your Idiot'

Please enjoy Rebecca's Favourite^^

Rebecca's POV (1st Person):

As Lane left, I walked around the guest room, touching the paintings on the walls and the small figurines on the desk. Each piece seemed to tell a story, and I felt a strange comfort in this new, unfamiliar space. I sat down on the bed, my heart still fluttering from his text earlier: "You'll get more. Tonight, if you want." The thought of him sleeping in another room so close to mine made my heart jump.

After a while, the house fell silent, and I assumed Lane had gone to sleep. The lights were off, and I couldn't hear any movement. Feeling restless, I decided to explore a bit. I carefully made my way to the bathroom, nearly tripping over something in the dark. Once there, I splashed some water on my face, trying to calm myself down.

My stomach growled, reminding me that the savoury snacks at the wedding hadn't been enough. I decided to head down to the kitchen. As I descended the stairs, I nearly missed a step and had to grab the railing to keep from falling. I turned on a small light in the kitchen, just enough to see, and rummaged through the fridge. I found some cupcakes and eagerly started eating them. After washing them down with some water, I turned off the light and headed back to the guest room.

Feeling my way in the dark, I opened the door quietly and stretched my arms out in front of me, trying to navigate without bumping into anything. I closed the door softly behind me and headed to the bed. I pulled the covers back and was about to get in when I felt a movement beside me. I jumped and nearly screamed.

"Oh my god," I whispered to myself, panic rising. "I'm in Lane's room. Oh no no no no no!"

I prayed I didn't wake him and tried to head to the door as quietly as possible, but I heard his groggy voice call after me. "Rebecca?"

He flipped the covers off him and got out of bed. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm so sorry," I stammered, "I had no idea. I was just—I'm so sorry."

He walked closer to me, his eyes still heavy with sleep. "It's okay," he said softly.

"I'll go," I said quickly, turning around. But in my haste, I walked headfirst into the door. "Ow!" I clutched my forehead, swearing under my breath.

Lane flicked on the light, illuminating the room. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

My voice caught in my throat as I saw his perfectly chiselled body. He was shirtless, and in this light, he looked even better than I'd imagined. I didn't realize I was staring until he asked again if I was alright, now standing so close, concern in his eyes. His hair was floppy and messy, falling into his eyes. He ran a hand through it, and I pursed my lips, trying to ignore the way his muscles rippled with that small action.

I took a step back, trying to resist the overwhelming urge to touch him. I turned around and opened the door, only to have it close slowly again. I turned back to find him so close, his hand on the door, closing it the rest of the way. He asked me again if I was okay.

I nodded, and his eyes searched mine, filled with concern and something else—something deeper. I didn't realize I was touching his chest until his eyes moved down to where my fingers brushed against his skin. I quickly tried to pull away, but I couldn't. I needed to touch him. I needed him to touch me.

I shyly stepped closer, feeling the heat radiating off his body. "Lane, I..."

He reached out and gently cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "Rebecca, you don't have to be nervous."

My heart pounded in my chest, and I swallowed hard. "It's just... I've never felt like this before."

He smiled, his eyes softening. "Neither have I." His other hand found its way to my waist, pulling me gently closer.