Trip Switch

by Allison Speka

He scowled at me before reaching over and plucking the book from my clutches. “What are you doing? Give that back.” I tried to retrieve it, but he held it high, just out of my reach. “No. Apparently I need to broaden my views,” he said. “You’re seriously going to read my book?” I asked, trying not to gape. “I can’t critique something I haven’t tried.” “Why do I feel like that hasn’t stopped you in the past?” Harrison held my book in front of him and held up a finger to his mouth. “Excuse me. Can you please keep it down? I’m trying to read.”

Harrison definitely didn’t flirt. And I was grateful for that, because that meant I’d never have to put my weak resolve to any sort of test. I had a pulse, after all.

“Well, isn’t that something,” Harrison said gruffly, dropping his duffle and circling the singular queen-sized bed that was staring us in the face. “Looks like we’ll be living out that one-bed trope after all.”

“That doesn’t exactly sound like a great combination.” Shrugging, I couldn’t help but feel he was wrong. “Maybe we’re balancing each other out.” His eyes roamed over my face. “Lila, if anyone could balance me out, it’s you.”

“I got to you.” I grinned and poked his chest. I nearly gasped when he captured my hand with his own and crushed me against him. “You got me,” he breathed. He dipped his head and kissed me, slow and firm. One hand came up to cradle my face while the other gripped my side, holding me close.