"Oh, I get it," she replied seriously, taking his hand. "I wouldn't even believe the fact that you might want to just talk to me. So terribly unprofessional."
"Terribly," he agreed, locking his car with a small beep. "That would make me way too eager to spend time with you. Playing hard to get is my only way of flirting."
He beamed as they got to her door. "Really? That's good to know. Prepare for more aloof and haughty behavior!"
She laughed as she unlocked the door, her lips pursed slightly as she turned to him. "If I'm being honest, I don't want you to go."
He laughed lightly before kissing her cheek. "Absence makes the heart grow stronger, or something like that."
"Sleep well," he responded, kissing her lightly before heading for the car, slipping his hands into his pockets.
She watched him leave, feeling a bit breathless as she headed inside, a small grin creeping onto her face.
The next morning, Val’s back was against Landon’s chest as she slept in his arms, her hands over his in slumber. *** There came a knock on Callie’s door.
Landon sighed softly, his face hidden in Val's shoulder as he slept. *** After a minute, Callie opened the door, her head cocked thoughtfully.
Val stretched in her sleep before opening one eye sleepily. She frowned before looking over her shoulder to see Landon. She paused, studying his face, a small smile crossing her lips before she seemed to snap out of it. “Gah. Rhodes... let me go.” *** Arlo stood, waiting for her, his hands folded behind his back. His expression brightened when he saw her and he gave her an easy grin. “Hey Cal. Ready to go?”
He released her instinctively, muttering slightly as he turned. "Hmm?" *** She smiled brightly at him, stepping out. "Yep! Are you?"
She rubbed her eyes sleepily, shifting out of his arms. "You gotta stop hugging me in your sleep, Landon." * * * He gave her a sly grin, kissing her cheek. "Cal, I was born ready."
“Because. We don’t like like each other. We’re not dating.” *** He reached for her hand with a grin on his face. “We’re going to see everything.”
