Less Than Nothing

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"Jesus Alex," Ryan says, with a hint of judgment in his voice. "You know we're only going to be there for two days, right?"

He rushes over to me, and grabs the two large Prada duffel bags I attempted to haul down the steps of my apartment building, saving my arms in the process.

"I know," I huff, trying to catch my breath. "I just wanted to be prepared."

"Prepared?" He laughs, and places my bags in the trunk of his car.

"Yeah."

Unsure of what 'sexy cottage getaway' attire entailed, I played it safe by packing a fourth of my wardrobe.

Overpacking is a very Alex habit, and that habit was only amplified by the pressure surrounding this weekend.

As I was stuffing my bags with various cardigans and seductive lingerie, I was called to question whether I should even be going on this trip to begin with.

I'm playing a very dangerous game. The goal is to avoid my growing feelings for Ryan, and yet here I am, accompanying him on a romantic, lakehouse escape.

The reason I even agreed to go, is because Ryan convinced me that it would be fun. Non-committal, non-conditional fun.

I deserve to have fun.

The burden of overthinking is definitely a fun killer, so I'll make sure to lay my worries to rest before we leave.

"Well, at least you'll be warm." He says. "Also, before we go, I'll have to warn you that it's a long ride. Do you get carsick, or anything?"

I shake my head.

"Carsick? No. But who knows...hours in a confined space with you may change that."

"Doubtful." He grins. "I've had you in tighter spaces than this, in which you were very enthusiastic."

My face heats up.

"Okay, whatever." I brush him off. "I have everything. I'm ready to go."

Ryan just laughs. Probably because he sees right through me.

"After you, " He says, opening the passenger seat door.

"Thanks." I get in, and he joins me on the driver's side.

"Now is where I should warn you..." I begin. "I don't think we'll have this issue, but due to my guilty pleasure of crime documentaries, I feel like it must be said. If this is your attempt to lure me upstate, into the woods and murder me...just know that I'm very unpredictable when in danger, so I'll probably kill you first."

I've heard too many stories about naive, dick-whipped girls who unfortunately fell victim to men they thought they could trust.

I don't peg Ryan for a murderer, but still, one can't be too careful.

He blinks slowly, processing my words, and then releases a laugh.

"Thank you for the warning, but I promise, you have nothing to worry about." He assures me. "The only thing you should be concerned about me murdering, is that pus-"

"Okay!" I cut him off. "No need to finish that sentence."

We're both laughing now.

"Anything else?"

"Nope. I think I'm actually ready now."

"Great." He puts the car in drive, and speeds off from my block.

Fulfilling my promise of no worrying, I focus on my excitement for the time being. I'm happy for the chance to see somewhere new.

"That's for you." Ryan points to the coffee in the cup holder. I recognize the label imprinted on the sleeve. It's from the coffee house by my job, the one where my unfortunate run-in with Mason took place.