Page 258

“Harrison?” she whispers, her gaze lowering between us as if I’ve gone one step too far for comfort.

“Don’t lock me out. I’m not asking for anything.” When she looks up again, I swear water shines in her eyes. The last thing I want to do is make her cry. “I just wanted to get that off my chest.”

“I didn’t take you for the sentimental type.”

This time, I do smirk because fuck, I’m now deep in the feels. “Me either.” I chuckle, keeping it inside because I prefer to hear her laughter, which is softer in the afterglow.

“Thank you.”

“You’re thanking me for sex?”

The corner of her mouth rises up on one side. “I’m thanking you for tonight.” She slips out of bed, and adds, “I’ll be back.”

Most women snuggle against me, wanting me to stay. Some even beg or coerce me into it. My guilt gets the better of me sometimes.

The one woman I wouldn’t mind trying to cling to me has no interest in such things. She disappears into the bathroom, leaving me lying there alone with my thoughts. With my arms spread wide, I take a deep breath and slowly exhale. When I’m with her, the mental gymnastics easily competes with the physical demands. I could lie here and go through every conversation we had to try to figure out where I stand in her world, but I’m exhausted and decide to give it a rest for now.

As my lids grow heavier, my muscles relax against the mattress. Trying to force myself to stay awake, I turn toward the closed bathroom door, and call out, “All okay in there?”

“All good!” she calls back.

I give in and close my eyes, unsure how long she’s planning to be gone.

The scent of soap and sweetness fills the air just as a warm hand grazes across my chest. A kiss to my cheek has me not only opening my eyes but reaching to hold on to the softness of her skin.

The lamp is now off, inviting darkness to stay. The night might be owning the space, but I see her. I see her bare before me in every way; her face is clean of makeup, and her hair is hanging over her left shoulder. Turning to catch her lips with mine, I ask, “What took you so long?” My voice is gruff with sleep.

Running her hand over the scruff of my face, she whispers, “Just that magic I spoke about earlier. Do you want to stay?”

A smile creases my cheeks. I’d already planned on it since I fell asleep, but knowing she wants me to has me feeling like an Olympic gold medalist. “I’ll stay.” Can’t sound too eager, though. Wouldn’t want to feed the ego she wears like armor. I like when her defenses are down, and I get to spend time with the woman she really is instead of what she wants the world to believe.

When she lies next to me, we stare into each other’s eyes. “If you need to use the bathroom . . .”

“I’ll be right back.”

She nods, and then her eyes close just before I slip out of bed. I don’t take long in the bathroom and even score a little finger scrub with toothpaste to clean my teeth and have fresher breath. I splash water on my tired face, dry my hands, and then run my hands through my hair. I’m not sure if she’s up for more fun, but I’m not opposed to as much action as she craves.

Taking a second, I push my palms down against the marble counter. The exhilaration of getting what you want after so long and then having her like no other woman I’ve been with—no barrier between us, just pure heat and lust, desire and Tatum—causes my heart to beat hard in my chest. “Fuck.” I squeeze my eyes closed and try to calm back down before returning.

I look at myself once more, push my hair back, and return to the bedroom only to find her asleep. Guess I got my answer regarding the rest of the night.

I slip under the covers. Clearly, she’s a woman used to sleeping in her own bed by how she sleeps in the middle of it. I keep my chuckle under wraps and then move next to her. My eyes slowly adjust to the dark again, and I can just make out her delicate features. She’s a stunner with makeup, but without, she’s truly breathtaking. I can’t believe I’m the one who gets the privilege of seeing her stripped down to nothing.

So fucking lucky.

I take my watch off my wrist and set it on her nightstand next to a book and an alarm clock. Though she’s facing me, I pull her close, leaving no room between us, her breathing remaining steady as she stirs and readjusts with her head resting on my shoulder.

In the quiet of the room, I can only hear the matching cadence of our breathing. I realize I don’t mind that she fell asleep since I get to hold her like this. I kiss her on the top of her head and then fall asleep.

11

Tatum

I shouldn’t likea strong arm around me like I’m captive to this bed.

But I do.

Or maybe it’s just him that I like so much. He’s so warm, and I can’t resist staying curled up against him as though I’ve been left out in the cold too long.Huh. Wonder if there’s some truth to that. Something to ponder when I’m fully awake.