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I was not fucking okay. But if there was one thing I’d learned, it was to make the best of circumstances. Complaining about something wasn’t going to make it better, and I couldn’t find a solution this late at night. Driving back to New Orleans was completely out of the question.

“Yes. Do you want to shower first?” I asked.

“I was just going to suggest that.”

She walked away so quickly that it made me think my presence was unnerving her.

“Grace, I can sleep in the car if it makes you feel better,” I suggested.

That would be even shittier than the couch, but I didn’t want her to have to put up with this if it made her uncomfortable. That was the last thing I wanted to do after what she’d revealed about her ex.

She turned around. “What? Don’t be ridiculous. It’s going to be fine. I’ll pretend you’re not here.”

I started to laugh despite myself. “And why is that?”

“Because it’s the first time I’m sharing sleeping quarters with a man who’s not my husband.”

“Grace...”

She put her hands on her hips, shaking her head. “I don’t know why I said that...”

I couldn’t stand not being close to her, so I took a few steps forward. I wanted to look her in the eye, so I bent my knees until I was eye level with her.

She smiled. “You don’t have to do that. I can look up.”

I straightened up, and she wasn’t averting her gaze anymore.

“Tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen,” I said.

She narrowed her eyes. “You can’t.”

“Just try me.”

“I’d like two beds here.”

“No, you’re right. I can’t make that happen.”

She winked at me, which meant she was more at ease. “See? I’m going to take a shower.”

“Fine, I’ll set up the sofa bed.”

After Grace closed the door to the bathroom, I set the couch cushions in the corner of the room and wrangled the rickety frame out of its enclosure. When I finally got it open, I took one look at it and knew there was no way I could fit. I tested my theory, lying down on it. My feet hung off the bed. I angled myself, thinking that might give me more room—nope. To make matters worse, it was hard as a rock. Maybe the floorwouldbe better.

Whatever, I’d just have to power through.

Grace was taking her sweet time in the shower, which was fine with me. I found some linens in a dresser next to the TV and plenty of blankets. I put everything I needed on the sofa bed, including three pillows, although I couldn’t see how that would make things any better. At least it was just going to be one night.

Grace came out a few seconds later, fully dressed, then gasped.

“Zachary. Oh, come on.” Her eyes focused on the couch. Clearly she was seeing the same problem I was. “That’s... I don’t even think you can fit diagonally on it.”

“I can’t. I tried. Don’t worry, I’ve had worse.”

She cocked a brow. “Really?”

“No, I just wanted to make it sound better.”

“Well, Mr. Smooth Talker, jump in the shower. It takes forever for the water to get warm, and I think it still is, so don’t waste too much time.”