Page 140

He chuckles, his chest rumbling against my cheek. "Don't apologize, baby. You have nothing to be sorry for."
"But, I'm a mess," I protest, trying to pull myself together.
"I happen to like messy," he replies, his voice teasing.
"Shut up," I mumble, swatting him playfully.
"Make me."
I laugh, the tears forgotten.
"You're terrible," I say, smiling up at him.
"Guilty," he says, his eyes twinkling.
He leans in and kisses me, then pulls back after a moment.
"Come here," he says, pulling me close.
I let him wrap his strong arms around me, feeling safe and content.
I sigh and relax into him.
He runs his fingers through my hair, and I'm lulled by his warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
I don't know how long we stay like that, wrapped up in each other, but after a while, I realize that I'm exhausted but not so sleepy.
He must realize it too, because he speaks up.
"Annie?"
"Mm?"
"You should get some rest," he says gently.
I know he's right, but I'm not ready to let go of him just yet.
"I'm not ready to sleep yet," I whisper.
"No? How do you feel about the hot tub?" He presses a kiss to my head. "Hm?"
"Sounds perfect."
Chapter Thirty Three
Cole
"Sounds perfect."
I smile at Annie's lazy, satisfied voice, then untangle myself from the sheets and stand. Before she can attempt to follow, I pick her up. She practically weighs nothing.
"Cole," she gasps, clinging to me. "I can walk."
"It's just easier this way," I say. Truth is, I'm enjoying the way she's holding onto me.
"We should put clothes on first."
"Nope," I say, heading toward the sliding door. "I want you naked."