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“Really?” I perk up a little. “Is it nice?”

“Yeah.” He smiles down at me. “We should probably go to bed. Have you taken your blood yet?”

“No, have you?”

He shakes his head. Then he releases his hold on me and heads toward the kitchen.

I follow, resigned to the fact my parents came home and tossed a grenade into my life.

21

I liein bed for hours, wide awake, unable to think about anything except Noah.

At just after three, I toss back the covers and leave my room, tiptoeing down the stairs and into the kitchen for a glass of water.

I drink half of it in the dim glow of the under-cabinet nightlights, staring resolutely at the closed blinds, and then place the glass on the counter.

Just as I’m turning around, my eyes catch on a shadow in the living room. I gasp and step back, nearly knocking the glass into the sink.

“Hey,” Noah says softly, stepping into the kitchen. “It’s just me.”

I press my hand over my racing heart. “You startled me.”

“Sorry.” He walks to the cabinet. “I heard you going down the stairs and came to see if you were all right.”

“Did I wake you?” I ask.

He didn’t bother to pull on a T-shirt, and my gaze moves to his bare torso.

He really should have put on a shirt. How am I supposed to think platonic thoughts if he goes around like that?

Pecs, biceps, abs…the man has them all. Broad shoulders, a trim waist, too.

Darn him.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He pours himself a glass of water, his tone darkening like he senses my eyes on him. Then he turns, watching me as he takes a long drink.

“You forgot your shirt,” I point out.

“You forgot your shorts.”

No, I didn’t. I’m in cotton sleep shorts, a little shorter than what I usually wear during the day. I wouldn’t wear them in public, but they’re far from scandalous.

“You shouldn’t tease me in the middle of the night,” I warn. “I’m feeling reckless, and I never agreed to pause our relationship.”

“Maybe your mom should have warned me to lock my bedroom door instead.” He raises his brows. “Am I in danger?”

We’re in danger, all right.

I watch him closely as I step up to him. “Maybe.”

Feeling bold, I brush my fingertips over his ribbed stomach, encouraged when he draws in a sharp breath. “It’s a shame you’ve kept all this covered up. I probably would have agreed to date you sooner if you’d put the goods on display.”

He barks out a laugh, groaning when I trail my fingers over his side. “You’re welcome to browse whenever you like.”

“That’s not what you said a few hours ago.”

“I’m losing my mind, Piper.” He catches my hand, pulling it down to our sides. “I don’t want to break up with you.”