Page 45 of Denim & Diamonds

“I don’t take kissing you lightly,” he said as he came up for breath.

“What happened to your plan to not start anything?” I panted.

“My plans always change when it comes to you, Red.”

I straightened the wrinkles in my shirt. “Well, as much as I’d like to spend the night, I don’t think we should sleep together. Itwouldcomplicate things.”

“Thank you for the formal clarification. Unfortunately, I agree.”

“I have no desire to go back to the wellness center, though. It’s too cozy and warm here.”

He shrugged. “So don’t. Sleep in my bed tonight. I’ll crash here on the couch. Then I’ll drive you back in the morning.”

While it was tempting, I shook my head. “I can’t do that.”

“Why not? You’ve slept in my bed beforewith me. Can’t get any more dangerous than that, and not a thing happened.”

He had a point. I could totally do this.

“If you want me to spend the night…then yeah, okay.” I smiled.

“I want to fuck you hard is what I want.” His eyes seared into mine. “But that won’t happen. Doesn’t mean I won’t dream about it.”

And now I felt tingly all over.

We snuggled together on the couch, and despite our plan for me to move to the bed, Oak had plans of his own. He rested his chin on my lap and fell asleep. His head was like a giant paperweight.

“Well, I can’t move now. I don’t want to wake him.”

“He’s exhausted from violating the cow I won you at the fair for three days straight.”

“He’s horny.”

“He’s not the only one around here lately.” Brock grinned mischievously. “And this would be the first time he’s slept out here in the living room in…I don’t know how long. He’s usually in the tub by now.” He chuckled. “You make him feel comfortable enough to risk being attacked by his own shadow.”

“If that’s my claim to fame, Hawkins, I’ll take it.”

Brock leaned his head against my shoulder. “He must sense what I sense.”

“What’s that?”

“That you’re nothing to be afraid of. You’re vulnerable and beautiful. And honest.”

“Well, I’m happy you feel that way.”

“I wish I didn’t. I wish you’d give me a reason not to be devastated that you’re leaving.”

Our eyes locked.

“Seriously, let me move him if you’d like to get up,” he finally said.

I shook my head. “I can think of far worse places to be stuck than on a comfy couch with a fire blazing. And believe it or not, I like how his face feels on my lap.”

Brock smirked. “I’ve got a face, too.”

“I guess I walked right into that one.”

“Trust me, though, if it wasmyface on your lap, neither of us would be sleeping.”