Page 59 of Hideaway Heart

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“Do we still have the no-touching rule?”

I ran a hand through my hair. “Ah, I think we can bury that rule. It’s good and dead.”

She laughed and tossed the covers back. “May it rest in peace. But I won’t miss it.”

I climbed in next to her, and she immediately tucked herself against my side, throwing an arm across my waist and laying her head on my chest.

“I know you’re probably not a cuddler,” she said, “but can I just have a minute?”

“How do you know I’m not a cuddler?”

“Just a guess.”

“Well, it’s wrong. I happen to be a fucking great cuddler. It’s my long arms.” I wrapped one around her. “See?”

She giggled. “But that doesn’t mean youlikeit. You can be good at something and not enjoy it.”

“True. I guess you’ll just have to trust me that in this case, I’m good at itandI’m enjoying it.”

“I trust you.” She paused. “It’s actually strange how much I trust you. I wish you lived in Nashville so you could be in charge of my security team there.”

“I’m not sure how well that would work,” I said. “I’d probably punch anyone who got near you. And anyway, I’m out of the security business. This was just a favor for your brother.” At the mention of Sully, I expected a stab of guilt. I was surprised when it didn’t come.

We were both silent for a moment, listening to the rain drum softly on the roof. I stroked her shoulder and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair. Our breathing synced, and I found myself getting drowsy. My eyes closed. My hand stilled. My body relaxed.

“Xander?”

“Hmm?”

“I have to confess something.”

“What?”

She sighed. “I’m not really afraid of storms anymore. I just wanted you to sleep in here.”

“It’s okay. I lied about something too.”

“What?” She sat up and looked at me.

“Ididwant to kiss you last night. It wasn’t all for show.”

“Oh, that.” She snickered. “That was obvious.”

I pinched her butt. “Also, I saw your vibrator in the shower.”

She gasped. “You snooped in my shower?”

“I wasn’t snooping. I just sort of...peeked behind the curtain. But believe me, I was sorry I did it.”

“Why?” She covered her bare chest demurely. “Did it ruin your image of country music’s sweetheart?”

“No, but it gave me a slight insecurity complex. It has bits and bobs my anatomy does not have.”

“Oh.” She laughed, dropping her arms. “Yes, it does. But you’ve got nothing to worry about. It doesn’t come close to you. I’d take your anatomy over a toy any day.”