Page 17 of Icebreaker

Brennen

Yeah. I’ve had this plan since I was a kid. You said you’re tired. You should head to bed.

Ellie

I’m okay

Brennen

Nope, you’ve got class in the morning. I don’t know why, but our flight was delayed, so I won’t be back until tomorrow, hopefully in the morning.

Ellie

Ugh, that doesn’t sound fun.

Brennen

Peasebottom keeping you company?

Ellie

You’re silly.

Brennen

Yes or no?

Ellie

Yes

Brennen

Good. We’re pulling up to the hotel. Tell him I said hi. Good night.

Ellie

G’night

The pragmatic part of me knew that Brennen checked in with me because he was bored, but I could pretend that it meant more. I snuggled in under the blanket, wrapped in Brennen’s scent, sucked on my paci, and finished my movie. When it was over, I’d get at least one more chapter in on my current fantasy book. The dragon theme was strong today. Brennen would be home again tomorrow and the vaguely empty feeling in my chest would go away.

Even though I reminded myself over and over again that I couldn’t fall asleep on the couch, that’s exactly what I’d done. Brennen fumbling with bags, gear, and keys was the only thing that woke me. If I were a nice person, I’d help him, but that wasn’t happening.

I was surrounded by my stuffies. Not ideal, but it could be handled.

I was in a onesie. But I’d seen people around campus in baggy jumpsuits, so I could potentially bluff my way through it and claim I’d bought the wrong size.

The real problem? I was wearing a nappy. No plausible explanation would help that make sense.

Rather than open the door for him, I swept my stuffies into my arms and raced to my bedroom. Never had I been so glad that the locks in this apartment stuck so much. I was two steps away from my door when I heard the lock turn over. Instead of wasting time breathing, I held my breath to take the two stepsand slammed the door behind me, which naturally bounced open on impact. Rather than risk it again, I pushed it closed and then leaned against it to keep it that way.

“Bro, what was that about?” Brennen called from the living room. He sounded tired, but not annoyed.

Think. Think. Think.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you back so early. I’m not…um…dressed.” Lame, but it worked.

“I shower with the team every day. I don’t think I’m going to faint at the sight of you in pajamas. Unless you’re not wearing pajamas. Is that what’s going on?” I heard the laughter in his voice. Still, that knowledge didn’t stop the happy dance I did on my side of the door at the realization that Brennen Tate had put me and naked in the same thought.