Page 109 of Rogue's Path

“I know that.” How do I fix this? It can’t be fixed. I should have turned the thermostat way up while he was changing. “Are you hot? I’m hot. You don’t need to wear a shirt if you’re hot. It won’t offend me.” Offend? Really, are you a twit? Because that was the most asinine thing you’ve ever said. You can clearly see a well-defined chest under that form-fitting shirt.

“Nice try. You don’t get to see the tattoo unless I get a kiss.”

Fine. Whatever. I didn’t want to see your silly romantic tattoo, anyway. “We should go to sleep.” I can’t even say I’m tired, because I’m not. Though I should be with all that exercise we did, I’m going to pass out in no time.

“Are you sure you want this? I can sleep on the floor.”

“Ewww. Hotel floors are gross.”

“They’re no worse than sleeping in a cow pasture. Avoiding patties is the name of the game there.”

Don’t wanna know. I don’t want to know why he was sleeping with cows. “It’s fine. I’ll take full responsibility if you slip up and kiss me.”

“I won’t kiss you.” Rogue slides in next to me.

Because I’m going to end up there anyway, and I already know what a great pillow he is, I move over and lay my head on his shoulder.

He wraps his arm around me. “It’s a good thing I love you.”

“I know. Good night, Rogue.”

“Night, Peaches.”

***

My phone’s ringtone wakes me up. Who’s calling in the middle of the night? I grab it off the table and answer before looking. “Hello.”

“Why did you change your number?”

Taylor. “It’s a long story.”

Rogue sits up and turns the bedside light on, lifting my body with his.

I guess we’re sitting up.

“No, it’s not. Women only change their number for two reasons, and both of those reasons require you to call me. So I’ll ask again. Why did you change your number?”

“Did you use that box you were talking about to find it?”

“No, Dylan, I didn’t. We have common friends. I made a few calls until I got your number.”

“We do?” I turn to Rogue and give him an apologetic look.

“You’re avoiding the question.”

Of course, I am. “It’s nothing. Where are you? Still on the other side of the world.”

“No, I’m on the way back early. That’s why I was trying to call you.”

“Everyone okay? You didn’t plan on getting back until the end of the week.” I lean back on Rogue’s shoulder while I keep talking to Taylor. It’s definitely better than any pillows.

“No problems. The client’s daughter wanted to see her aunt.”

“Aww. That’s sweet.”

“And you’re still ignoring my question.”

I laugh. Whether it’s from nerves or lack of sleep, I don’t know.