Page 82 of Sunkissed Colorado

Reaching toward my nightstand, I flicked offthe lamp. Snuggled into her. “Thank you for making me stay, Callum,” she whispered into the darkness. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

I tightened my arms around her. “We both are. And we’ll both stay that way. I’ll make sure of it. Now go to sleep.” My eyelids were heavy. But I stayed awake long after she drifted off, marveling at howrightit felt to have her here.

Honestly, I couldn’t remember a woman sleeping in my bed unless she was naked, and we’d just had sex. Z and I had barely done more than kiss tonight. But this, with Zandra, it was…

Better. So much better than anyone had ever felt in my arms.

I didn’t know what this woman was doing to me. Yet I already knew I’d give just about anything to keep this feeling going.

TWENTY

Zandra

I woketo warm yellow light shining onto white walls. The murmur of voices from somewhere nearby. I was in a nest of thick blankets up to my neck, and I wasn’t alone. A large arm draped over me, absently caressing my belly through my sleep shirt.

Even if I’d somehow lost all memory of last night, I’d be able to tell it was Callum in bed with me. Not just from the combined scent of cologne and masculinity. But the electricity I felt from his touch.

I’d felt it all last night too. I couldn’t even explain the relief I’d experienced after seeing him safe and sound. The loved ones of first responders and soldiers had to get used to it, right? The helplessness.

I was hardly hisloved one. We were just getting to be friends.

But in my heart, I knew the world would be a much darker place without Callum’s irreplaceable light in it. And my world was already so dark sometimes.

It was terrifying how much I craved having his light shine on me.

“You awake?” Callum’s voice was rough from sleep. His lips pressed soft kisses against my neck, chin scratchy with stubble. “I think you’re awake.”

“Need the bathroom,” I murmured.

When I tried to scoot from him, though, he clamped his arm down. “Nope.”

“Callum, I’m serious.”

“Same.” Another kiss. “You know how long I’ve been wanting you in my bed? Not letting you escape.”

I huffed a laugh. “I’ll come right back.”

“Promise?”

Turning my head, I locked eyes with him. “I’ll hurry back.”

“’Cause you like it here, huh? My bed is the best place ever. Ten out of ten.” He pulled me even closer and burrowed his face in my neck.

“Let me go!” But I was full-on laughing.

He released me, and I scrambled to the bathroom, shutting the door and locking it. Because who knew what shenanigans Callum might come up with. I did my business quickly, then brushed my teeth and washed my face. My hair had come partly out of its braid, but at least my eyes weren’t as bloodshot as last night.

That awful note, on top of the fire and what Tommy had said… I swallowed down a lump, but it sat at the back of my throat. Still there.

Was it foolish to be here with Callum? Probably. But it was hard to care. I was happier around him. After Jessa’s death, I’d gotten used to a base level of unhappiness. That was probably why I’d put up with Ian for so long.

I liked how I felt when Callum was around me.

Emerging from the bathroom, I found Callum leaning against the wall right outside. His rumpled bedhead only made him sexier. The way his pajama pants hung low enough to reveal the base of his happy trail? Sinful.

“Here to escort me back to bed?” I asked.

“In a sec. I need the bathroom too. But keep in mind, I hid your car keys.”