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“Good thing Andy had these sleeping bags in his van,” I said breathily as the back of my ankle brushed the sleeping bag.
“Yeah.”
Barry released me. Sweeping forbidden thoughts from my mind, I climbed into the bag, suddenly cold without his hands on me.
“Where are you going to sleep?” I asked.
“Not tired.” His eyes narrowed. “Just keeping an eye on you until your sister gets back.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“It’s not up for debate.” His voice sounded strained.
“It’s late.” I pressed, wanting him to leave before I did or said something I shouldn’t. “You worked at the garage today before coming here. You must be—”
“Not sleepy,” he said sharply, cutting me off.
“Will you sit over here?” I gestured. “Beside me?”
“It’ll be better if I stay here.” He pointed where he stood. Leaning against the shelves, he crossed his arms over his gorgeous chest.
“Right. Of course.”
I turned my head away and ducked my chin, not wanting him to see how emotional I was. Tears pricked my eyes. Barry not wanting to sit beside me wasn’t rejection, and I shouldn’t take it that way. But I did.
“Not of course.” Suddenly, he was right there. Crouching down, he scooped me up.
“What are you doing?” I asked when he lifted me. I was a tall girl, but he was bigger and stronger than me, lifting me like I weighed nothing. Sleeping bag and all, he sat, deposited me on his lap, and leaned back against the wall.
“Being unwise.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because you need me, but you won’t ask.”
He was right.
“Thank you.” I shifted, laying my cheek against Barry’s hard chest, and tucked my hands together under my chin.
“I’d do anything for you.”
“I know.” I let him see what that meant to me. It shimmered wetly in my eyes.
“Just like you would for me.”
“Yeah.”
“We’re family,” he said. “You and Rachel are the only family I have.”
That hit me in the center of my chest. “We are, and you are ours.”
“Right. So go to sleep now, yeah?”
“Okay.” I yawned, my inhale bringing warm rosemary, spicy cardamon, and crisp green balsam into my lungs. Liking all that and liking him holding me even more, I snuggled closer. “Did you have sex with the girl who gave you cologne?”
“Yeah, Addy.” He stroked my hair.
Warmth rushed through me. Being with Barry was like surrendering to the strong, swiftly moving current of a familiar stream.
