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I thank him, and we hang up just as Roxy steps out of the bathroom. Steam curls behind her, and I’m momentarily struck dumb at the sight of my girl in leggings and a tank top, her long, damp hair hanging over one shoulder like a black, inky river.
Roxy stands awkwardly in the doorway, folding her arms around her stomach as if hugging herself. I pat the seat next to me on the small couch, and my girl pads her cute little feet over to where I am. She looks at the tiny space on the couch and then at me. I realize I’m taking up far more than half of the loveseat with my bulky arms and legs, so I pat my knee and wait to see what she does.
“Oh. You want me to... sit... on your lap?” she asks slowly, as if not believing me.
I nod and pat my knee again.
“I’m far too heavy for–”
I can’t even let her finish that sentence. I reach out and loop my arm around her waist, pulling the curvy goddess closer until she’s standing between my spread legs. “You’re perfect,” I tell her, making sure she hears me when I say it. “If you’re comfortable enough with me, then I would very much like to have you right here in my arms, on my lap.”
“For bodyguard reasons?” Roxy asks, a slight smile curling up one corner of her mouth.
“Amongst other things,” I say, giving her a wink.
Roxy’s eyebrows shoot up to her forehead, and I won’t lie; I like surprising her like this. For once, I’m the one keeping her on her toes.
The beautiful, brave woman who has been through so much in her life gives me a smile that’s somehow equal parts sweet, vulnerable, and sassy. It’s everything Roxy is and everything I didn’t know I needed.
I guide my girl to sit on my lap, which she does. Her back is straight and tense, so I run my fingertips up and down her spine, hoping to relax her. When she curls up and rests her head on my shoulder, I finally feel complete. I adjust her slightly so her legs are stretched out across mine, and then I hold her, rocking her gently back and forth until I hear her soft, even breaths.
Roxy is sound asleep in my arms. I want to pound my fist on my chest in pride that I could make her comfortable and safe enough to sleep after everything that happened this morning.
As I look down at the sleeping princess, I wonder, not for the first time, how I survived this long without her in my life. I need to find out who is after my girl, and then I need to make her mine. Forever.
Chapter 6
Roxy
I slowly blink my heavy eyelids a few times, adjusting to the light in the room. As my vision clears, I realize I have no idea where I am. The window is small and partially covered with olive green and mustard yellow curtains.
The more I wake up, the more I notice. Wood paneling? Did I fall into a time machine? But no, I’m in a bed with slightly scratchy blankets. When did I go to bed? The last thing I remember is...
I’m suddenly aware of someone else in the bed with me. I’m on my side with my back facing the other side of the bed, and I don’t dare look over my shoulder to see who it is. My heart jackhammers against my ribcage, and panic weaves its way around my chest, squeezing until I can hardly breathe.
“It’s just me,” a familiar voice says.
Keaton.
Everything in me relaxes as I let out a relieved sigh and turn to face him. He’s close. Much closer than I thought he’d be. We’re nose to nose, only a few inches apart.
“Hi,” I whisper, like an idiot.
Keaton grins, and holy crap, I was right. It’s sexy and playful and perfect.
“Hi.”
We just stare at each other for who knows how long. I take in his angular jaw, dotted with stubble, his strong nose, and surprisingly full lips. I watch in fascination as his golden-brown eyes dart around my face like he can't get enough of me.
“You’re so beautiful, Roxy,” he murmurs, his breath fluttering across my lips.
Keaton ghosts his fingertips along my eyebrow, temple, and cheek, then down my neck. I swear I feel that small touch everywhere. I throb in places I’ve never throbbed before.
I lean into his touch, moving ever so slightly closer to him. Keaton moves closer, too, until our noses are touching. My heart beats out of my chest, and every nerve ending is alive and sensitive.
Without thinking, I place a palm on Keaton’s chest, which makes him groan softly. I can feel him trembling slightly underneath my touch. Am I doing that to him?
Encouraged by his response, I tilt my head and press my lips to his in my first kiss ever.
