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“Tell me more about them,” she asks.
“Let’s go on a tour of the house, and then we can talk all you want. I want you to feel comfortable here.”
“I’m not staying here, though, right? I’m staying at Sawyer’s place?”
“That’s your choice, Layla. I’d love nothing more than for you to be here with me all the time, but I understand if you’re not ready for that.”
“And you are? Ready for that, I mean?”
“Yeah, baby.” I slide my arm around her waist, pulling her into my chest. “I’m ready for that.”
“We barely know each other.”
“So you keep reminding me,” I tease. “Come on.” I lead her out of the foyer into the living room. From there, we tour the entire first level before moving upstairs. “There are four more bedrooms up here.”
“Five bedrooms,” she croaks, shaking her head. “Your kitchen is the size of my apartment back in Florida. This house…” She turns to face me. “…is incredible, Owen. So beautiful. You should be proud of where you are.”
“I am now that you’re here.” Again, I snake my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest. She fits there.
“These are all extra bedrooms. You’re welcome to stay in any of them or stay in my room with me. The choice is yours.” Before she can form a reply, I keep going. “You hungry?” I ask.
“No,” she says over a yawn.
Without a word, I turn us, and we head back downstairs. I lead us to my bedroom, knowing that the front door is locked, and kick off my shoes. “I’m exhausted,” I say, turning on the bedside lamp.
“I told you I would drive,” she says over another yawn.
“I know, but I was good. Now, I’m tired.” I strip down to my boxer briefs and climb into bed. “You coming?” I slide over to the middle of the bed and hold the covers up for her. “We’re just sleeping, Lay. I promise. Now come here. It’s late, and I know you’re still tired, you can’t stop yawning.”
I can see the indecision warring in her eyes. “Owen, I don’t know if this is a good idea.”
“Why not? You’ve slept next to me before.”
“That’s why. I can’t let myself get used to the safety and comfort of sleeping next to you.”
I sit up, letting the blanket pool at my waist. “I want you to get comfortable, and I always want you to feel safe. You are safe with me, Layla.”
She’s already shaking her head before I’m finished. “I’m not.” She taps her hand over her heart. “Right here,” she whispers. “I’m not safe right here.”
Just like that, another piece of my heart breaks off and finds its way floating toward her. “Come here, baby.” I pat the bed next to me. I’m prepared to argue my case, but she surprises me when she kicks off her shoes and asks for a shirt to sleep in. “In that dresser.” I point behind her. “Top drawer. The bathroom’s through that door.” I point, showing her.
“I’ll be right back.” I watch every move as she retrieves a T-shirt and disappears behind the bathroom door. I decide to send my brothers and my parents a message, letting them know I made it home in our group text.Me: Just got in.Royce: Layla?Me: She’s with me.Mom: Can’t wait to meet her.Dad: Welcome home, son.Marshall: When you bringing my girl over, bro?Grant: Owen’s in Looovee.Conrad: Owen and Layla sitting in a tree…Mom: Leave your brother alone.Me: Good night.I power off my phone, knowing that my idiot brothers can keep their teasing going all night long. Normally it would annoy me because, before Layla, there was no one I would bring home to them or consider letting stay in my home. Things have changed. Layla has changed me.
The bathroom door opens, and I can’t help but stare as she makes her way toward the bed. “You want me to turn this off?” She points to the lamp.
“Do you need it? To feel safe?” I add.
“No,” she says, shaking her head at the same time.
“Turn it off.” She reaches for the lamp, and the room goes dark. “Layla.” My voice is husky even to my own ears. “Come to bed, baby.”
I feel the bed dip as she climbs in beside me. I reach for her in the darkness and pull her to my side, my front aligned with her back. My hand rests on her bare thigh, and my thumb traces her silky-smooth skin. With each pass of my thumb, I feel her body relax into me.
“Owen?” Her voice is soft as it fills the quiet room.
“Yeah?” I ask, my voice rough.
“Goodnight.”
“Night,” I reply, sliding my hand to her belly and holding her close. It doesn’t take long for my body to relax and for sleep to claim me.* * *I’m standing at the stove frying bacon when I feel her. “Hungry?” I ask.
