Clearly, he knows I’m lying.
“It’s late, so sure, I’m a bit tired, but I don’t think I could sleep tonight.”
“How about we try?” he offers. “Just think, you could close your eyes and when you open them again, all this will be over.”
I shake my head. “All this won’t be over until the demon is dead . . . or I am.”
Becks is silent. Probably because he knows it’s true. Our immediate goal is to get through this night, but even if we do, it won’t be over. This will be hanging over my head for two years, until I get the chance to kill the demon at the next blood moon.
“How about we just take one day at a time,” he says, and I nod. It’s all we can do.
“Come on,” Becks says, getting to his feet and taking all that delicious heat of his with him. “Let’s get you in bed.”
I let him pull me to my feet and lead me up the stairs, feeling a little guilty for the others who are out there patrolling all night. When we get to my room, Becks tells me to get into my pajamas and he’ll be right back. I quickly change into some comfy flannel pants and a soft t-shirt. Becks is back in a few minutes with a steaming cup of hot cocoa for me.
“To help you sleep,” he says. “Low on the chocolate so the caffeine doesn’t keep you awake.”
He hands me the mug after I get under the covers. I take a sip and it’s delicious, warming me from the inside out. It’s exactly what I needed. He’s so thoughtful.
Becks grabs the small armchair in the corner of the room and starts dragging it to the door.
“What are you doing?” I ask, frowning at him.
“Making sure you’re safe all night.”
“But . . .” I thought he’d get into bed with me. I feel silly for assuming that now. “Never mind.”
Of course, Becks doesn’t miss the blush I try to hide by taking another sip of chocolatey goodness.
“What?” he asks.
“Really, nothing.”
I take another swig of the warm drink and then set it on the nightstand, shutting off the table lamp and plunging the room into semi-darkness, knowing Becks can see just fine with the full moonlight streaming in the window. I start to snuggle down into the comforter, but then get hit with a wave of self-consciousness.
“Are you just going to sit there all night and watch me sleep?”
“I could sit on the other side of the door if it makes you?—”
“No,” I say quickly. The thought of him leaving makes me panic. “It’s just . . .” I clear my throat, embarrassed. “I may be more comfortable if . . .” I can’t make myself say it.
“Haven, are you trying to say you want me in your bed?” I can hear the smile in his voice that I can’t see.
“Not like that,” I say, and then turn on my side, refusing to look at him.
His low chuckle curls through me, making my pulse stumble. Now I kinda do want it like that.
The springs in the chair squeak as Becks stands.
I hold my breath, as his footsteps near. The bed dips on the other side as he settles his weight.
“Come here,” he whispers as he digs under the covers and pulls me closer.
He stays in a seated position, his back against the headboard, and I turn over so I can rest against him.
“Better?” he asks softly, running a hand gently through my hair.
“Mmm,” I say, already feeling sleepy.
