He managed a small smile, helping me up. “You need me to carry you?”
“I’m fine.” I shook my head. My head and neck were already feeling much better after taking the medicine they’d given me after my examination.
He took my hand, his hand warm and strong around mine as he led us down the hallway and out to the parking lot beyond.
I was too tired to make conversation on the drive, and he seemed deep in thought. It felt like mere moments before we were pulling into the garage of a modern house off the beach.
“I’ll have Cade and Danny swing by your place, grab Able and a few of your things,” he explained as he cut the engine.
Despite feeling awkward having them do such a large favor, I sagged with relief. I couldn’t think much beyond sleep.
He came around to my side of the Jeep, helping me out and into the house. With its high ceilings, open concept, and sleek lines, it was beautiful but felt more like a museum than a home.
“It’s... it’s….” I struggled for the right word.
“Cold? I know,” he acknowledged with a sigh. “I know, I need to add some personal touches. I’ll get to it eventually.” He shrugged with a self-deprecating laugh. “Let’s get you upstairs.”
I followed him dutifully up the staircase, the sound of our footsteps reverberating off the walls.
He turned to me when we reached the top of the stairs. “I know this is unconventional,” he began, flashing that dimple that made me melt. “But I’d like you to sleep in my bed. I need to keep an eye on you tonight, and… well, hell, Em, after overhearing that phone call”—he ran a hand over his head— “I want you close. That okay with you?”
Truth be told, I couldn’t imagine being alone after what I’d been though, and there wasn’t anyone I wanted to be with more than Travis.
“Yeah,” I murmured simply.
He nodded and took my hand, leading us to the end of the hall where an expansive master suite lay with a king-size bed and not much else.
“How long have you lived here?” I asked curiously, looking at the bare walls.
“Five years,” he replied.
I couldn’t hide my shock. It looked like he’d barely moved in. The place didn’t look lived in.
“I don’t spend much time here.” He shrugged. “And I guess I haven’t cared about putting my personal touch on the place. I like your place much better.”
I looked at him skeptically. “My place is tiny.”
“Your place feels like a home.”
He had me there. I’d worked hard to put my personal stamp on my place.
“Let’s get you to bed. Cade won’t be here for a while. For now, you can borrow one of my T-shirts, and I have an extra toothbrush.”
I followed him into the huge master bath, eyeing the bathtub warily. I hoped like hell something I’d always loved wouldn’t be tarnished after tonight.
Travis caught on to my train of thought immediately. He stooped low, tipping my chin up so we were eye to eye. “When you’re ready, I want you to take a long hot soak in that tub and know that I’m right on the other side of the door watching over you. Or,” he continued with a playful glint in his eye, “maybe I’ll be in there with you.”
I blushed and looked down at my feet, nodding. I liked that idea a hell of a lot, but it was more than I could digest at the moment.
He left me alone for a few moments as I changed and brushed my teeth. I tried in vain to ignore my reflection, not wanting to see the bruising at my neck.
When I emerged, Travis was shirtless, propped up in bed with his head against the headboard. My exhausted self perked up several notches at seeing his glorious muscles on display.
His dark gaze swept over my frame, remaining on my bare legs in his T-shirt that came to my upper thigh. For a moment, the energy in the room crackled as we stared at each other—lust so tangible in the air I could almost taste it.
Finally, he cleared his throat, breaking the spell. “Let’s get some sleep. Cade will text when he’s here, but you can sleep through.”
“Thanks,” I replied gratefully, crawling onto soft sheets that smelled like Travis.
The bed was so big there was plenty of room for us not to touch, but he immediately pulled me close in a gesture that felt both thrilling and innately comfortable—as though we’d always done this.
He kissed the top of my head. “Sleep, baby. I’ve got you.”
I let my lids flutter in response, trusting him to take care of me.
It was a first for me—and I knew deep down it would be the first of many when it came to him.
