Nate turned sideways, brushing my hair off my face. “You’re smiling.”
I cuddled into him. “Try not to let it go to your head.”
His ego was big enough. He didn’t need any more praise. Even though he totally deserved it after that performance.
His chuckle vibrated across the room. “You humble me.”
I wrapped my leg around his waist, wishing I could anchor myself to him. “Somebody has to, Champ.”
He kissed the tip of my nose. “Get some sleep, Press Girl.”
His arm stayed wrapped around me, holding me close like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. I fell asleep with my face against his chest, feeling the slow, steady beat of his heart. Tonight grounded me in a way I never knew I needed.
CHAPTER 22
BECCA
“Good morning.”Nate smiled down at me.
I groaned softly, burying my head against the pillow, and stared up at him. There was dark stubble along his jaw and neck, reminding me what it felt like against my skin before we drifted off to sleep.
“What time is it?” I rolled to the side, sinking into his soft mattress. The blinds were closed, but sunlight still peeked through.
“It’s almost eight o’clock.”
I stretched my limbs and tried to hide my wince. It was a silent reminder of what he did to me last night.
“I have some pastries and fruit downstairs. I wasn’t sure what you liked for breakfast.” He leaned down, brushing his lips along my bare shoulder. I shifted my body, rubbed my naked legs against his sheets, and curled into the warmth of the bed.
It was hands-down the most comfortable mattress I’d ever slept on.
“How long have you been awake?”
He ran his hand softly through my hair. “About an hour or so.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?”
I wrapped the sheet around myself. I didn’t want to even think about how bad I looked compared to him.
“I wanted to shower and get a quick workout in first.”
Of course he did.
“Your bed is so comfortable, I don’t want to get up.” I sighed, tracing the lines of his muscles. His body was a work of art.
He chuckled. “I’m glad you think so. I slept on the edge of the mattress all night. I never took you for a bed hog.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Wow. Way to ruin the moment.”
“Relax. I’m glad you were comfortable. Just don’t get used to sleeping on my side of the bed. I was being a gentleman last night. I might not be so accommodating next time.”
“We will see about that.” I rolled my eyes. “And who says there’s going to be a next time?”
“You’re hilarious.” He stood and pulled me off the bed. “Now, it’s time to get up, my little bed stealer.”
“Where are you dragging me off to?” I whined.
The man had no respect for my sanity. Either that, or the universe hated me. My hair was a mess; I hadn’t had any coffee yet, and let’s not even get into morning breath.
