Page 83 of What They'll Say About Us

I was stunned by his offer, but it was also tempting. It was ten o'clock, and it would take me a while to figure out where to go next. Plus, I'd need to get a cab…

"I can't take your bed," I said. "I'll take the couch."

"Tessa—"

"Colton. Since I arrived in Chicago, I have slept in a hotel, my aunt's apartment that caught on fire, and another hotel where a killer might have been watching me. Your couch, with you and your service weapon twenty feet away, feels perfect." I got up and went to the couch, stretching out on the cushions. "Argue with me tomorrow. I'm too tired to talk anymore."

He looked at me for a second, and then he went and got a blanket and dropped it over me.

"For the record," he said. "I was going to say the couch pulls out."

"Oh. Well, this is fine." I snuggled under the blanket, my eyes closing before he even turned off the light.

I woke at eight to the smell of coffee and was disoriented for three full seconds in that way that had become the texture of my week. Then I saw Colton in the kitchen. He wore gray slacks and a button-down shirt, and something in my chest unclenched. For some crazy reason, I felt safe with him, and I didn't know why.

He turned and smiled, bringing a mug of coffee to me.

I sat up, feeling like I probably looked a mess with my hair tangled and my clothes wrinkled, but the first sip of coffee made everything better.

"Thank you," I said. "You look like you're ready to go. Do you always work Saturdays?"

"Only when I have an investigation, which is more often than I might like."

"You're dedicated to your job."

"As are you. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Okay. I slept, and I didn't dream, which was a relief. My dreams have been nightmares lately. I should probably get out of your way."

"There's no rush. Do you want breakfast?"

"You're going to make me breakfast?"

"I can scramble eggs," he said dryly. "Make toast. I'm not saying it's anything fancy."

As my stomach rumbled, I found it impossible to say no. "That sounds good. I'll use the bathroom and see if I can look a little more presentable."

"You look fine," he said, an appreciative gleam in his eyes.

"Thanks," I said as I got to my feet.

"There's a new toothbrush in the top drawer on the right."

"You often have unexpected guests?" I murmured.

"Not often, but occasionally."

I decided not to comment on that, although I was wondering if he had a girlfriend, but there was no sign of a feminine influence.

Twenty minutes later, my hair and teeth brushed, my face washed, I felt ready to face the day. I was still in my clothes from yesterday, but right now, my focus was on what I needed to get done today. But first, I would eat, because I was hungry, and I had no idea when I would have time for a meal later, since each new day seemed to be longer than the last.

I sat down at the table, and Colton placed a delicious breakfast in front of me: scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, slices of avocado, and an English muffin. "You undersold your breakfast skills," I told him.

"Better to set expectations low," he said with a laugh. "This is about as good as it gets. I don't cook a lot."

"I don't, either, although I'm trying to be better about it. But in New York, there's always something open, and somebody ready to deliver it to you."

"You like living there?"