Page 41 of Under the Radar

“Yeah, Cinnamon. Something you really need.”

She frowned as I pressed the pills to her tongue, urging her to drink the cold water. She swallowed and frowned. I wiped at the droplets by her lips, unable to stop my groan as she licked my fingers.

“Tease,” she muttered.

I shook my head. “You are one to talk, baby. I’m going to have to use a splint on my wrist tomorrow.”

She giggled and frowned at the same time as she turned on her side, curling up. “You’re funny.”

Funny wasn’t what I was feeling right now. Fucking turned on, frustrated, hopeful, disappointed, and confused was a far better description.

I ran a hand over her hair. “Sleep well, Hannah. We’ll talk in the morning. Or the afternoon, more likely,” I added with a smile.

She made a funny little noise, burrowing under the covers. I swore to God she mumbled, “I love you,” but I couldn’t be sure, and if she had, I was certain it held the same meaning as the lovefest in the bar. Nothing. It was the liquor talking.

I paused before I turned off the light, looking down at her.

I really wished it were true, though.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Chase

Hannah had only been asleep about an hour when she cried out. I sat up, throwing off my covers and heading to her room. Her cry was different some nights, and I knew those were the times she needed comforting. She was clutching her blanket, tears on her cheeks, her limbs jerking, and jumbled words falling from her mouth.

“Please, no.”

I hunched beside the bed, running my hand over her head, whispering in a soothing voice.

“It’s okay, Hannah. I’m here. It’s just us. Hush.”

Slowly, the tears stopped, her body relaxing. I kept stroking her hair for a few moments, then stood, making sure her blankets were tucked around her. But as I stepped back, her hand reached out, clasping mine.

“Chase?”

I shut my eyes, unsure how she was going to react to my being in her room. “Yeah, Hannah. It’s me. You were having a bad dream.”

She was quiet for a minute. “You’ve been here before.”

I drew in a deep breath. “Yes. You calm down when I’m close.”

“I thought I was dreaming that part.”

“No, I’ve come in before,” I said honestly.

“Thank you.”

I passed my hand over her head again. “Go back to sleep. You’re safe, okay?”

Her voice was quiet in the room. “Stay. Please?”

“Until you fall asleep?” I clarified.

“Please.”

“Okay.”

I rounded the bed, lying behind her, staying on top of the blankets. I wasn’t sure what to do, what she wanted me to do, but she nestled close, her back pressed to my chest. I wrapped my arm around her, holding her tight to me. “I’m right here, and you’re safe. Go to sleep,” I whispered.