Page 42 of Under the Radar

“I’m always safe with you,” she mumbled. “It’s my favorite place to be.”

She fell silent, and soon, her breathing was deep and even. I wasn’t sure if I should stay, but as soon as I shifted away from her, she moved too, keeping our bodies aligned. Her head was under my chin, the aroma of her shampoo filling my senses. It felt so good to be with her. She was warm and soft. Peaceful. I inhaled deeply, bringing her scent into my lungs. I pressed a kiss to her head, wishing that every night could be like this. That I could hold her, protect her from whatever frightened her in her sleep. Let her presence soothe me as well.

I sighed, knowing I would have to leave soon. I wasn’t sure how she would feel about waking up with me in her bed. If she would even recall this happening.

But for now, I would hold her and enjoy it.

I thought about what she had said earlier. The guy I had stopped and what it could mean.

Was there a chance for us?

Tomorrow, I decided.

Tomorrow, I would be brave enough to have the conversation we needed to have.

One way or another, I would know.

In the meantime, I could hold her. Just for a little while.

That would be enough—for now.

* * *

I woke up, warmth surrounding me. My pillow smelled better than usual. Sweeter. I opened my eyes, blinking at my surroundings. I tried to move, but there was something holding me down.

Or someone.

I woke up fully when I realized I was still in Hannah’s bed. Sunlight drifted through the window, telling me it was morning. I had fallen asleep beside her. And somehow in the night, she had turned and was currently nestled into my chest, her head tucked under my chin, her breath soft on my skin. The blanket had disappeared, her arm was draped over me, and we touched everywhere. Our chests were pushed together. Our legs entwined. One of my hands fisted her hair, the other held her tight to me.

And my cock was pressed between us, hard, aching, and needy.

I shut my eyes, trying not to panic. Trying to figure out how to ease away from her without waking Hannah up. I had to get away before she woke up. I was worried the screaming and yelling would start.

I decided slow and meticulous was the best way to go. I would let her go, slide out of her hold, and tiptoe from the room.

Except, when I opened my eyes again, I met her lovely irises. Her gaze was wide, curious, but not angry. Cautious. Questioning.

“Hi,” she murmured.

“Hi,” I croaked in return.

“Not a situation I expected to wake up to this morning,” she quipped.

“Me either.”

She bit her lip, trying not to smile. “I think maybe you have more than one situation happening right now.”

“Ah, yeah, sorry. Can’t help it.”

She nodded, not moving, not pulling away the way I expected her to.

“How’s the head?” I asked.

“Surprisingly good. I only had a few shots, but tequila gets me every time.”

“I hear you. I avoid it.”

“I think I will from now on.” She frowned. “You rescued me in the bar. From Dan.” Her eyes widened. “Oh my God, I threw myself at you and kissed you.”