Page 64 of My Favorite Hero

“More.”

I gave him another one and nibbled on a grape.

“I woke up, and you weren’t there. I thought I’d chased you out of your bed.”

I shook my head. “My stomach was growling so loudly I’m surprised it didn’t wake you.”

He shook his head, slicing off some cheddar and popping it in his mouth. “I’m always exhausted at the end of the long shift. Plus, I had expended some extra energy. I was out.”

I bit my lip. “I liked your energy.”

He chuckled, lifting his arms in a long stretch. “I liked it too.”

He rested his elbows on the table, looking at me. I offered him another cracker and cheese, and he let me feed it to him.

I felt his intense stare, and I braced myself for what he was about to say.

“Casey…”

I held up my hand. “I’m a big girl, Jesse.”

He caught my hand, tugging it to his mouth. He kissed my fingers, frowning as he looked at the bruised skin. He sighed. “Let me finish.”

I nodded for him to continue.

“I don’t do relationships. We don’t mix.”

“Neither do I.”

“I like you,” he said. “I really like you. When you’re not causing me trouble anyway.” He winked. “I think you’re funny, sexy, and beautiful.”

“I think you’re sexy too. And really…massive.”

He laughed, crinkles appearing by his eyes, somehow making him even more handsome.

“I’m not boyfriend material, is what I’m saying.”

“What about friends with benefits? Or, in this case, landlord and tenant?”

He frowned. “I would like to think we’re friends. But is that fair to you? Sex with no strings?”

“If it’s what I want. What about you? Is it fair to you?”

“I have no objections,” he admitted. “But this is different. We live beside each other.”

“It’s more convenient,” I argued. “And we’re adults. I’m not asking for a commitment.”

He looked over my shoulder as if thinking. “And this—” he waved his finger between us “—I rarely stay the night.”

“Probably because most women don’t have king-sized beds,” I guessed.

“I like being alone.”

I lifted my chin, hiding the little flash of hurt. I had been expecting him to say it, but I was surprised how disappointed I was. “I’m fine with that. I don’t want a boyfriend. Someone clinging on to me. I like my independence.”

He was quiet for a moment. “So, we’re in agreement?”

“We’re in a non-relationship. Sex is okay, sleepovers optional, and we’re free to live our lives. No commitment.”