Page 58 of Sterling Heat

“Are you sure?” I question against her knuckles.

“Please.”

Fuck, I can’t deny her.

Nodding at her, giving into her, she cups my cheek. “Thank you. Just let me brush my teeth.”

I release her and watch as she enters the bathroom off her room. Glancing back at her bed, I sigh, before toeing off my boots and removing my socks. I tug my belt free and set it on her dresser.

“Need a t-shirt to sleep in?” Her voice is all tease and a bit too seductive when I turn around to find her smile aimed at me. “I’d offer you mine, which is really yours, but it’s taken.”

God, she undoes me. Keep my shirt. Keep me. “I’m good.”

“Won’t you be uncomfortable in your jeans?”

Fuck, yeah, I will be. I already am, feeling the tightness in my balls and the stiffness behind my zipper. My body is already reacting to being in a bed with her and we haven’t even laid down.

“I’ll be fine.” I step up to the side she clearly sleeps on, which is closest to the bassinet, and hold up the sheets. “Get in, Sugar.”

Watching me, she folds down to the mattress and then lays on her side. Her hand catches mine again. “You’re not leaving, right?”

I want to believe there’s something more in her plea. Like she’s no longer scared, just wants reassurance I’ll be here through the night. Leaning down, I kiss her forehead again before rounding the bed. With a tug, I pull back the sheets that are made up tight to the top and catch a whiff of Enya as the blanket unfolds. I slip onto the mattress, laying on my back, and stare straight up at the ceiling.

I can’t remember the last time I slept in a bed with a woman. Just slept.

Beside me, Enya rolls, and I sense her looking at me. Taking a second to calm my breathing, I turn only my head toward her.

“Thank you, Sebastian. You’re always so good to me. And I don’t want you to think I’ve taken advantage of you. Before. Or tonight.”

“I don’t.” Slowly, I shift to mirror her position.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispers, eyes scanning my face.

“I’ve missed you, too, sugar.”

Her mouth opens like she wants to say something else, but then she slams those delicious lips shut, and rolls to her back. She tosses an arm over her eyes, and I wait her out, wanting to know what’s going through her head. A tear slips from her eye to her hairline but she’s quick to catch it with the hand over her face.

“Enya?” I scoot closer to her and slide my arm over her waist. “What’s wrong?” What did I do?

“You’re so sweet, Sebastian. And I know you didn’t mean it the same way as me, but it was just nice to hear that you’ve missed me.” She brushes away another tear. “I don’t understand why you’ve stayed away, but I can’t fault you for keeping your distance.” She wipes her entire hand over her face and peers at me with watery eyes. “From the day we’ve met, I’ve been a hot mess.”

“I like messy things.”

My response only seems to make her cry harder, and she rolls toward me, where I tuck her into my chest and press my lips to her head. The blankets form a wall between us, keeping my body from hers, which is best, because the way this woman is feeling, the last thing she needs is my hard dick pressed up against her soft center.

Still, I want to assure her, I’m here for her. “I’m sorry I’ve stayed away. I was giving you space to adjust with Adara. And visit with your sister.”

She nods into my chest as I lie to her. I stayed away for my own self-preservation. Because if I hadn’t, I’d end up right where I am now, wishing and hoping for things I don’t deserve.

Like listening to Adara softly snore in her bassinet.

Like holding Enya in my arms all night.

Chapter 18

[Enya]

When my alarm goes off, Sebastian sits upright beside me, swiping a hand down his face as if disoriented and confused.