Page 94 of Promise

She said we, and I’m more determined than ever to make it happen for us.

27

[Dart]

“Okay, let’s do it.” The quiet comment jolts me from sleep.

Two nights ago, I was in Trin’s bed in her room, but I’ve returned to the guest room, keeping my distance until I have her permission for more.

So, as I sit upright, I’m confused. I’d been deep in sleep, dreaming about her, so my first thought is she’s waving the green flag to do something more.

I wrap my arm around her and slide her over me, landing her back on the bed.

“Really?” I ask, propping myself half over her. Leg between her thighs. Arm under her head.

“Yes. I think you should watch Mirabelle.”

Oh. “Oh.” I chuckle, pulling back from the way I’m over her. I fall to my back, my heart flooded, like an engine revved too much. I sling my arm over my face and lay my other hand over the thumping in my chest.

“What did you think I meant?” Trinity shifts beside me.

I can’t look at her. I’m embarrassed by my quick reaction and instant hard-on.

“I thought you meant . . . It doesn’t matter what I thought.” I lower my arm and turn my head. “This is great news, Trin. Thank you.”

While a smile comes to my face, I also want her to hear my sincerity. I’m genuinely thrilled for this chance.

I shift to my side. “Thank you for giving this to me.” Time with Mirabelle. Trusting me with her. “I promise to take the best care of her.”

“I know you will.” Her faith in me is restored, at least when it comes to the baby.

“But let’s get back to what you really thought I meant,” she adds, still watching me. The room is dark, but the curtain is drawn back. The glow of the moon illuminates the space.

“I thought maybe . . .” I swallow. Be honest. “I thought maybe you wanted something more. With me.”

“Oh.” Her eyes drift away from my face to my bare chest.

The room is the perfect temp of mountain air coming through the sliver of open window, and I’m only wearing boxer briefs as I always do while sleeping.

“Yeah.” Oh.

“Well, I did have another reason for sneaking in here.”

I arch a brow. “Yeah,” I say again, not capable of many words at this late hour.

She glances away from my eyes again and chews her lip. “I was wondering if I could sleep here with you.”

She doesn’t even have to ask, and I answer by slipping my arm around her and tugging her down to my chest. Her hair tickles. Her hand comes to my waist. Her palm is warm.

“Have a feeling your mind has been racing tonight, Forever,” I tease.

She shifts, settling her cheek against my pec. “Yeah, just a little bit.”

“Want to talk about it?”

She shakes her head. “I’m tired of thinking about the past.”

I smile, only because I am too. “It’s important to remember it, learn from it, but I don’t want to keep dwelling on it, either. I only want to move forward.”