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Quinn’s mouth curved into a half smile. “You’re very calm about all of this.”

“Experience.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You sound as if you’re about to tell a story.”

Jordan surfaced in my mind before I could stop him, but for the second time that night, I pushed the memory back down.

“Another time.”

Quinn smiled. “I like that about you.”

“What?”

“You don’t panic when I tell you complicated things.”

I considered that. “Most things are complicated.”

“Yes,” Quinn agreed. “But most people still panic.”

Silence settled between us again.

Quinn laid his hand on my thigh. “My housemates are very impressed with you.”

“That’s reassuring.”

“They think you’re competent.”

I laughed. “That’s the highest praise I’ve received all week.”

Quinn’s smile reached his eyes. “I’m glad you came back.”

I threaded my fingers through his. “So am I.”

He cleared his throat. “I want to ask something, but it feels…selfish.”

I blinked. “Why don’t you ask, and we’ll see?”

Quinn rubbed the back of his neck again. “You came back. Which was unexpected.”

“Yes.”

“And it’s late.”

“That’s also true.”

He looked me in the eye. “So will you stay tonight?” Before I could answer, he surged ahead. “I’ve spent two nights in your bed, and that’s taught me something.” His breathing hitched. “I sleep better when you’re there. And after everything we just talked about, it felt reasonable to ask.” He swallowed. “No expectations. No agenda. I just thought—if you’re here anyway…”

His honesty was disarming.

I stared at him. “You want to be held.”

Quinn didn’t look away. “Yes.”

I reached over and rested my hand on the back of his neck, my thumb brushing the warm skin there. “That’s not a selfish request,” I said in a low voice.

His smile grew. “Good.” His head settled against my shoulder and he shifted closer, like someone who had finally reached the place he meant to be.

The room went quiet again.