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“I’m not leaving.” She stared him straight in the eyes.
He arched his brow. “You’re not?”
She shook her head. “I’m staying with you tonight. Here.” Her chin lifted as if she thought he might defy her. “I want to sleep next to you and hold you and wake up with you.”
Jack swallowed to moisten his dry throat. “Is that all?”
“For the moment.”
Jack wasn’t sure he was a strong enough man to sleep next to Taylor with her holding him and that was all. He felt as if he’d wanted her forever. As if it had been forever since he’d touched her, kissed her, shared his air mattress with her for a few magical hours.
“Okay.”
His agreeing with her seemed to knock some of the wind out of her sails, because uncertainty flashed into her eyes. Whatever, she quickly masked it and smiled.
“Good answer.”
“It wasn’t as if I was going to refuse you saying you want to spend the night in my bed.”
“Perfect.” She smiled, then gave him a little come hither look. “I’m going to get ready for bed.”
Jack glanced at his fitness band. “It is getting late, isn’t it?”
Taylor yawned and he laughed.
She didn’t have a clue how beautiful she was.
“You have a twinkle in your eyes, Taylor Hall.”
Her lips twitched. “A twinkle?”
“Like the prettiest star in the night sky.”
Eyes sparkling, she gave him a dubious look. “That’s a big claim because you and I just saw some amazing stars.”
“Not nearly as amazing as looking into your eyes.”
She laughed, and it was a sound of pure merriment. “On that full-of-it note, get me a big, comfy T-shirt to sleep in, please.”
Taylor followed him into his room. Opening a chest of drawers, he pulled out the top T-shirt, not surprised when it was a music festival one. He kept his wardrobe simple. “This work?”
Taking it, she ran her fingers over the soft cotton material. “I think so. Thanks. Okay if I use the bathroom first and borrow your toothbrush?”
He nodded. He’d just jump in the shower across the hallway while she got ready for bed. He probably smelled like a cross between grill smoke, river water, and cow pasture. Not the scent he wanted to wear to bed with Taylor.
* * *
Taylor had meant to hurry in the bath, but she’d heard the hot water heater kick on and knew Jack was showering somewhere in the house.
Staring into his bathroom mirror, she studied her reflection. What was she doing?
Staying with Jack.
Because Jack made her happy, was a good person, and she wanted to comfort him, to soothe away his sorrows, and give him happiness.
What makes you think you can make him happy? a nagging voice mocked.
She glared at her image, as if the voice had come directly from her reflection.
