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I stripped off my shirt and started to unbuckle my cargo pants. Darren glared at me. “You’re not getting into this bed naked.”
“That’s not a line I usually hear, but fair enough. I’ll keep my underwear on.”
He shook his head and stomped into the bathroom. I was enjoying this more and more every minute, or I would be if something didn’t still feel off. I couldn’t figure out what it was. Was it simply the fact that we both knew someone had been on that balcony, but we didn’t know who it was or who had sent them? I could assume it was one of the men who would like to take Darren’s goods away, but something just felt wrong about the whole situation.
Once it was my turn in the bathroom, I took a piss and brushed my teeth. Even if we weren’t allowed to touch, I wasn’t getting into bed with Darren without freshening my morning coffee breath.
Darren was on his side, facing away from me when I came out. I slipped into the bed, curled around my pillow, and lay there wide awake. Usually, I could fall asleep anywhere for any amount of time. It was a skill I’d been forced to learn in the marines, but apparently, I’d forgotten a lot of things I should know when I was around Darren.
If I wasn’t going to be able to touch him, I should have just slept on the floor, but I wasn’t about to move now and let him win. Finally, the thoughts in my head slowed down and my body began to feel heavier.
Why was it so hot? I realized someone was lying against me. Our skin was sweaty where it was pressed together. Fuck. Darren. He was curled against me as I lay on my back. I wrapped an arm around him and pulled him closer as I kicked the covers off. I didn’t care how hot it was. I’d endure any temperature to have him pressed against me like this.
But as soon as I tightened my grip on him, he woke up, shoving at me and pulling away like I’d attacked him.
“I told you to stay on your side.”
“You snuggled with me. I woke up with you like this.”
He snarled at me. “That’s not… You… You’re on my side.” He pointed at the midline of the bed.
I was lying across it but not my much. “I can’t help moving in my sleep.”
“Learn to.”
“Wow. You sure are cranky when you get woken from a nap.”
He gave me an icy glare, even though I now knew just how much heat his body radiated. I’d tossed the extra pillows to the floor when I’d gotten in bed. Darren picked them up and made a barrier between us. “If you come on my side again, I will shoot you.”
I shrugged. “I’ve been shot before. It’s not so bad.”
“How the fuck does anyone put up with you?”
“I might not be so tempted if you put on your cute pajama set.”
“Go the fuck to sleep.” He turned over and punched at his pillow until he’d fluffed it up.
I studied the rigid line of his back and his beautifully rounded ass. His side rose and fell rhythmically, but I knew he wasn’t asleep. There was no way in hell I was going to fall asleep either, not with memories of Darren pressed against me, not with the knowledge that once he relaxed into sleep, he didn’t mind moving onto my side of the bed.
Still, I lay there and made an effort, but no matter how badly I needed the rest, no matter how many times I told myself I had to be prepared for anything, I remained wide awake. I felt every small move Darren made, every breath I drew in. Finally, I gave up and rolled out of bed. “I’m going to get some snacks.”
Darren gave no indication that he’d heard me, but I was sure he had. I put on some sweatpants, stuck my gun into the pocket, grabbed my wallet, and headed out of the suite. As I stood in front of the vending machine, staring at the options, I considered bringing something back for Darren. Ultimately, I decided if he wanted something, he could’ve let me know. For myself, I chose a honey bun, a Snickers, and a bag of chips.
When I returned to the room, Darren was sitting at the desk, wearing dress slacks and a t-shirt that looked freshly ironed despite having been in a suitcase. “You didn’t have to get dressed on my account.”
Darren stared at my snack haul. “You’re really going to eat all that?”
“I sure am. I would’ve gotten you something if you’d asked.”
Darren shook his head and looked back down at the paperwork in front of him.
“Are you working again?”
“Yes, it’s something I typically do every day.”
