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“For the love of…”
“Hey, that’s my condition.” I hold up my hands in front of me.
“Fine. I won’t gethandsy, but seriously, I really could use…”
“No need to explain. I’m just having fun.” I gesture toward the door. “Do you want to check in with Carmen or Rosalie?”
“I’m sure they’re busy.”
“Well, we could be busy too, but theno handsyrule is in effect.”
“You’re a total goofball.”
“I try.” I’m really trying whatever I can to help Kaye relax. It’s been a trying day on more than one level, and now that she’s here, Scott is on the hunt—out there looking for her. I’m sure that’s on her mind.
We head to her room and enjoy relative silence as she unpacks her things. After she changes into very unflattering PJs, I strip to my boxers, keep my shirt on, and we crawl into bed together. Me with a major boner and her with flannel PJs that cover up all the good bits.
I curl my body around hers and drape an arm over her hip. I avoid her erogenous zones because my restraint is only so strong, and wait for her to relax. After she settles down, I close my eyes and breathe in her light floral scent. It’s going to be one hell of a long night.
“Thank you,” she says softly.
“For what?”
“For being here. For helping.”
I find myself unable to find any words that suffice as an answer. Instead, I squeeze Kaye’s hip in reassurance. “How about we get some sleep?”
“And for staying. So I don’t have to sleep alone.”
“Whatever you need, luv, I’m here, and I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“Nonsense.” I give her a gentle kiss on her temple. With my arms wrapped protectively around her, I wait for her to drift off to sleep, before closing my eyes and allowing sleep to claim me. This feels good. It feels right.
NINETEEN
Kaye
Morning sunlight filtersthrough the sheer curtains, casting a warm, yellow glow over the room. The soft light highlights the contours of Zeb’s face leaving me with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I take a moment to gaze at him and try to keep those butterflies in check.
If I’m not careful that fluttering will grow into something bigger, something far more complicated and impossible to control.
Here I am, waking up in his arms, like this is my new normal, when nothing about my life right now is normal. I should be filled with apprehension, anxiety, and dread. Instead, I feel comforted, safe, and incredibly relaxed.
Not wanting to wake him, I extricate myself from his embrace and slip out of bed as carefully as I can manage. Tiptoeing softly to the bathroom, I open the door quietly, and close it behind me, hoping the click of the latch doesn’t wake him.
When I catch my reflection in the mirror, I give myself a little pep talk.
You can do this.
The words come, but I don’t feel them. I’ve never felt this out of control in my life.
Determined not to let my emotions get the better of me, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. In for a count ofone-two-three-four.Hold for seven. Push out my breath for a count of eight.
When I open my eyes, I feel better. Calmer. Ready to face the day. Or at least try.
I can do this. I’ve got this.
