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“Just think of me as your warm cookies and hot cocoa.”
I smile and fall asleep, naked in the arms of my first safe place.
13
THE MORNING AFTER
The next morning, the brush of warm breath against my neck wakes me up. Dante’s arm drapes over my waist, and I’m now the little spoon.
I don’t move, wondering what in the hell happened to me last night, and now that I opened myself up to Dante the playboy, I need to shut this down before I get hurt.
Points in my favor? Nothing sexual has happened… yet.
It’s both a curse and a blessing, which seems to be my theme lately.
However, getting emotionally—scratch that—gettingromanticallyinvested in Dante is just a bad idea.
I hardly fall for anyone, but when I do, I land hard and usually end up with something broken.
We can be friends, but is that still too close?
I shift to the edge of the bed and Dante’s hand slides off my side. He grunts, and I sense he’s awake before I turn to check.
He studies my face, reading my apprehension. “You okay?” he asks softly.
“Better this morning. Thanks.” I clutch the sheets to my naked breasts.
“Alright. See you downstairs?” He rolls out of bed and then stops before opening the door. He doesn’t turn back to look at me as he says, “You let your guard down last night—maybe for the first time—but it doesn’t have to be weird between us.”
“Uh, okay,” I mutter, flabbergasted that he read me so well.
I sit alone in my bed, with his sandalwood scent lingering in the air, still embracing me with his kindness.
* * *
My stomach drops when I see Kurtis at the breakfast table. I can’t look him in the eye.
“Hey, precious?” Kurtis calls. “Not even going to call me a dumbass for that stunt I pulled?”
I snap my gaze to his. Is he really taking the blame? I’ve never heard a guy do that.
“I guess we now know you can toss me around like a rag doll.” Kurtis shrugs.
“Are you okay?” I look for signs of permanent damage.
“Evan fixed me up. I have a bit of a headache, but I probably still haven’t learned my lesson.” He knocks on his head and winces. “Hardheaded jock. I collect concussions.”
“Dude, that isn’t a good thing.” Dante rolls his eyes.
“I’m fine.” Kurtis waves him off. “Perhaps a kiss will make it all better?”
“Forget it.” I grimace. “Seems like you are back in your standard asshole mode.”
Evan clears his throat. “I don’t suggest Kurtis and Tessa go to the club on their own again.”
“Come on, I can play nice!” Kurtis pouts.
“But I apparently can’t,” I reply with a guilty frown.
