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Corrin has spread out the blanket by the time I make it back. I hand over the pillow, to which he gives me a shy sort of smile.
I nod once, then motion for him to lie down. “I can’t leave until I know it’s satisfactory.”
Tenn snorts, then pats me on the shoulder. “Since you’ve gone into host mode, I’ll leave you to it.”
The sound of his door shutting cuts through the air. Something builds in the air. Something unknown that makes me want to shift my feet nervously.
I don’t get nervous.
Not like this.
I’m always prepared. Always ready for the day ahead.
Having Corrin here must be the difference. He’s got to be throwing me off my normal routine.
I mean, he already has. This whole bedtime routine is nothing like I’d normally do. Plus, I’m down a pillow now, which means I’ll need to adjust my sleep position.
I sigh. “Corrin,” I say calmly.
His gaze whips to mine. “Austen.”
Why is his voice so husky suddenly? Is this part of the act? Is he trying to show me he’s invested?
If so, then obviously I should as well. What would someone do when sending their partner to bed?
The idea comes in an instant. I don’t question it as I move closer to where he’s positioned by the couch. His wide eyes take in my every step, his body frozen like he’s afraid to move a muscle.
I know for a fact he’s not afraid of me. This must be a lingering effect of the alcohol he consumed.
When we’re close enough to touch, I ease one hand around his back to press the space at the base of his spine. I hold him still as I lean down to press a kiss to his forehead.
“Goodnight, love,” I whisper softly.
Corrin sighs at the touch, his body loosening in a flash. I don’t look to see how he feels beyond that. Too many sensations are working through me to think straight anyway. I wouldn’t be able to respond properly.
I pivot on my heel, taking off for my room. Once I’m behind the closed door, I press my fingers to my lips.
They’re tingling.
It’s a strange awareness. I can’t recall a time I’ve ever experienced something like it.
Shaking myself from the strange trance, I let myself prepare for bed. First, I strip down from my outside clothes to put on my pajamas. The soft gray sweats sit low on my hips and the threadbare tee is more orange than red after years of wear.
I grab my bathroom caddy to finish my routine. Slipping out the door, I listen for any sign of movement. Thankfully, it’s quiet throughout the house.
In the bathroom, I go about brushing my teeth, flossing, and rinsing. Then I wash my face and use the facilities one last time.
I open the door to head back to my space, only I freeze at the sight of Corrin standing there wide eyed. He looks me up and down slowly, his gaze almost… appreciative. Is that what this is? It’s the same way the girl in the library stared at me.
As I’m watching him, he bites his lip and shakes his head slowly. “Sorry. Needed to go.”
I shift out of the way to let him squeeze past me. Why, I’m not quite sure. I could have moved out of the way completely, yet I didn’t.
Another anomaly.
I chalk it up to more dating practice. Surely, I’ve seen someone else pull the same move in the past. That has to be the explanation.
Corrin shuts the door as soon as I move out of the way. If I had to guess, he’s not having the same internal battles I am. Why would he? He’s an international rockstar who's used to people throwing themselves at him in multiple countries. He won’t be flustered by me faking my way through our arrangement.
