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I close the door behind him and take shuffling steps to turn off the rest of the lights. Finally, I plop down on the largest of the two leather sofas and try to get comfortable even though my feet hang over. Despite the quilt pulled up to my chin, it’s difficult to settle in. The couch is too narrow for me to turn over and my back is aching.
I groan as I throw off the blanket and push myself up. Ihaveto get some sleep tonight. We have vanquished our rivals, for God’s sake, and I have church in the morning. I snatch up the quilt from the floor and trudge over to my king-sized bed.
Goldie’s curled up into the fetal position on the left side of the bed, leaving plenty of room for me, and I watch the slow rise and fall of her chest under the blankets. When I’m sure that she’s asleep, I gently lower my body on the far edge of the opposite side of the bed. The mattress creaks, but I hold my breath as I lay directly on top of the covers.
When my body is completely horizontal, I pause but Goldie is still breathing evenly. I cover my body with my quilt and survey the distance between us. It’s got to be at least ten or twelve inches, surely enough to preserve Goldie’s honor, and we’re completely separated by the sheets and blankets.
She’s just going to have to deal with it,I think, finally stretched out and comfortable in my own bed.I’ll probably wake up before her and she’ll never be the wiser.
Sleep is usually a struggle, but my eyelids feel so heavy. The soft breaths from Goldie are soothing like a lullaby and I feel every muscle in my body relax. I’m dozing off, but then I hear a sleepy, little sigh.
Goldie stirs and my body tenses. I’m still as stone as she rolls over, laying on her opposite side to face me. Goldie’s eyes don’t open, but she snuggles closer, pressing the length of her curled up body against my torso. She’s soft and warm. There’s something about Goldie sleeping next to me that makes me feel so peaceful. I drift off to sleep.
Chapter 17
Marigold
I must be dreaming. I’m in bed, curled up next to a man. He smells like leather and just a hint of cologne.
I’ve got to wake up. I stir, stretching slightly, and when I arch my body, it feels like I’m pressing up against a wall. His back is lined with hard muscle, and I press my hands against his smooth skin. His body jerks and I open my eyes, jolted awake.
I gasp and Gunner jumps up from the bed, where he was apparently sleeping next to me. I’m aghast, and he at least has the grace to look sheepish.
“I’m just too big for the sofa,” He grumbles, his cheeks turning red. “You’re the one who got close tome.”Gunner turns his back towards me as he opens up his closet door.
My mouth is open, but I don’t know what to say. I want to scold him, but the truth is that I enjoyed waking up with his chiseled form next to me. But I’m definitely not tellinghimthat.
I sit up in bed, the covers still pulled up to my waist, as Gunner shrugs on a fresh black t-shirt. While his back is still turned, I sneak a glance at his tight, black boxer briefs and am disappointed when he swiftly pulls on a pair of black jeans. I watch while Gunner retrieves a brown shopping bag and approaches me, his eyes cast downward. He offers the bag to me but still won’t make eye contact when he grumbles.
“Some extra clothes, from Kiki and Kitty.”
I take the bag, momentarily shocked into silence by the sisters’ kindness. I’m touched, truly, but not quite ready to let Gunner get away with this.
“I thought it was a peace offering,” I mutter, flinging back the blankets to stomp off to the bathroom.
When I close the door behind me, I rush to open the large shopping bag. There’s a few t-shirts, joggers, and leggings, along with a small bundle of toiletries. It’s so thoughtful that it almost brings tears to my eyes, along with my smile.
I take my time getting ready for the day. I’m certainly not in any rush to reunite with Gunner. Still, it doesn’t take me too long and when I emerge from the bathroom, Gunner is sitting on the sofa, tapping one toe rhythmically.
“Ready?” Gunner grumbles, drumming his fingers on the armrest.
“Well, that depends,” I snap, rolling my eyes.He has two sisters, yet he seems to know nothing about women.“Where are we going?” I ask, lifting one eyebrow.
Gunner bristles, squaring off his stubbled jaw. “We’renot going anywhere,” He growls. “I’mgoing to Church and I thoughtyoucould go check on Zeke.”
I lower my eyebrow as I feel myself soften. “That sounds good,” I reply.
Gunner snorts. “Glad you approve,” He says, standing up and brushing off his leather vest. “You just have to go next door,” Gunner points the direction with one finger.
“Really?” I ask. I’m not sure why, but this surprises me.
“Yeah,” Gunner shrugs. “Rex is the next door down after that.”
“Okay,” I reply, thinking about making a joke about the three musketeers. These guys seem to do everything together and live next door to each other, as well. They’re so close and I even remember other things mentioned that they’ve enjoyed sharing…
Gunner brushes against me when he reaches around to open the door and it causes me to jump. His touch is like a jolt of electricity.
“After you,” Gunner says gruffly.
