Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Tease,” she muttered.
I shook my head. “You are one to talk, baby. I’m going to have to use a splint on my wrist tomorrow.”
She giggled and frowned at the same time as she turned on her side, curling up. “You’re funny.”
Funny wasn’t what I was feeling right now. Fucking turned on, frustrated, hopeful, disappointed, and confused was a far better description.
I ran a hand over her hair. “Sleep well, Hannah. We’ll talk in the morning. Or the afternoon, more likely,” I added with a smile.
She made a funny little noise, burrowing under the covers. I swore to God she mumbled, “I love you,” but I couldn’t be sure, and if she had, I was certain it held the same meaning as the lovefest in the bar. Nothing. It was the liquor talking.
I paused before I turned off the light, looking down at her.
I really wished it were true, though.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Chase
Hannah had only been asleep about an hour when she cried out. I sat up, throwing off my covers and heading to her room. Her cry was different some nights, and I knew those were the times she needed comforting. She was clutching her blanket, tears on her cheeks, her limbs jerking, and jumbled words falling from her mouth.
“Please, no.”
I hunched beside the bed, running my hand over her head, whispering in a soothing voice.
“It’s okay, Hannah. I’m here. It’s just us. Hush.”
Slowly, the tears stopped, her body relaxing. I kept stroking her hair for a few moments, then stood, making sure her blankets were tucked around her. But as I stepped back, her hand reached out, clasping mine.
“Chase?”
I shut my eyes, unsure how she was going to react to my being in her room. “Yeah, Hannah. It’s me. You were having a bad dream.”
She was quiet for a minute. “You’ve been here before.”
I drew in a deep breath. “Yes. You calm down when I’m close.”
“I thought I was dreaming that part.”
“No, I’ve come in before,” I said honestly.
“Thank you.”
I passed my hand over her head again. “Go back to sleep. You’re safe, okay?”
Her voice was quiet in the room. “Stay. Please?”
“Until you fall asleep?” I clarified.
“Please.”
“Okay.”
I rounded the bed, lying behind her, staying on top of the blankets. I wasn’t sure what to do, what she wanted me to do, but she nestled close, her back pressed to my chest. I wrapped my arm around her, holding her tight to me. “I’m right here, and you’re safe. Go to sleep,” I whispered.
“I’m always safe with you,” she mumbled. “It’s my favorite place to be.”
She fell silent, and soon, her breathing was deep and even. I wasn’t sure if I should stay, but as soon as I shifted away from her, she moved too, keeping our bodies aligned. Her head was under my chin, the aroma of her shampoo filling my senses. It felt so good to be with her. She was warm and soft. Peaceful. I inhaled deeply, bringing her scent into my lungs. I pressed a kiss to her head, wishing that every night could be like this. That I could hold her, protect her from whatever frightened her in her sleep. Let her presence soothe me as well.
I sighed, knowing I would have to leave soon. I wasn’t sure how she would feel about waking up with me in her bed. If she would even recall this happening.
But for now, I would hold her and enjoy it.
I thought about what she had said earlier. The guy I had stopped and what it could mean.
Was there a chance for us?
Tomorrow, I decided.
Tomorrow, I would be brave enough to have the conversation we needed to have.
One way or another, I would know.
In the meantime, I could hold her. Just for a little while.
That would be enough—for now.
I woke up, warmth surrounding me. My pillow smelled better than usual. Sweeter. I opened my eyes, blinking at my surroundings. I tried to move, but there was something holding me down.
Or someone.
I woke up fully when I realized I was still in Hannah’s bed. Sunlight drifted through the window, telling me it was morning. I had fallen asleep beside her. And somehow in the night, she had turned and was currently nestled into my chest, her head tucked under my chin, her breath soft on my skin. The blanket had disappeared, her arm was draped over me, and we touched everywhere. Our chests were pushed together. Our legs entwined. One of my hands fisted her hair, the other held her tight to me.
And my cock was pressed between us, hard, aching, and needy.
I shut my eyes, trying not to panic. Trying to figure out how to ease away from her without waking Hannah up. I had to get away before she woke up. I was worried the screaming and yelling would start.
I decided slow and meticulous was the best way to go. I would let her go, slide out of her hold, and tiptoe from the room.