“Sleeping in the stable?” I asked.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Cassian answered.
“Oh.” I didn’t know how to say yes in a way that expressed both apathy and gratitude instead of excitement and desire. “Yes,” I said, and the blankness of my tone helped me understand Cassian’s expression.
Cassian smiled. “Thank you.”
This would not end well.
Chapter Five
CASSIAN
Great idea, Jasmine. Just great.
Don’t get me wrong, I was glad Beth and Fred had a room, but now I was stuck with the hot Force officer I needed to distance myself from. It didn’t help that he was so kind he gave up his room for a pregnant woman. Damn him.
The thought of him in my room distracted me for the rest of the evening, and retiring for the evening was just as awkward as I expected.
“I don’t know why I expected your room to look like all the others,” Sterling said, looking around the space as he lowered his bag to the floor.
My room was bigger than the guest rooms because this was my home. My bed was big enough for two, and there was enough space to do a lap around it. The tall window at the far end looked out at the stables and the forest, and I had my own bathroom to the right of the window. The room also had its own fireplace, which was really nice on wintry nights like tonight.
“Maybe I should rent it out and sleep in the stables to earn a little extra money,” I said as I sat at the end of my bed.
“That’s crazy,” he said.
“That’s how you sound.”
Sterling chuckled, and I despised the way my stomach did flips. I wanted to make him laugh again. No, I never wanted him to laugh around me again. Sexy people shouldn’t be allowed to laugh like that.
“I’ll sleep on the floor tonight,” I said.
“No, you’ll sleep in your bed. I’ll sleep on the floor. I’m not paying to be here,” Sterling argued.
“You’re paying with your heroism,” I said.
Sterling rolled his eyes, and another abrupt laugh slipped out. Whoops. “I will not kick you out of your own bed.”
“There is no way I would ever let you sleep on the floor while I take the bed,” I said.
“Maybe we can share. It looks big enough,” Sterling said, eyeing the bed.
My face warmed, and he wouldn’t look away from me. The moment he smiled, I knew he saw how flustered I was. “Fine,” I said, “but youhaveto keep your shirt on, Turnip.”
“Are you sure? You told me this morning clothes were optional.”
His response only made me blush deeper, but maybe he wanted that. I didn’t respond, because if I opened my mouth, I’d say something stupid likeYou’re right. In fact, take off your pants too.
“I’m sorry, Cassian. I’m being unprofessional again,” Sterling said.
“It’s fine. If you’re more comfortable without a shirt, sleep how you will.” I stood up. “I’m going to get changed in the bathroom.”
When my pants came off, I took a little extra time. If I didn’t take care of this right now, I’d just let this sexy, smart, sexy manbreak my heart. He would just leave when he was done with the investigation, and I’d be alone.
My hand was good enough for tonight. It didn’t take much before I was biting my lip and coming in my palm. Sterling was just outside the door, and the thought of him so close was enough.
It was good I handled my arousal, because his bare torso was on full display when I returned. I couldn’t have survived the night without jerking it out of me first.
