“Thing.”
He narrows his eyes at me like I’m a worthy adversary. I try not to internally swoon at the proximity of his stare.
“Is it bigger than a breadbox?”
“Yes.”
“Is it in this room?”
“Yes.”
“Is it… my ego?”
I laugh. “Bigger.”
“Impossible.” He pretends to be offended, then points toward the window. “Is it the storm?”
“No.”
“The couch?”
“No, but close.”
“The pile of blankets?”
“Yes!” I say, a smile tugging at my lips.
“That’s so lame,” he teases. “You couldn’t pick something that you’re not physically touching to make it more challenging.”
“I’m too tired to think,” I grumble.
“We could go to bed, you know. It is late. Maybe when we wake up, the power will be back on.”
“I don’t want to be alone.”
The statement, as ridiculous as it is, escapes my mouth before I can stop it. It’s silly. I’ve slept alone my entire life. I’m a strong woman who doesn’t need anyone. Why am I feeling so vulnerable? Surely, the absence of electricity isn’t the source of my discomfort. I’ve never considered myself someone who needs artificial light to feel whole. Yet there’s something deep within me that I can’t quite name that is making me feel exposed. Maybe it’s a little bit of everything—life, the plane ride from hell today, the storm, and feeling perpetually stuck in a lonely existence because I’m too afraid to be vulnerable.
Miles grabs my chin and turns my face toward his. His stare holds mine. “You’re not alone, Miranda.”
“I…” I want to say something, but what? My emotions are all over the place. I’m cocooned in this blanket, warm and surrounded by the scent and feel of… him.
His large hands cup my face. “Talk to me. What is it?”
Closing my eyes, I exhale a breath and lean into the palm of his hand. The words I’m so desperate to say refuse to come. All I know is that I don’t want to go up to my cold room by myself.
Tomorrow’s regret claws at the back of my throat, warning me to hold my tongue, but I don’t want to.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” My words are a whisper.
Miles attempts to hide his shock, but it’s written all over his face.
I pull away from his touch. “Never mind. I’m fine. I’ll be fine.”
“Stop,” he coaxes gently. Pulling me back toward him, he brushes his lips against my temple. “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page. I don’t want to make a mistake, especially with you. Do you want me to lie with you until you fall asleep?”
I shake my head.
“You want me to stay all night?”
