“That’s what I was thinking. Maybe grab a bite to eat between the two.”
As we waited for our food, we filled the time talking about the rest of the week. Specifically, his work schedule and my physical therapy schedule. By the time the food came, I was no longer a nervous mess. Things once again felt normal between us, like they always had. But as we walked back to the room after sharing a great meal with comfortable conversation, the worry crept back in.
Would it be weird to share a bed? It wasn’t weird last night. But even I could admit the circumstances were different. Nothing was going to happen in the firehouse. Here though, in the privacy of our hotel room, it definitely could.
Did I want something to happen? Maybe the girls were right and I had no clue what the hell I wanted.
Dammit. I was starting to find myself annoying. I could only imagine what Adam thought.
My thoughts continued to spiral even as he unlocked the door and we stepped inside. I needed space, and some time to think.
“I’m going to get in the shower,” I blurted, making a beeline for my duffel that sat on a chair.
Rummaging around, I picked out my sleep shorts and tank, and then froze, staring at them.Shit. I always dress super cool for sleep. If not, I wake up drenched in sweat. Obviously, I never considered we’d be sharing a bed, but maybe I should have packed something else.
“I’m not going to wash my hair, just my body.”
He groaned and I cringed, pinching my eyes shut as I replayed those words in my head.
Just shut up, Lyla. Stop talking.
I spun, clothes in hand, and hurried past him to the bathroom. Once the door was shut, I let out a long breath and leaned back against it.
I took my time in the showerandwith my thoughts. In the end, I decided it was okay that I needed some time to figure things out. I wanted to be sure because a lot was at stake.
Adam was already under the covers, engaged in his phone, when I stepped back into the room. I shifted on my feet, pulling the shorts back down my thighs as far as I could. He looked up at me, and his pupils flared.
My skin warmed as his gaze ran over my body. There was no way I could deny I liked the heat in his eyes. Making my feet move, I climbed into the bed. Last night, I laid on his chest and snuggled into his side. Could I dare to hope he would do that again? Or was that simply a byproduct of the circumstances?
As usual, like he could read my mind, he put his phone on the end table and reclined back, reaching his arm out. “Can I hold you again?”
I nodded and scooted over, laying my head on his chest.
“Good night, love.”
And that warm feeling low in my stomach was back. “Good night.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
ADAM
Lyla shiftedin my arms as I slowly stirred awake. Waking up with her curled against my body made my chest ache with happiness. I glanced down at her, taking in her long eyelashes laying flush against cheeks that had a dusting of freckles across them. Her dark auburn curls framed her face, and I reached up, brushing them back so I could see even more of her.
She stirred and looked up at me with a sleepy smile. And when her gaze veered down and locked on my lips, the need to kiss her overwhelmed me.
I lowered my head, my intention a simple, chaste kiss. But I should have known better.
Just like the first time, it heated quickly. Her fingers dug into my side as she arched her neck, tilting her head further back andallowing me to deepen the kiss. I tangled my fingers in her hair and explored her mouth with my tongue.
Desire pounded through me. Images of her writhing beneath me raced through my head, and I rolled her onto her back, hovering over her. Our tongues moved together in a hot, sensual dance. My thigh was wedged between her legs, and my cock pulsed, pressing against her hip. As I devoured her mouth, I trailed my hand up her side, cupping her breast, and grazed my thumb over her nipple.
She moaned and arched into me. I could feel the heat through her tiny sleep shorts pressing against my thigh.
Dammit. I promised her we’d take this slow. That I’d give her time.
Reluctantly, I broke the kiss. I moved my hand back down her side and raised up on my elbow to look down at her. “We should probably get up and get dressed.”
Her forehead wrinkled in the cutest way. And I felt the same confusion, because every bone in my body wanted to stay in this bed with her.
