Chapter Thirty
LYLA
My head restingon his chest, I smiled as I swirled my finger in circles over his right pec. Being together for the last twenty-four hours, mostly in this bed, was perfection. The connection I’d felt when we joined was unlike anything I’d experienced before. All the doubts and questions I had about us finally waned, leaving me with only the assurance that we were meant for each other.
We would have another day together before he went on night shifts for three nights. Nerves bubbled up as I thought about my first day back coming up on Thursday.
“Do you think the chief will take you off the shift with me next week?” I was really hoping not, even dreading the possibility. Because there was no doubt I would feel infinitely more comfortable if I was riding with Adam.
“Probably not. But just to be sure, we could wait to disclose our relationship until after you’ve been back for a few shifts.”
I stiffened, not loving that idea. More than anything, I wanted everyone to know he was mine now. But I also really hated the thought of not having him with me on my first shift. I’d officially brushed off my uneasiness as first day back jitters. It was the only thing that made sense.
“But only if that’s what you want,” he quickly amended. “I’ll do whatever makes you most comfortable. Ideally, I really want to ride with you as much as possible when you first go back.” He ran his hand soothingly up and down my arm. “I requested we were on the same shifts or riding together on ambo for your first week back.”
I smiled, loving the fact that he made sure I would be comfortable and taken care of. I couldn’t help but wonder if the chief had questioned it. “Did he not seem suspicious?”
“Nah. I just said having someone ride with you that you’re familiar with would be good. He agreed. I think he has you with Kyle once or twice too.”
I nodded and nibbled on my bottom lip. “Will you tell the guys?”
He chuckled. “Only if you want me too. Honestly, I’m not sure we’ll need to. They’ll probably figure it out.”
“Why do you say that?”
He kissed the top of my head. “Because after tonight I probably won’t be able to stop smiling like an utter fool.”
I rolled my eyes, but secretly loved that I made him feel that way.
“But I’ll make sure they don’t say anything until we’re ready,” he added.
As much as I wanted everyone to know—including that blonde flirt Savannah and every other single woman in town—I worried that the guys would treat me differently. It already unnerved me that everyone might question if I was ready. Hell, Iwasn’t even sure I was ready. But I didn’t really want to add whispers of a workplace romance on top of that uncertainty.
Not to mention I felt bad asking them to cover for us in front of the chief and Owen.
“Maybe we can wait to tell them too,” I said before quickly adding, “You know, officially. Just until after that first week.”
I wanted to tell the girls too, but the selfish part of me wanted to revel in this just the two of us for as long as possible.
“Whatever you want.”
I tried to read his tone. Did my request upset him?
“Seriously, love. I’m good with whatever will make your first few shifts back the easiest for you.”
I sighed and relaxed back into his hold.
“Do you want to finish our game ofMagic?” he asked.
“Not yet.” Snuggling deeper into his side, I let my eyes drift shut.
Being in his arms was the second-best thing. Feeling him move inside me was the first.
But literally every experience with him was the best.
Chapter Thirty-One
LYLA
