Or maybe one day he’d come clean. Assuming they were still hanging out in the future.
They’d gotten a later start on the movie as they’d waited around until she could help get Mr. Webb into the chopper. Thankfully, a cardiologist had volunteered to do a ride-along, and they could all breathe a little easier knowing Mr. Webb was in good hands and on his way to the nearest hospital with an expert at his side.
She’d fallen asleep with her feet on the coffee table, her head tilted toward him. She’d attempted to stay awake, but he finally pulled her to him to rest her head on his shoulder. At that point, she’d given in and fallen into slumber. The blanket she’d pulled from the back of the couch was tucked under her chin, and he decided she fit just right snuggled up under his arm. He grimaced. The arm that had been in one position too long.
He hated to move, but the cramp had him shifting, pulling her closer to settle her more comfortably for them both. Holding her was like nothing he’d ever experienced before, and it was something he could certainly get used to. The peaceful look on her face had him vowing to stay put as long as she needed him to—in spite of the fact that his arm was once again going to sleep. Minutes ticked past and he found himself drifting off.
He forced his eyes open. He couldn’t afford to sleep while someone was after her.
Thankfully, it was only a few minutes before Maya stirred and rubbed her eyes, then looked at the television and laughed. “Okay, you were right.”
“Yep. I had no doubts.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Modest too.”
He found himself contemplating kissing her. Her lips were turned up at just the perfect angle. All he had to do was—
A knock on the door startled him, and he pulled his arm from around her, gasping when the blood started flowing again.
“Your arm was asleep, wasn’t it?”
“Just a little. It was worth it.” He winked and her eyes widened,a flush creeping up from the base of her neck and into her cheeks. The feeling was back in his arm. It was the feeling in his heart that he’d have to figure out what he was going to do with. He made his way to the door. “Who is it?”
“Lila.”
He opened the door. “Hey.”
“Just wanted to let you know that someone else is taking a shift watching out for Maya tonight.” She pointed. “He’s parked right there and will be there for four hours, then another officer will take his place.”
“Okay, thanks for everything. You’ve been great.”
“It’s been fun. In a weird sort of way.” Her eyes widened. “Not that I would wish someone threatening Maya’s life, of course. Just that the change of pace was, um ... nice ... and okay, I’m done now since my words aren’t cooperating.”
He laughed. “I knew what you meant.”
“Thank goodness.”
He rubbed his chin. “Do you think I should stay here with her?”
“I don’t know. I was going to do that, but she said with all the security, it wasn’t necessary.” She frowned. “I think she was just worried about putting me out. It wouldn’t be an inconvenience, but if you’d rather stay, I understand.”
“I know you have to work in the morning. I’ll take care of it.”
“All right, y’all have a good night.”
She left and he shut the door, then walked into the kitchen to find Maya cleaning up the remains of their dinner. “Need any help?”
“No, it’s mostly just dumping stuff in the trash.” When she was done, she leaned against the counter. “I know you’re probably ready to head back to your own cabin, but can I ask you something?”
“I thought I’d stay on the couch if you’re okay with that. And sure, you can ask.”
“You can stay if you think you need to.”
“I think I need to. I’ll get more sleep here.”
“That’s fine. I’ll probably sleep better with you here too. So, now that we’ve got that settled, I’ll ask my question. You said you had stuff to work through here, that you came here to think.”
“Yes.” He frowned.
