I might have hummed a little, tracing the sharp edges of his teeth with my tongue, sinking into the velvety textures of his mouth, clinging to him like he might disappear any second.
“There’s just one problem,” he whispered when we both had to take a breath.
“What?”
“I couldn’t get a room. Got any ideas?”
I just might. “Maybe.”
He faltered a little. “I mean, we don’t have to…I don’t expect?—”
“What if I do?” It was a brave thing for me to say. But whenever I was around this man, I felt different about myself.
Better. Stronger. Capable.
Limitless.
He stepped back with a grin. “Lead the way, Faraday.”
There was that swooping feeling in my chest again. The way he said my last name made it sound like an endearment.
We didn’t say a word on the walk back. Just held hands like teenagers, avoiding the main lobby, and ducking around corners when we passed anyone who might recognize us.
It wasn’t shame.
We only had a few days left together, and tonight was just for us. A secret, intimate little detour.
At some point, we’d have to put up with the knowing glances and questions from people who had begun to feel like family.
Not to mention his mother.
Nope, not gonna think about Mrs. Grady tonight.
In my room, the air was cool and quiet. The bed was made. The lights were soft. I half-expected Noah to dissolve the moment the door clicked shut behind us.
Or to wake up from this lovely, impossible little dream.
But he didn’t. And I didn’t.
We kicked off our shoes.
He stared at the bed longingly, looking like he wanted nothing more in that moment than to flop onto it and remain limp as dead weight for the foreseeable future, but then he glanced down at his clothing.
“I’m filthy. And I don’t have my luggage.”
I considered my own suitcase, trying to imagine something of mine I could offer, but there was nothing.
“I could see about getting it off of the bus.” He sounded disappointed but resigned. Because we both knew that if he left this room, the chances of him being discovered were pretty damn likely.
And if he was discovered, his mom?—
Yeah. No. I wasn’t about to let that happen. Not after last night’s performance.
“I’ll track down your luggage.” I placed my hands on his chest, shoving him toward the bathroom. “You take a hot shower. I should be back by the time you’re finished.”
It would mean fessing up to Tay, but I could handle Tay, and I had a feeling she would keep it quiet if I asked.
“You’re sure?”
