I slowly pushed myself upright as I rubbed at my eyes, and I’m a little embarrassed to admit how long it took me to realize I wassitting in Garrak’s lap. Was that a little drool spot on his chest?
Oh my God, I’d drooled on Garrak’s bare chest!
Don’t get me wrong—his bare chest was definitely drool-worthy. Butnot likethat.
Grateful he appeared to still be asleep, with his head tipped back against the couch and his breathing deep, I carefully extricated myself from his hold. And it was definitely ahold; he had one arm around my back, cradling me against him, and the other was on my ass.
The realization made me warm.
What had happened? Why was I sleeping in his lap?
I remembered falling asleep sad, knowing tomorrow—today—I’d be leaving Eastshore and Garrak. But then… Frowning, I finally slipped my bare feet to the floor and carefully stood, not wanting to disturb him. I remembered nightmares, but as always, when I tried to hold onto them, they slipped just out of my reach.
Well, maybe I didn’t want to remember them after all.
I dragged my fingers through my hair and escaped to the bathroom, only to find my undies still hanging on the towel rack. Crap! I’d forgotten to get them last night after I’d washed them in the sink.
Next time I agreed to a trip for my father, I needed to pack better.
As I brushed my teeth, I studied my reflection. Did I look paler than usual? More drained? Well, who the hell could blame me? I thought this had been a simple courier trip, and I’d showed up at a stranger’s home, only to find out I was expected to fuck him to cancel my father’s debt? And if I didn’t, I’d be in danger?
But then, I’d realized this was a stranger I wouldn’tmindfucking…andthenthe longer I stayed, the less of a stranger Garrak became, and now it was Thursday and Iwould be heading back to the mainland, and I wouldn’t see him or Eastshore ever again.
So yeah.
No wonder I looked like I’d been dragged through a ringer, right?
But…
I spit, then straightened to frown at my reflection.
I’d had nightmares last night but didn’t remember them. All I remembered was waking up safe and comfortable and—andcherished. I don’t know how I ended up in his arms, but Garrak had protected me, even if it was just from myself.
With a sigh, I pushed myself upright and glanced out the window. It was a dreary day, with rain-heavy clouds threatening the town. A crappy day for a drive, but I should be grateful for a little more time with Garrak.
He still wasn’t awake by the time I emerged, so I closed the door a little too loudly. “Good morning,” I announced cheerfully as he startled awake.
“Stevie!” One of his hands rested on his bare stomach, and when he shifted, I watched the way his sweatpants sagged. “You’re awake early.”
This is likely the point when Ishouldhave said something suave and sexy, or at least flirtatious. But the dude was sitting there on my sheets, mostly naked, with all that skin on display, and I realized I was just staring.
Say something!
Yep. Yep, I would definitely say something.Aaaanyminute now…
Had I thought Garrak was sexy when he’d stood in the doorway with his sleeves rolled up and that tattoo on display?
Um, sleepy Garrak in only gray sweatpants?Waysexier. Especially since, as I stared, I saw his crotch stirring. His dick was slowly stiffening behind that cotton, and I felt my lips curling in awe. That monster cock really was massive, and?—
He grabbed my pillow and slammed it over his crotch.
“Sorry,” he muttered, shifting to stand. “You were—uh, you were having a nightmare.”
I caught my tongue stud between my teeth, then released it. “Yeah…I figured. You, uh…”
You held me. You made me feel better.
But that must not have been what Garrak thought I was going to say, because I watched his skin darken with a blush and he shoved himself to his feet.
