I could just stay here all night, nestled in against him, but I know he has to work. “You should probably get back in there,” I say, covering my yawning mouth as I draw away.
He sighs. “Go home and get some sleep. I’ve still got four hours.”
“I want to see you. I’ve waited all evening…”
“I know.” He caresses a tender hand over my hair. “But it’s late and you’re tired. Don’t worry, I’ll come straight to your place when I finish up. I mean…” He huffs a self-conscious laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “If you want me to—”
“Yes.” I fumble in my purse, yanking out my keys and sliding my front door key off the ring. Alex has a spare back at the building, and this way he can let himself in. I don’t care if this is too forward, if I look desperate—I need him back in my bed tonight. We’ve wasted enough time.
He takes the key from me with a surprised grin. “Okay. Four hours.”
I grin too, glad to know I’m not the only one counting down.
* * *
When I get backto the building, Alex opens the door in her dressing gown. And when I explain that I need my key back from her because I gave my one to Myles, she squeals so loud I’m certain she’s woken Agnes, the kindly old lady upstairs. But for some reason, I’m not bothered by her theatrics. I just float back down to my apartment and climb into bed with a smile on my face.
It’s nearly three in the morning by the time Myles finally crawls into bed with me. There’s a moment where I’m still half asleep and I don’t know what’s going on, but when I feel his warm arms slip around my back and tuck me in against him, bliss sweeps through me. I mumble something incoherent against his skin, fumbling for him through the haze of sleep, and he chuckles.
“Shhh, baby. Go back to sleep. I’ll be here in the morning.”
And I let out a happy sigh, drifting off with my face snug against his chest, right in that safe spot.
* * *
I spitmy mouthwash into the sink and check my appearance again. I have the fleeting thought that I should put some makeup on—maybe a little concealer and mascara—but I catch myself. If there’s one person I don’t need to pretend for, it’s Myles.
I pad to my bedroom, ready to slip back under the covers and snuggle in beside his warm, sleepy body. But when I nudge the door open, Myles is sitting up in bed with his arms folded and worry carved into his brow.
“Morning,” he says uncertainly, and there’s a pull in my heart when I realize what’s going through his mind. He thinks I’m going to ask him to leave again.
I gaze at him from the doorway, at his bare torso nestled against my pillows, that striking tattoo down his right arm, his chestnut curls ruffled in the golden morning light that spills through my open curtains. Happiness swells behind my breastbone at the sight of this man in my bed. I don’t know how I ever made him leave.
“Hey.” I cross the room and climb into bed, snuggling into his side. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Good.” His breath comes out as an anxious laugh. “I woke up and you were gone, and I thought—”
“I know and I’m sorry. I want…” I fiddle with the comforter, thinking. How can I show him what I’m feeling? “Will you come to a party with me this evening?”
His eyebrows rise.
“It’s Alex’s engagement party. Nothing fancy, just some drinks at her and Michael’s apartment. But I’d like you to come. You know, as my boyfriend.”
His eyes sparkle as they move over my face. “I’d love to. I have to work, but I’ll see if I can go in a little later.”
I smile, and it’s reflected back to me on his gorgeous mouth. Then he lowers that mouth to mine in a sweet, soft kiss. Our tongues meet, and I pull him down on top of me impatiently. He threads our fingers together, pinning my hands over my head as he crushes his mouth to mine. His kiss moves to my shoulder, then my neck, and he groans.
“I can’t believe I’m in your bed and you’re not telling me to leave,” he rasps against my collarbone, nudging the strap of my tank top aside.
My chest squeezes. I can’t stand that he’s thinking that. “Myles…” I stroke a hand over his rough jaw and tilt his face up, holding his gaze. “I’m not going to ask you to leave again. I love having you in my bed.”
His eyes darken and he lifts his mouth back to mine, taking it in a hot, dirty kiss. He grinds his hips against me, and when I feel how hard he is, I whimper with need. We tug each other’s clothes off in a messy tangle of limbs and he sits back on his heels glancing around.
“I’ll just grab—”
“No,” I whisper, pulling him down, close. “Don’t. I’m on the pill. I want you—all of you.”
His lips part in surprise. “Are you sure?”
