In a few seconds, he was back with a pair of gray wool socks and knelt in front of her. He lifted one of her feet. Was he going to put it on for her? Seriously?
“What are you? Prince Charming? Trying to see if it fits?”
After tugging the first one up past her ankle, he took her other foot and held it as he gazed up at her. “Doesn’t matter if it fits. I know that you are the right princess.”
Her heart picked up and nearly pounded out of her chest.
When the other sock was on, he picked up her hands and smiled. “Do you need anything right now? Food? A drink? I’m beat and could use my bed, but I want to make sure you’re all set before I go in. The guest room should have everything you need. And there’s a new toothbrush in the hall bathroom cabinet.”
He was getting better at speaking so his lips were easy to read without overemphasizing words. “Now that I have my socks, I should be fine. I will need you to wake me up in the morning, though. I don’t have my vibrating alarm clock with me.”
“I’d be happy to. Shall I escort you to your room?” He held out his hand and helped her up. After shutting off all the lights except the small one in the kitchen, he walked her to her doorway.
“Thank you for twisting my arm about staying here tonight. I wasn’t looking forward to trying to get home in that snow.”
“I’m glad you came. I would have worried too much.”
Leaning in, he kissed her. His lips touching hers did something to her that was indescribable. Wow, it was something great. Allowing her hands to wander up his chest, she kissed him back, letting the heat and emotion fill her up. When he eased her away, he cupped her face and waited until she opened her eyes.
“I’ll be right on the other side of this wall if you need anything.”
All she could do was nod as she backed into the room. What would he do if she needed him?
Chapter sixteen
The blizzard raged outside the window, and Blake didn’t relish having to trudge through it back to the hospital. First, he had to wake Carli up. Hopefully, she’d slept well. Falling asleep for him last night hadn’t been easy, even with how tired he was from working two shifts. Knowing she was asleep in the room next to him without her panties, which he’d seen drying in the bathroom, had kept him awake longer than it should have.
He hesitated putting the TV on to check the forecast, then realized she wouldn’t hear it anyway. Switching through channels, they all said the same. No end in sight for the snow. Not today at any rate. They were asking for all non-emergency personnel to stay off the roads. Too bad they were emergency personnel. It would have been a dream to stay in his apartment all snug and cozy with Carli.
Once he’d set the coffee maker to start a fresh pot, he moved toward the guest room. The door was open a crack, so he shuffled in and froze in his spot. Wow, she was gorgeous. Golden strawberry curls spread out over the pillow next to her head and her face so peaceful in slumber. Like she had no worries in the world. If he could give her that all the time, he would. He’d love to stand here and watch her the entire day, but they had places to go.
As he balanced on the edge of the bed, he wondered if she knew he’d walked in. Yes, she felt vibrations but to what degree? Maybe they needed to have a talk about her other senses and how she adapted them in her world. Everything. He wanted to know everything about her. And wasn’t that a surprise? He’d been so engrossed in becoming a physician for so long he hadn’t had time to learn about anyone or anything else on the periphery.
How best to wake her now? He’d love to do it with a kiss but didn’t want to take advantage of her when she was asleep. It may have worked for Sleeping Beauty. Unfortunately, he was no prince. First, he pushed a strand of hair off her cheek, then stroked his fingers down her face. A tiny sound floated from her lips, and she brushed her hand over the skin he’d just touched. Then, she snuggled deeper into the blankets.
Okay, that didn’t work. Using a bit more pressure this time, he rubbed a hand over her arm and up her shoulder. What did she use for an alarm clock at home? He’d have to research that. Or he could simply ask her. Maybe even apply for the job. Was he moving too fast? They’d known each other for over three months already, but he wasn’t sure what her experience with men was. He couldn’t imagine someone as beautiful and caring as Carli hadn’t had tons of guys wanting to go out with her.
Finally, her eyes fluttered open.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
She squinted as she rolled on her back. “Blake?”
“You said I’d need to wake you up.”
Yawning, she shook her head and placed her fingers on his lips. “Wait. I missed all that.”
Right. Holding her hand where it was, he started to repeat, but she waved him off with the other hand.
“I can’t focus on anything until I’ve had some coffee. Please, tell me you have something like that in this place.”
Gently bracing her hands around his face, he nodded.
She laughed. “Okay, I understood that.”
Yeah, he should let her get up and ready, but he hated to stop looking at her all drowsy and mussed up. Too bad he hadn’t been the one to muss her up.
Groaning, she said, “Don’t stare at me. I must look a mess. My curls always go all wild in the morning until I can tame them again.”
