And he’s lying in bed with his upper body against the headboard. Maybe he was waiting.
Still, I knock on the door frame.
“Still hate storms, huh.” His voice scrapes.
Our eyes spear into one another while I twist the end of my shirt around my fingers.
“Is that why…”
“I’m not sleeping and waiting for you? Yeah.”
My protector.
That’s the way I’ve always seen him. “Do you think… maybe… can I?—?”
The faintest line of victory draws on his lips.
He pats the mattress next to him. “Sleep here for the night? Because you don’t want to be alone. Come on.”
I smile and join him on the bed. My body imprints into the mattress, molding into the sheets instantly, as though the bed were ready for me.
But it’s his arm looping around me without asking and pulling me close until I rest my head against his chest that really is the perfect fit.
11
ROSIE
Tossing my yoga mat into my basket in the corner of the living room, I stand and thrum my fingers against my side as I survey the area. I’m debating if there is something to clean or if I should just light some candles, grab a mug of tea, and cuddle with a blanket on the sofa.
I’m just edgy. Nervous energy. It makes zero sense. I can’t even think of a reason why.
There is no more slew of questions about last night. Sleeping in Carter’s arms felt like home, if I’m honest. I woke in the middle of the night, and I couldn’t help but watch him sleep. Noticing how his arm would shift if I moved the slightest or the way his chest rises when he breathes steadily. Or the fact that his scent drowns me, between his body and steeped in the pillows. I didn’t want to change clothes this morning.
I had to slip out of bed early because I had a class to teach over in Lake Spark. He should be home soon, as for the most part, he has the day shifts.
Ditching the tea idea, I flop onto the couch and decide to call Bella. She’s been hounding me with texts that I keep forgetting to answer. I’ve been occupied with things.
I unlock my phone and press her name. It doesn’t take long for her to answer the video call. She seems to be in the corner of an office.
“Can’t talk long. They have me working on a project.” She quickly eyes the area. “It’s a pain in the ass that I had to sign that no-fraternizing clause, because some of the players that walk into this building have me seriously doubting my life choices.”
I snort a laugh. “You’ve always been such a by-the-book girlie. Go on, break the rules,” I encourage her playfully.
She gawks at me. “Anyhow. How is it going?”
“Good. I was teaching a class this morning and now I’m going to take it easy. Actually, I’m kind of hungry. For a normal meal, finally.” I note that we have leftovers in the fridge from yesterday.
“That’s great to hear. And how is it with… the ex-husband?” She grimaces.
“Carter and I are fine. Baby steps, I guess. A better direction than a week ago. We had a good conversation.”
My sister smiles brightly. “I’m happy to hear that. I’m really rooting for you two. I think everyone is. It wasn’t a messy divorce.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “No, it wasn’t. It was just a bruising blow that we both gave up so easily.”
Bella shrugs. “Bruises heal.”
I snicker at her. “You’re supposed to be my baby sister and I’m the one handing out the deep thoughts, not the other way around.”
