Audrey brushed a few strands of his hair away so she could see his face better, and that earned her a full, crooked smile.
“I understand. When can I see you again? Can you squeeze me in soon?” A pause. “Okay, I’ll take it. Thank you so much. I really, really appreciate it.” Theo pulled the back of her hand to his lips. His eyes darted all over her face, searching her features in the dim light of his room. “Okay. You have a good weekend too, and I’ll see you on Monday. Bye.”
He hung up and tossed the phone onto the edge of the bed beforepulling Audrey into his arms. “Good morning, sweetheart,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Did you sleep well? I’m sorry if I woke you.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I woke up on my own.”
“Are you terribly sore?”
“No.” She couldn’t help but smile softly at him while she ran her thumb along the rise of his cheekbone. “I’m a little sore, but not bad. Not at all. You were very gentle.”
He closed his eyes and sighed deeply in relief, snaking his arms around her beneath the sheets and drawing her into his chest. His scent enveloped her, warm and woodsy, tinged with musk and sweat and sleep, and she wriggled closer, burying herself in it.
She could stay like this forever, wrapped in his arms. How could she feel anything but safe and loved when his lips pressed so softly against her hair, over and over again, or when his hand combed soothingly through her waves, his palm nearly the size of her head? He was gentle, he was a giant, he was hers.
And she was his.
Their puzzle pieces slotted together so perfectly, so comfortably, so precisely.
And somehow, out of all the places and all the people in the world, the universe had seen fit to let them find each other, and fit each other.
Would she ever tire of this feeling?
It seemed impossible.
“What time is it?” Audrey finally asked with a yawn. She was in grave danger of falling dead asleep again if she didn’t say anything.
“It’s just after ten.”
She blinked in surprise and eyed the blackout shades.
“I had to grab Dr.Harper on the phone between appointments, but I didn’t want to leave you in case you woke up, so I tried to keep my voice down.”
This was the latest—and deepest—she’d slept inyears. Barista life meant she was usually awake by 6:30 on a good day, and 4:30 for the rest of them.
Well. Yesterdaywasexhausting. Perhaps it was no surprise she’d been out like a light once Theo had carried her upstairs and made her brush her teeth before they went to bed.
Such a nerd.
She loved him for it.
She turned back over and snuggled closer to him, tucking herself under his chin. His heartbeat drummed beneath her ear as he breathed, slow and steady and strong.
He was alive.
He was safe.
She’d have to keep reminding herself of that for a while now.
“What’d she say?”
Theo rubbed his eyes tiredly. “We didn’t have a ton of time to talk, but first, she wanted me to tell you how glad she was you were here last night, and how impressed she is with you—and also that she wouldn’t mind at all if you came in and talked to her about why exactly you’re so very mature for your age.” He shot her a wry glance. “It reeks of trauma.”
Audrey snorted. “It’s cute you think I can afford your therapist.”
His dark eyebrows skyrocketed. “Oh?” he purred, burying his nose in the crook of her neck. “You know what else is cute, sweetheart?” he murmured, nipping at the sensitive skin with his teeth. When she yelped, he squeezed her tighter and pressed a kiss there. His plush lips widened into a wicked grin, and he huffed in amusement under her jaw. “That you still seem to think you’re going to have to ‘afford’ anything anymore. That’s adorable.”
He barked a laugh, full and deep, as if the very notion were ridiculous before peppering her neck with more nipping, playful kisses. She laughed and tried to squirm away, but his biceps bulgedand tightened around her, keeping her locked firmly in place and at his mercy.
