The kiss was going to change things.That wasn’t a question.
That moment on the couch had already shifted something between us.The line was there now, clear and visible.Neither of us could pretend we didn’t see it anymore.
But change didn’t mean bad.It just meant different.
And I wasn’t afraid of different, not when it came to her.
A soft sound came from the bedroom.
I stilled and listened.
Another small noise, a whimper.
I pushed off the window and moved quietly down the hallway, my steps light out of habit more than necessity.The bedroom door was open just enough for me to see her.
Britta was on her back, the blankets twisted around her legs, her brow furrowed slightly like something in her sleep wasn’t sitting right.
Her breathing was uneven and shallow.
I stepped inside without making a sound and moved to the side of the bed.For a second, I just stood there, watching her.
Even like this, she was… something.Soft, strong, and beautiful.
All wrapped up in one person who had no idea how much space she was taking up in my head already.
Her hand twitched against the sheet, and her lips parted slightly, a faint frown pulling at them.
I reached out before I could think too hard about it and brushed a strand of hair back from her face.
My fingers barely touched her skin, but it was just enough that her breathing shifted instantly.Slowed and evened out.
The tension in her brow eased like she recognized the touch even asleep.Like her body knew I was there.
Something in my chest tightened.
I let my hand linger for a second longer than necessary, then pulled it back and stepped away.
She didn’t wake or stir again.She just settled deeper into the bed, her body relaxing into the mattress like whatever had been bothering her had let go.
I watched her for another minute, making sure she stayed calm.
Making sure she was okay.
Then I turned and walked back out into the living room.
Back to the window.
Back to the street.
I cracked it open again and grabbed another cigarette, lighting it with a practiced flick of the lighter.
The flame danced for a second before I pulled in a breath and let it die.
I leaned my shoulder against the wall and stared out at the city.Until Britta decided she wanted me… I’d be right here.
Waiting.
Chapter Thirteen
