The bike rumbled beneath me, the vibrations rocking through my core. I leaned against Bear as he pulled out of the parking lot, the leather of his jacket cool against my overheated skin. Driving down the dark, quiet roads with the wind brushing against my face felt like freedom.
I clutched Bear tighter—not because I was afraid, but because I was already dreading the moment I had to let him go. At every light and stop sign, he touched my leg or squeezed my hands.
The drive was over much too soon. I signaled Bear when we got to the house, and he turned into the driveway. He came to a stop and I didn’t move. I couldn’t convince my arms to let him go.
“Come on, baby,” he said. “Let’s get you inside.”
I released him with a sigh. When I got off the bike, a wave of dizziness washed over me. Bear’s arms were quick on my waist, keeping me from falling.
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re coming down from your high, baby. Let’s get you in bed so you can sleep it off.”
He picked me up again, this time in a bridal hold. I leaned against his chest, floating in and out of sleep as he got me inside.
“Where are the lights?” he asked.
“Not working,” I mumbled. “My bedroom’s up there.” I pointed in the direction of the stairs, the moonlight through the windows barely lighting the way.
“What do you mean they’re not working?” he asked as he carefully walked up the stairs.
“Don’t worry about it,” I said. “I’ll figure it out.”
Bear laid me down on my bed. “This isnotthe end of this conversation.” He brushed my hair out of my face. “It seems like you need someone to take care of you.”
His words almost made me burst into tears. I wrapped my fingers around his t-shirt, breathing in his scent.
“Want your shirt,” I whined.
Bear snorted. “It’s sweaty and gross. You don’t want it.”
“I do.” I heard how absurd I sounded but couldn’t stop myself. For whatever reason, getting his shirt felt like the most important thing in the world. “Please.”
“Okay, baby, if that’s what you want.”
He stripped off his shirt, pulling his leather jacket back on over his naked chest. My fingers itched to take his jacket for my nest as well, but even I realized that was too greedy.
At least for right now.
I stripped my dress and bra off, biting my lip to hide my smile at Bear’s muttered curses, and slipped his t-shirt on. His scent surrounded me, making my eyelids grow heavy.
I laid back down in the middle of the blankets and pillows and reached out my hand to pull Bear down with me. My mind was foggy, but there was a slow, smoldering burn in my core, and I wanted his hands on me.
“Westin, baby, you don’t know how badly I want to get in bed with you. But I’m trying to be a good guy and not take advantage. You’re not thinking straight right now.” He leaned down, burying his face in the crook of my neck and breathing in. “I want you.” His voice was low, reaching me through my dreamy state. “And not just for one night. So I’ll be patient and wait until your mind is clear and come check on you tomorrow.”
Sadness pierced through my languid sleepiness, and I clutched his hand harder.
“I put my number into your phone. Call me when you’re up and I’ll bring food.”
He waited for me to nod before pulling away.
My eyes fluttered closed, and I felt a blanket being laid over me. A tender kiss on my forehead and a few murmured words seeped their way into my dream.
37
GRAY
Iknocked again on Westin’s front door. I’d been out here for five minutes and she still hadn’t answered. My chest grew tighter the longer I waited. She was scheduled to work today, and she was never late. I was about to pull out my phone and call her when the door finally opened.
Westin was wearing a baggy sweatshirt and black sweatpants. Her hair fell messily around her flushed face and her eyes were glassy.
