“Yes, you do.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,sweetheart. You’re gonna have to tell me.”
“I’m not saying it.”
His grin breaks out wide as he steps closer. His thumb hooks under my chin, and he gently plucks my bottom lip free from my teeth. It lingers there, soothing the dent I left behind, and then he kisses me.
He smoothes his mouth over mine with confidence and purpose.
By the time he pulls back, I’m breathless and the butterflies in my lower belly are having a field day.
“I’d love to spend nights here with you in your bed. And we don’t have to do anything other than sleep, if that’s not what you want, okay?”
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Can I grab a shower?”
Only if I can join you.
The thought rushes so fast, my eyes bulge. Chase gives me a questioning look but doesn’t say anything.
He follows me up the stairs and into my room, disappearing into the en suite a minute later.
I sink onto my bed, replaying every moment from last night. The sweet kisses he placed on my face, lips, and neck. His heartbeat soothing my every fear and worry.
Kissing him makes my head spin. I experience every shock wave and zap deep in my bones, but we haven’t gone any further than kissing. He knows I’m inexperienced, and he already told me it’s been a while for him, too. There’s still a lot we have to talk about, but I want him to stay. I want to cuddle up to him in bed. I just know I’m not ready for other activities. I was nervous to bring up him staying over in case he thought it meant I was ready for more. But he understood me perfectly.
He always does.
The shower shuts off, and I sit up straight, my pulse jumping to attention.
He’s going to walk out shirtless.
The handle turns, and I bite my lip, trying hard to prepare myself. The door swings open, and he strolls out fully dressed with damp hair and a smirk locked in place.
My stomach flips as desire winds around me. My face must flush red—I can feel it—but Chase must see it too, because he says, “Something wrong, baby?”
“Everything’s perfect,” I squeak out.
He sits next to me, and the mattress dips.
“I only just got to see you, and now it’ll be even longer because of the away series.”
“This is your life, Chase. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
He kisses my cheek and pulls me into him.
How does he smell so incredible all the time?
“I was wondering,” he begins, pushing my hair behind my ear. “Would you consider staying at my place the night I get back? It would be nice to come home to you.”
“You mean an actual sleepover?”
“Pajamas, pillow fights, trashy magazine quizzes, face masks, and pizza. We can do whatever you want, as long as I get to hold you.”
“I think that sounds really nice.”
He reaches into his pocket, dangling a set of keys between his fingertips. “Then you’ll need these.”
