‘Of course you must stay here. Even if you could get a cab, I’m not sure it’s wise to be out in this weather. I’m sorry I dragged you out here.’
‘You hardly dragged me,’ she said. ‘And I’m glad I came. The food was delicious and the company was great.’
He smiled. ‘My room has a double bed and a sofa. You can have the bed and I’ll take the sofa.’
Kate blushed at the thought of sharing his room.
‘I can’t ask you to do that?’
‘You didn’t. I offered.’
She considered it for a second. ‘That’s a really kind offer. Thank you. But I think it’s best if I ask if there’s a room available. Please don’t take offence.’
‘None taken.’
When the manager told her they had nothing at all free, she wasn’t sure what to do next.
‘The offer still stands,’ Raff said. ‘I promise not to try to take advantage of you.’
‘I didn’t think for one moment that you would.’
But if the man kept looking at her like that, she might be the one to try to take advantage of him.
‘Kate, it isn’t a big deal. I’m happy to sleep on the sofa.’
‘But I…’ She didn’t really have a choice. ‘Thank you. But I’ll take the sofa and you must have the bed.’
He grinned at her. ‘Must everything be an argument with you?’
‘No. But I couldn’t possibly throw you out of your bed.’
He raised one brow. ‘You’re not. I’m making the decision. Now please just accept this.’
‘I…’ She smiled at him. ‘Okay. Thanks.’
‘There. Problem solved.’
‘Oh. Not quite. I can’t sleep in this dress. This inbuilt corset thing will kill me if I do. I don’t suppose I could borrow a pyjama top, could I?’
‘Not from me, I’m afraid. I don’t wear pyjamas.’
‘You sleep naked? In winter?’
He sniggered. ‘In summer, too. All year round, in fact.’
‘Oh!’ Either the heating had been turned up or her body was overreacting to the thought of Raff sleeping naked. ‘I sleep in PJs all year. Brushed cotton long-sleeved sets in winter, and pure cotton shortie sets in summer. And Beth and I always buy a new set of festive-themed PJs for Christmas Eve.’
‘Really? Always PJs? Never a nightdress?’
She frowned at him. ‘If you’re picturing me wearing one of those winceyette, button-up, high-necked, elasticated long-sleeved nightgowns, forget it. I wouldn’t be seen dead in one of those.’ She folded her arms across her chest although she wasn’t sure why she was getting cross with him.
He slowly raised one brow. ‘I can assure you, Kate, that wasn’t at all how I was picturing you.’ His smile sent new sensations racing through her. ‘And I have the solution to your current predicament. You can borrow a clean shirt.’
She slowly unfolded her arms and breathed out a sigh of relief. ‘Thank you. That would be great. I could’ve just slept in my knickers, I suppose, but if I forget where I am and get up in the night, you might get an eyeful. That happened to poor Avery via a video call and although…’ Realising that, once again, she was divulging all sorts of things she really shouldn’t be, she let her voice trail off. What the hell was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she just shut up? Did she really have to tell him every single thought she had? She smiled sheepishly. ‘Sorry. Too much information.’
He threw her a devilish grin. ‘On the contrary. Not enough information. But please don’t worry on my account. I’m sure I could handle it. In fact, now I come to think of it, I’m not sure I do have a clean shirt to lend you, so …’ He laughed. ‘Don’t worry. I do. And in the same spirit of consideration for others, I’ll keep my boxer shorts on tonight. Or you might get an eyeful.’
Their eyes met and Kate laughed too.
