“Ellie’s going to find out somehow.”
Um. Like, is she going to break into our room? Spy on us somehow? This doesn’t sound like Ellie, but Libby definitelyknows her better. Plus, when have I ever been able to deny Libby any request?
“Okay,” I say. Her breathing has already evened out, though she does let out a little “hmmm” in response. It’s the most adorable thing.
This woman is killing me.
I do as she’s asked and move closer to her. If she’s worried about Ellie spying on us somehow, shouldn’t I … snuggle her? This is technically a public display of affection. I’ve all but justified gently pulling her into my arms when I remind myself that I don’t think she was fully awake, and wealwaysset out a plan for things like that. There was no sleeping plan, so no snuggling.
Moving as little as possible, I reach for my phone and my earbuds on my nightstand, popping them in and turning on my chill playlist. I’m not going to survive tonight without a distraction.
CHAPTER 20
LIBBY
I’m the warmest I’ve been since we flew out of Houston. Somehow, even though I didn’t steal a hoodie from Jordan, mine still smells like him, and it’s heaven. I draw in a deep breath, pulling myself from my sleepy haze.
I am pressed up against Jordan’s back.
At first I freeze, horrified at what I’ve done. Sometime in the night I scooted right up next to him and burrowed in.
But it’s total bliss. I close my eyes and let it happen, relaxing into him. At least I don’t wrap my arms around him. Would Jordan believe I was sleep … cuddling? It’s unfair of me to insist on the walls that I do and then lie here and enjoy being pressed up close while he sleeps.
Maybe Jordan and I could be platonic spouses with benefits.
I press a hand to my face. I have become completely ridiculous.
“Uncle Jordan!” a voice suddenly cries. “You’resquishingLibby!”
He moves at the sound. “Oh no,” he says in a low, husky voice that sendssomethingzinging up from my stomach through my whole body.
“What’s wrong?” I say, worried that he’s upset about the sleep-cuddling.
“I forgot to lock the door again after I came back up last night.”
“Libby!” Kat calls from near the doorway, sounding worried.
I pop up from behind Jordan. I’ve lain here too long anyway,enjoyingit. I should be disgusted with myself, considering what a hypocrite I am. “I’m fine, Kat,” I say. “We were … um.”
“Newy-wed things?” Kat tilts her head to the side.
“Kat!” Ellie’s scolding voice comes from down the hall before I have to answer that. It doesn’t stop my face from erupting in heat at the thought of doing “newy-wed things” with Jordan. Ellie’s figure appears in the doorway, and her expression looks … surprised. I bite back a triumphant smile. Kat saved us. My nieces are coming in clutch lately. I don’t know if finding Jordan and me tangled together like this is wholly convincing that we’re as desperately in love as we claim, but it’s something.
“Sorry,” Ellie says to us.
“No problem,” Jordan says. “We would’ve locked the door if we were doing ‘newy-wed things.’ It’s all good.” He casually adjusts, stretching an arm out to scoop me up and pull me against him.
“Jordan,” I hiss. I slap him on the shoulder at his insinuation, although the way he’s holding me is even better than waking up next to him. Ellie laughs, and Jordan gives me a grin.
“Kat, let’s go get breakfast ready,” Ellie says. She casts another look over at me and Jordan, looking contemplative. She turns back to her daughter, leading her from the room. “I told you that you can’t barge in on Libby and Jordan,” she says as they head down the hall.
“But I could snuggle Libby before,” Kat says in a pouty voice.
“It’s different now. Please knock before you go into their room…” Whatever else Ellie tells her is lost as they get farther away.
Jordan pulls his arm away from me, moving to get off the bed. “Sorry about that. I’ll make double sure the door is lockedall nighttonight,” he says, waggling his eyebrows at me.
“Jordan,” I say again, but this time there’s a giggle in my voice. He must be getting the worst mixed signals from me.“Stop flirting, Jordan,” she says with a smitten giggle.
