Page 49 of The Image of You

“I feel the same way about you.”

She made omelets, teasing me about my dwindling supplies and having to be inventive.

“I was busy today,” I laughed, picking up the somewhat dry toast. I did have to get to the store and purchase some groceries.

“Do you ever keep much food here?”

“No. I never know when I’ll be called away, and it spoils. Takeout is easier.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Now that I have you, I can get a few more things. You could always come and stay here if I was away.”

Our gazes locked.

“I could,” she murmured.

“I’ll go grocery shopping tomorrow.”

She laughed, slipped off her stool, and went to get ready for work.

I drove her again, already filled with plans for my night. At the hospital, she turned to me. “I slept so well today. Thank you.”

I ran my finger down her cheek. “I’ll be here in the morning.”

“I could drive myself.”

“I’d like to come get you, if you’d let me,” I added, unable to explain the yearning I felt when it came to her. I needed to be close to her as much as possible and I didn’t question it

Her lips were warm on my cheek. “I would.”

I stayed up most of the night installing the blinds I had ordered and picked up. I wasn’t much of a handyman, but they looked damn good when I was done and would be useful.

When I arrived at the hospital, she was waiting. She slipped into the car, immediately leaning over for my kiss. I held the back of her head securely, enjoying the feel of her mouth.

“You look tired,” she observed.

“I was awake most of the night.” I grinned. “Busy.” I lifted her hand, kissing the knuckles. “I plan on sleeping beside you today.”

“Oh.” That was the only word she uttered, but her smile was bright.

It was even brighter when she saw the blinds, and she seemed surprised.

“Why?”

“For you. So you can sleep.”

“I can’t sleep here every day,” she reminded me gently.

I tucked another item into her hand I had picked up. She looked down at the shiny keys in her palm, and her gaze flew to mine.

“Anytime, Nightingale. Whether I’m here or not.” I had been home for a couple of days now, and I never knew when I would have to head out again. “You’re welcome to be here. Day or night.”

“Adam—”

I shook my head. “Anytime. The larger one is the front door—at least for the times the lock isn’t broken—the other one is for the loft.” I added another item to her palm. “This pass is for the garage. You can park in there beside me—you’ll be safer. Use the private elevator. You know the pass code already.”

I closed her hand around the keys and pass, silently begging her with my eyes to accept them. Accept me.