Page 66 of A Simple Love

“What can I do to help?”

I swallowed. “Can I stay?”

She held out her arms, and I dropped my jacket to the floor, crawling up the mattress. I wrapped my arms around her waist, laying my head on her chest. She hummed, stroking my hair and letting me engulf her with my body. It brought back memories of when my mom died and I needed Kassie close. She’d always let me wrap myself around her, her closeness helping banish the pain. I sighed, the steady thump-thump-thump of her heartbeat under my ear.

“I’m here,” she whispered.

“I needed this.”

“Go to sleep, Olly. I’m not going anywhere.”

I lifted my head, meeting her tender green gaze. “I need you.”

“You have me.”

I laid my head back down, feeling a sense of rightness. Of being…home.

I shut my eyes, surrounded by her, and let sleep take me.

I woke in the morning, the sun high, streaming in the windows across from the bed. I was alone, but the sheets smelled like Kassie. She had obviously draped a blanket over me at some point, but I was still facedown. Though now, instead of holding her, I was clutching her pillow.

Yawning, I sat up, running my fingers through my hair. I glanced at my watch, shocked to see it was past nine. I was grateful I wasn’t due on set until one. This morning’s shooting schedule didn’t include me at all.

I flung back the covers, used the washroom, and splashed cold water on my face. Kassie had left me a toothbrush, which I was grateful for. Then I went in search of her.

I found her in the kitchen, a row of pies filled and ready to bake on the counter.

“Do you ever stop?” I asked from the doorway.

She turned and smiled, making my breath catch in my throat. The sun played on her hair, turning the tresses a rich reddish-caramel blond. She wore an old-fashioned apron, and a dusting of flour decorated the bridge of her nose.

I leaned on the doorframe. “You could be a poster for the sexiest baker of all time,” I observed.

She laughed. “You need coffee.”

I stepped closer, pulling her against me. “No. I’m wide awake. I know what I see.”

“Prejudiced, then.”

“No, truthful. Beautiful.” I bent and kissed her tempting mouth. “Thank you for last night. I needed that.”

She bit her lip. “You looked exhausted.”

“I was. Tough night on set. Sheri was causing trouble.” I gave her a brief rundown of what had happened. She frowned, looking upset.

I headed to the coffeepot, pouring myself a tall mug. The fragrant liquid was steaming. “You want a cup?” I asked.

“Sure. I’ll just put these in the oven.”

I sat at the table, observing her in her element. Pies went in the oven after she pulled six others out. The fruit filling bubbled and steamed under the golden crust, making my mouth water. She sat across from me, taking a sip. “Mmm.”

“How many of these are you making?”

“Quinn says I need more for the lunch on Friday.”

“Right. So you’ll be back on set then?”

“Um, no.”