Page 82 of Let’s Be Real

And because this was where I wanted to be.

I hated myself for it, but I didn’t dwell on that. Not right now.

Nate flipped the lamp on his nightstand off and lay in bed beside me. It was quiet, and I was tired, but I was blinking in the dark, unable to shut myself off as easily as the lights.

“Go to sleep,” he grumbled.

“I’m trying. It might take me a minute or two. Don’t mind me.”

More time passed. We were both breathing like it was a well-practiced maneuver, not an automatic part of being a human being. I was close to considering getting up and going home. The last thing Nate needed was something else keeping him from sleeping.

Then, the sheets rustled, and his hand brushed my shoulder. “All right. Come here.”

I turned my head, finding his eyes glittering in the dark and his arm open. “Are you sure?”

He sighed as heavy as an anvil to the chest. “Not at all. Come here anyway.”

I crossed the divide, aligning my body with his and finding my spot on his shoulder to rest my head. His arm circled around me, holding me against him.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

Another sigh, this time as deep as the ocean. “I know.” He pressed his lips against my head, lingering for a few fluttering heartbeats. “Go to sleep.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, barely stopping myself from pressing my own lips to his skin. Snuggling was bad enough. Any more than this, and I’d crack.

“You too, Nate. Go to sleep too.”

He held me closer, tucking his nose in my hair, and before long, everything faded.

For a moment, it was perfect.

I knew exactly where I was and who was holding me. I was right where I wanted to be with the man I’d been missing for days.

Missing.

Oh. Right. I wasn’t supposed to be here. I’d told him I couldn’t do this—couldn’t do more—and the only fair thing was to stop everything. Go back to being acquaintances who orbited each other without ever coming close enough to collide.

Gentle fingers touched beneath my chin, tipping my head back. I steadfastly kept my eyes closed.

His laugh was a brush of warmth against my cheek. “You’re a loud thinker and terrible actress. No one would ever believe you’re still asleep.”

I cracked an eye open, and my stomach swooped violently when I was greeted with Nate’s crooked grin.

What a way to wake up. What a first sight to see in the morning.

How dare this man be so disgustingly perfect.

“I’m sorry,” I rasped.

“I know.”

I pressed my forehead to his chest. “We said this, didn’t we?”

“We keep saying the same thing. You’re sorry for not wanting more, and I accept your apology. I think we’ve got it covered.”

Both of my eyes flew open. “That’s not why I’m apologizing.”

He cocked his head. “No?”