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“I’m half mad. I do know it’s sweet that you took care of me. Now I know why my knees were bruised as hell.”

“I babyproofed the apartment.” He nodded at the coffee table and I followed his line of sight. There were protectors on every sharp edge.

“I thought that was for the girls.”

“Half of it was. I added more for you.”

“I’m not a child,” I muttered. “But my knees thank you.”

He laughed, looked at the door, and then at me. “Do you wanna stay? I can watch out for you.”

Instinctually, I went to say no. This was the same song and dance we always did. I would say no and then my sleepy mind would betray me.

But tonight was a night of breaking a lot of bad habits.

I needed to keep the streak.

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best.”

He stood up straighter. “Really?”

“Yes.” I pointed at him. “But only because your bed is comfy.”

“Understood.”

“And nothing is happening.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

With a satisfied smile, I walked to his bedroom and flopped down onto the bed. “Yep. Perfect.”

Gabriel laughed from behind me. “Where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Find a corner, bitch.”

“I could go to the couch.”

I looked up. “Don’t you fucking dare.”

He raised a single eyebrow and I slowly moved over. “Cover your eyes. I need to change,” he said.

“And you can’t do it in front of me?”

He huffed. “And make a bad decision?”

I frowned. He was right. Our one time was over.

I should have said I wanted it twice.

“Fine.” I covered my eyes and waited thirty seconds. Then I split my fingers and got a great view of Gabriel’s bare chest.

He caught me immediately. “Jade!”

“What? My eyes are covered.”

“I can see you peeking!”

“They’re covered in spirit.”