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His face gentled, and I grew self-conscious because I’d sort of just revealed that I cared about his well-being. But there was no fighting it, and I hated the idea of him working himself ragged.

“Okay, but wake me after twenty minutes.”

“Sure, the burgers will be ready by then.”

Tristan dutifully climbed into the bed, lying down but refusing the covers. I went to the window to pull the curtains, darkening the room to a cosy level before I left. I didn’t start on the burgers right away. Instead, I fed Rua, cleaned out her litter tray and then completed a few chores around the apartment. I didn’t hear a peep from Tristan, and when I ducked my head into the room, he was fast asleep, his breathing deep and even.

By the time I’d showered, changed into some comfortable loungewear, and then at last started on the food, two hours had passed. The table was set, and everything was ready when I went to wake him.

“Tristan,” I called gently. “Food’s ready.”

He was so deep asleep that he didn’t even stir. I felt bad waking him and considered letting him continue sleeping, but I had made him two burgers and I hated wasting food.

Stepping farther into the room, I reached across the bed and gently nudged his shoulder. He didn’t wake. Resting one knee on the mattress, I placed both hands on his shoulders, pushing them lightly as I called his name. “Tristan.” He moved suddenly, knocking my knee out from under me as I collapsed onto the bed, or more specifically, on top of him.

“Erin?” He was sleepy and confused as he braced me on his lap. Tingles encapsulated me from head to toe.

“I was trying to wake you.”

“So you decided to drop your entire body weight on me?”

We were so close I could feel his breath stir the hair behind my ears. I became aware of his large, hot hand on my thigh, scorching into me like a brand. His masculine scent, accompanied by the seawater he still hadn’t showered off, was intoxicating. His hand moved upward, a slow, intimate touch that was so natural it seemed like he did it on instinct.

“You smell amazing,” he growled, pressing his nose into the hollow of my neck and inhaling deeply. Ribbons of desire fluttered all through my body, and I was this close to straddling him where he lay.

“Guh,” I made an incomprehensible sound, too much sensation happening at once. “The food’s ready.”

Tristan seemed to come to his senses, his hand leaving my thigh as he released me, and I practically leapt to my feet.

“Would you like anything to drink? I have some juice or water?”

His gaze travelled all the way up my body, his eyes hooded, one hand gripping the sheets. He appeared to struggle with some inner thought before he answered, “Water’s fine. How long was I asleep?”

I cast him a sheepish look. “A little over two hours.”

“I told you two wake me after twenty minutes.”

“I know, but you were sleeping so soundly I thought it was best to leave you. Anyway, aren’t you glad I did? You probably feel a lot fresher now.”

He didn’t agree or disagree, instead rising from the bed and turning to fix the rumpled pillows. I returned to the kitchen, and Tristan followed close behind. Rua was a little less wary of him, approaching him and rubbing off his leg.

“I think she likes me,” he said, bending down to give her a gentle pet.

That makes two of us. “She’s just acting friendly in the hopes you’ll give her some of your food,” I joked, and Tristan smiled.

I went behind the counter to start dishing everything up when suddenly his warm hand came to rest lightly on the small of my back. “You go sit down,” he said, his voice a little gravelly from sleep. “I’ll do that.”

Touched by the offer, I took a seat and watched as he moved easily about my kitchen like he’d done it before. It felt nice to have company. I was always the one going over to Sloane’s or downstairs to visit Fred and Nessa. I hadn’t noticed until now how cosy it was to have a person over to share a meal.

“This looks amazing, by the way. Thank you so much for making me dinner,” Tristan said as he approached with two plates, setting one down in front of me.

“It was my pleasure,” I said while he poured me a glass of water then took the seat across from mine. Tristan lifted a burger and took a ravenous bite. I wasn’t surprised, given he’d already been hungry before his two-hour nap.

“Delicious,” he praised, making short work of the food. I’d forgotten how quickly men could put away a meal. “Is it okay if we talk a little?” he asked, already done with both burgers while I’d only managed half of mine.

I feigned obliviousness. “I thought we were already talking.”

“We are, but I’d like to get to know a little more about you if you’re comfortable with that?”