Chapter Twenty-Nine - I Wish I Could Keep Her With Me

Chapter Twenty-Nine - I Wish I Could Keep Her With Me
Gabe

It is four-thirty in the morning, and Peyton has just fallen asleep next to me on the sofa. We walked around the city after the diner and then came here. We spent the last couple of hours talking, laughing, and reminiscing. It has been incredible, and it has felt like the old days. I didn’t try to kiss her or say anything like it. 

I watch her sleep for a moment, then reach in, stroking the hair from her face. 

“I love you, still, so much,” I whisper, making sure my voice doesn’t wake her up.

I sigh and rest back against the sofa. I should put her in the bed in the spare room. It would be crossing a line to put her in mine without her permission. Standing, I stroll to the spare room and set the bed up just so I can put her straight into it. She wasn’t sure about staying tonight, but I am not going to wake her and make her leave at this time of the morning. 

When I go back to the living room, she hasn’t moved at all. I gently lift her into my arms, and she nestles against my chest. She looks thinner. Peyton didn’t need to lose any weight. She was perfect before. It’s likely caused by the stress of being around that jerk. He’s not the person I want to focus on right now. 

I place her down on the bed, covering her up. Hopefully, she won’t wake up and freak out, not knowing where she is. I did text Anthony to let him know that she is staying at mine in case they worry when they wake and notice she isn’t there. I turn to walk away, but I don’t get far. Peyton grabs my wrist, stopping me. 

I look at her and see her gazing up at me. “Stay?” 

“Are you sure?” 

Peyton nods and releases my wrist. “Yes. I don’t want to sleep alone.” 

“Okay, do you want to sleep here or in my bed? Mine is larger and more comfortable." 

I’m sure she will want some space between us. This bed is a double, but mine is a king. I didn’t expect her to ask me to stay. 

Peyton sits up, rubbing her tired eyes. “We can go to your bed.” 

I offer her my hand, which she happily takes, and help her out of bed. I don’t let go as I lead her to my room, both of us silent. I let her climb in first before I strip down to my boxers and climb in next to her. 

Peyton turns onto her side to face me, and I do the same. She takes a breath and touches my cheek gently, grazing her fingers over it. My eyes close automatically as I respond to her touch. Even the lightest contact from her is enough to make my heart race. 

With a loud sigh, she quickly withdraws her hand. “Sorry.” 

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Peyton,” I whisper and open my eyes to look at her. 

“Thank you for tonight. It has been a nice night, and I appreciate you not hitting on me. It was never my plan to end the night with you. Then again, I never expected to start my day with you either, but that happened, too. Why do we keep being drawn back together?” 

“I have a suggestion, but I am not sure it is one you would like.” 

Peyton raises her brow at me. “And what would that be?” 

“Fate.”

She rolls her eyes at my answer. “Since when do you believe in that sort of thing?”

“What else could it be?” 

“I don’t know, but I refuse to believe it is that.” 

I know she wouldn’t accept it, but I genuinely believe it. How else can we explain it? I’m not stalking her, and she’s not stalking me, yet we always manage to find each other again. Fate is the perfect word, even if Peyton doesn’t believe in it. 

“It seems we have different opinions.” I chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. 

I don’t want to make things awkward after such a good night. 

“It would. We should sleep. It is late, and I am sure Kaitlyn and Anthony will expect me back in the morning.” 

“I texted Anthony to let him know you were staying here. There is no need to rush back, but yes, we should get some sleep.” 

She nods and turns away from me. I reach over, turn off the lamp, and settle in. We are back-to-back. I desperately want to roll over, hold her close, and never let go, but I can’t. I sigh and gaze at the wall, listening to her breathing beside me. Her breathing always had a calming effect on me. 

Peyton shifts from behind me. My initial thought is that she’s reconsidered and might climb out, but I couldn’t be more mistaken. Instead, I feel the warmth of her body against mine. Her arm rests over me, and she nestles her face between my shoulders. This is one of her favorite sleeping positions—either like this or with most of her body draped over me. 

“Is this okay?” she asks. 

I place my hand over hers and link our fingers. She doesn’t resist. “Yes, it is fine.” 

Peyton doesn’t speak another word, and her breathing gradually slows as she falls asleep. I close my eyes, smiling peacefully. I hold her hand tightly, longing for sleep to come to me as well, now that she’s close. I am confident I will sleep well and peacefully. I wish I could keep her with me, preventing her from returning home or to Max.  

I hope that when I wake up this time, she is still beside me and hasn't left while I slept, unlike last time. Tonight, things are different. We haven’t shared any intimate moments, not even a kiss, which might help Peyton feel less awkward in the morning. She can't stay long, but I would like to have coffee with her first, since I don't know when or if I'll see her again.