Chapter 27
In the morning, I slowly come to with warm, golden sunshine caressing my face. I am so freaking relaxed and comfortable that I swear I could just drift back to sleep, but I am sure that I should probably be doing something more important. I shift a bit, trying to get the sun out of my eyes before I brave opening them, but realize there is a very broad, muscled arm draped across my side. Alarmed, I lift my head up and peer behind me through squinted eyes.
I am spooning. With Caleb Reed. *Spooning*.
I tense the slightest bit, because I should probably try to shift out of his arms before he wakes up, but there must be something very, *very* wrong with me, because I am not sure that I have ever been more content and comfortable than I am in this moment.
*Yep. Definitely something wrong with me*.
I slowly relax my head back down, deciding I can afford a few more moments of basking in Caleb’s warmth, and the overwhelming feeling of safety that comes along with that warmth. I take a few slow, deep breaths, and let myself imagine for a moment a world in which my relationship with this man is not as complicated or inappropriate as it actually is; a world in which I could wake up next to this freaking Greek god of a man every single day. Unfortunately, I have always been a little too good at imagining that things are better than they really are, which is how I ended up spending years in a relationship with an absolutely despicable human being.
I sigh at my train of thought, and then I jump a little when I hear Caleb’s voice from behind saying, “And here I thought we were both thoroughly enjoying a moment,” his voice is light and teasing, though still rough and gravelly from sleep, “What’s got you sighing like that?”
“Nothing important,” I hedge, “When did we fall asleep?”
“You fell asleep right after the third alien abduction. You looked so peaceful I couldn’t bear to wake you. You really needed the rest after the day you had yesterday.” My heart gives a squeeze and I can’t help but to appreciate how thoughtful that was. I have never had anyone take care of me like that, even in such a small, simple way.
“And you stayed?”
He gives a little affirming grumble and says, “I actually meant to go back to my room. I just kept telling myself I would sit with you, make sure you were okay, for five more minutes. And here I am.” He pulls me tighter to his chest, as if trying to keep us both in this moment just a little while longer.
“Thank you,” I say to him. I mean it, too. It is comforting to know that he cares enough to sit up in the middle of the night to watch over me.
“You are *more* than welcome,” he tells me.
“What time do you need to leave for work?” I wonder if he will let me hide out here while he works. I hope so, because even the idea of sitting alone in my apartment, just hoping that Andrew doesn’t show up and break down the door gives me heart palpitations.
“I don’t. I took the day off. I thought I could make us breakfast and keep you company.”
*This man.*
I shift, turning around in his arms to face him. I genuinely have no words to express how much I appreciate the way he has shown up for me in the last 24 hours. So instead of speaking, I lean in and brush a gentle kiss on his lips. The moment I pull back, I worry that kissing him might have been a bit too bold, but then I feel his cock hardening against my stomach and I know he won’t be complaining about me being bold anytime soon. Heat rushes to my core, flattered and delighted that such a chaste kiss would cause his body to react to me like that.
I try not to appear too smug as I untangle myself from his arms. I school my features, using my best nurse poker face skills, and attempt to look serious. I turn and look back at him as I make my way back to my temporary room to get dressed and say, “Breakfast is a bold move. It is going to be damn hard to beat that dinner last night, but good luck, I guess.”
He chuckles, a warm smile lighting his handsome face. “Jeez, no pressure! I shouldn’t have tried so hard to impress you. I really shot myself in the foot there.”
“You really did,” I laugh, then I cross into my room, and lock the door behind me. *I need a cold shower*.
I debate with myself about whether I should get dressed quickly, or take my time and look decent. I opt for the latter.
I emerge a while later, with my hair somewhat tamed, loose and wavy down my back, and a face of light makeup. I am not sure if it feels better or worse, but I am back in my own clothing, the jeans and sweater that I brought with me. I only packed enough clothing for last night and today, which means I am going to have to brave my apartment sooner than later. I shove that terrifying thought right into the back of my mind, where I can ignore it for a while longer.
I make my way down the stairs, and round the corner towards the kitchen, but I am stopped in my tracks when I notice the view outside of the large windows in the living room. It was dark outside last night when I got here, so I wasn’t able to see the fact that there is a fucking lake behind the house. A lake house. *Of course it’s a lake house*. I didn’t realize this gorgeous house could get any better, but the view of the still, glassy water reflecting the soft morning sun, and lighting the room through the wide windows is stunning.
I finally pick my jaw up off the floor and turn to face Caleb who is back in the kitchen cooking what smells like bacon. He has a devilish grin on his face, clearly pleased and amused by my reaction to the incredible view.
“Like what you see?”