“I lied,” she whispers, biting down on her bottom lip.
God, I wonder if she has any idea how beautiful she is? She’s standing in front of me wearing one of my old shirts, and it’s even more faded than it was years ago. That tells me that she’s worn and washed it numerous times. Her eyes are liquid pools of heat, and my body is reacting. I’m trying to hide it, but sweatpants were definitely a bad wardrobe choice.
“About what?” I finally ask, doing my best to concentrate on this conversation and not the way her tongue keeps peeking out between her teeth to soothe her lip.
“I don’t want you to sleep in the guestroom.”
Disappointment hits me. I shouldn’t let it. I’ve pushed pretty strong, wanting to see some sign from her that we are in this together—or at least evidence that she still has feelings that I can build upon.
“Okay,” I tell her, my voice gruff as I clear my throat. “I’ll just go get dressed—”
“No!” she says panicked.
Damn, did I misread things so bad that she doesn’t want me to be under the same roof as her for another minute?
“I’m just going to put my clothes back on and—”
“I mean, I was hoping you’d sleep in my bed,” she interjects.
“You do?” I ask, surprise moving through me with the force of a tidal wave. It’s a wonder I remain standing.
“With me,” she finishes. I pick her up and cradle her against my chest. “Reed,” she gasps. “Wha…What are you doing?”
“I’m taking you to bed before you change your mind,” I reveal, walking down the hall.
“I won’t change my mind, but—”
“But?”
“We might be going to bed, but would it be okay if we keep it PG rated—maybe on the verge of PG-13?”
I laugh. I’m hard as a rock, but she has no idea that I didn’t expect anything other than holding her through the night.
“I think PG-13 sounds like heaven with you, Bluebird,” I reassure her. I can literally feel her relax against me. She buries her head against my chest, and I kiss the top of her forehead before I make it to the bedroom.
When we get there, I lay her gently on the bed. Her eyes are watching my every move.
“This is kind of hard for me to believe.” She looks up at me while she speaks, moistening her lips by rubbing them together.
“Believe it or not, I’m feeling that way too, honey. Does PG to PG-13 include me leaving my pants on?” I ask, not wanting to spook her now that I’m this close to turning the corner.
“Uh…”
“It’s o—”
“Do you have underwear on?”
“Yeah,” I respond with a smirk. “You’re safe, baby.”
She grins at me, and that’s the best sign I could have. I strip down quickly, and we get under the cover together. There’s no hesitation when she curls into me, settling her body against mine and resting her head on my chest. I hug her close and when she tilts her neck up to look at me, I can’t resist the opportunity to kiss her.
CHAPTER 32
Callie
When I wake up, I immediately realize that something is different. I’m in my bed. My body is warm and comfortable, but that’s not it. It’s the possessive arm draped over my side and a hand splayed against my stomach. It’s the hot breath I feel against my neck and the sound of deep breathing that makes me smile.
Reed.
Last night we didn’t do much more than kiss and talk, but it was still the best night I can remember having in forever. I close my eyes as happiness washes over me. It has been so long since I felt this way that I’d forgotten. The last time I remember it was when Reed was here—before I pushed him away. I roll carefully over on my back, so I can look up at him. In one way or another, any joy I’ve ever found in life has been wrapped up in this man. My therapist would warn me that it’s not healthy to feel that way. Maybe—maybe not. All I know is that it’s the truth.
The past five years have taught me that I’m strong enough to survive and stand on my own. Unfortunately, it also showed me that I don’t want anyone else in my life but Reed. At this point, I have no doubt that I will live my life alone. Perhaps that’s being weak. I should find the courage to go to Tennessee with Reed and at least try it. It’s just I know me. I know who I am. Even if I managed to be happy in Tennessee, I would never be comfortable going to award shows, being followed by paparazzi, or any of the stuff that is a part of Reed’s life now. I don’t want to put pressure on both of us because that would ultimately make Reed miserable all over again. I’ve caused him enough pain.