Dangerous Crush (Dangerous Noise 2)

She nestles into my body. "Is your mom okay?"

"Right now."

"Are you okay?"

"I will be."

"Good. You... what was it you said that night? 'You're my friend and I'd hate if something happened to you.'"

"Something like that."

"It's true." She interlocks her fingers with mine. "I really would hate it if something happened to you."

Her breath slows as she falls asleep in my arms.

Chapter 35

Kit

It's afternoon when I wake. Piper is still in my bed, in my arms.

I push aside my concerns about how fucked this is—if we aren't together, I shouldn't be holding her like this—for long enough to drag myself out of bed, get dressed, and head to the kitchen.

Joel is sitting at the oak dining table, nursing a cup of coffee. The brightness of his grey-green eyes suggests this is his third or fourth cup.

He nods to the coffee maker. "More where this came from." His voice is even.

Unusually even.

Joel's being normal.

That's fucking weird.

I pour myself a cup of coffee and drink it black. Joel turns towards me, his eyes on me.

"You let her sleep in your bed," he says.

"Yeah."

"Why the fuck did you do that?"

"Why'd you tell her to sleep in my bed?"

"Cause you're a fucking idiot."

I arch a brow.

"Everybody knows what's happening now."

"I figured."

"She told me everything on the way up. Probably said more than she wanted to. It was late and we were tired."

I nod. "Figured that too."

"Then you know why I put her in your bed."

"I don't need your help."