'And you feel comfortable with me?'
I hesitated with my answer.
'Babe,' Ranger said. 'You're in my bed.'
'Yes. Well, I guess that would indicate a certain comfort level.'
His attention dropped to my chest. 'Are you wearing my shirt?'
1 have to do laundry.'
Ranger unlaced his boots.
'What are you doing?'
He looked over at me. `I'm going to bed. I've been up since four this morning, and I just drove nine hours to get home. Half of it in pouring rain. I'm beat. I'm going to take a shower. And I'm going to bed.'
'Urn...'
'Don't look so panicked. You can sleep on the couch, or you can leave, or you can stay in the bed. I'm not going to attack you in your sleep. At least it's not my plan right now. We can figure this out in the morning.'
And he disappeared into the bathroom.
Heaven help me, I didn't want to give up the bed. It was warm and comfy. The sheets were silky smooth. The pillows were soft.
And the bed was big. I could stay on my side, and he could stay on his side, and we'd be fine, right? Clearly, he didn't think my staying was a sexual invitation. We were adults. We could do this.
I turned on my side, face to the wall, back to the bathroom, lulled into sleep by the distant sound of the shower and the rain on the window.
I came awake slowly, thinking I was back at Morelli's house. I could feel the warmth from the man next to me, and I edged closer. I reached out, and the instant my fingertip touched skin I realized my mistake.
'Oops,' I said.
'Babe,' Ranger said, wrapping his arms around me, gathering me close to him.
I meant to push away, but I was distracted by the scent of the sexy shower gel mingled with warm Ranger. 'You smell great,' I told him, my lips brushing against his neck as I spoke, my mind suddenly not totally connected to my mouth. I thought of you every time I took a shower. I love this stuff you use.'
'My housekeeper buys it for me,' Ranger said. 'Maybe I should give her a raise.'
And he kissed me.
'Oh shit,' I said.
'Now what?'
`I'M sorry. I'm having a major guilt attack over Morelli.'
'While we're on the subject, why aren't you in his bed?'
'Same old, same old.'
'You had a fight, and you moved out.'
'More like a disagreement.'
`I'm seeing an unhealthy pattern of behavior here, Babe.'
Tell me about it. 'I didn't want to move back home because