Page 18 of Sloane

Ryan responded for me. “Nah, he’s good at my place. He’s got his deluxe memory-foam dog bed and a backyard with a doggie door so he can go in and out as he pleases. Plus, his toys, food, and dishes are there.”

Maybe it was because I was so tired, but I got the distinct impression I might have to fight my friend for my dog when I returned stateside.

Luckily, I knew I could take him.

In the meantime, I was just happy Tank was being so well taken care of.

“Come on, Marine. Let’s get you to bed.”

“I like the sound of that.”

I’d tried to be flirtatious, but even to my own ears, it sounded more like I was drunk. And I’d purposefully foregone having anything to drink but water.

“Why don’t you let me drive?” Ashley gently suggested.

I dropped the keys into her waiting hand without a fight.

Perfect. Now I can get that nap and be ready to rock her world.

****

Ashley

I glanced over at him asleep in the passenger seat and my heart swelled. He looked so peaceful, it was all I could do to keep myself from reaching over and brushing my fingers through his hair.

Poor guy. He has to be exhausted.

I chuckled to myself. We were not having sex tonight. But it still was going to be nice to lie next to him all night.

God, I hope he doesn’t snore.

I pulled into my complex and parked in number thirty-six, my designated spot. The second I shut the engine off, Sloane opened his eyes, blinking a few times as he got his bearings.

“Wow, we got here fast.”

I patted his arm with a smile. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

He got out of the car the same time I did and said over the roof, “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

“Don’t be. I understand you’ve had a long day.”

With entwined fingers, we walked to my apartment where he waited patiently as I unlocked the door. He gestured for me to enter first, then followed behind—taking off his shoes the minute he entered.

I had taken a few steps inside, but toed out of my tennis shoes when I saw what he was doing.

I should get a mat to put by the door. Maybe the visual would help remind me to do that. It had worked for my keys. I had put a bowl on the table in the entry, so I’d remember to throw my keys in it when I first walked in, and I hadn’t lost my keys since.

I didn’t bother turning on the lights, simply took his hand and led him through the apartment until we reached my bedroom. Foregoing the overhead light, I made my way to the nightstand and switched on the lamp.

Sloane was sitting on my bed when I turned around, and I suddenly felt awkward, unsure what to say or do next.

Wringing my hands in front of me and rolling my foot to the outside, I blurted out the first thing I could think of.

“Do you have a particular side of the bed you like to sleep on?”

His smile was gentle when he reached out, beckoning me closer. Once I was within his grasp, he pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms loosely around my middle.

“I can sleep on the couch if you’d be more comfortable.”

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