Page 81 of Last Light

“How d’you feel?”

“Fine. I just told you I slept good.”

“Didn’t mean that.”

I frown until I realize what he’s asking about. “Oh. Yeah. No, I’m good. Not too crampy this morning. How’s your ankle?”

“Sore. Not too bad.”

“Are you lying to me?”

“Why would I lie?”

“Because you have this whole stoic, manly thing going on. You like to act all strong and invulnerable.”

His blue-gray eyes are softer and warmer than usual. I really love the looks of them. His mouth tilts up just slightly as he says, “Maybe it’s not just an act. Maybe Iamall strong and invulnerable.”

“Well, you’re strong.” I trace my fingertips along the delicious contours of his shoulder, his bicep. “But you’re not invulnerable. Remember, you sprained your ankle yesterday.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“I will remind you. And I’ll keep reminding you. You have to take it easy today and stay off your feet. You’re not going to do anything.”

“Nothin’?”

“Nothing.” I give my head a firm nod to show him I mean business.

He makes a soft snort, but his expression is more than amused. It’s warm and getting warmer. “Thought we might could do a little somethin’.”

“Like what?” Call me stupid, but I still have no idea what he’s talking about.

His eyes heat up even more.

“Oh.”

“Only if you wanna. Didn’t wanna ask last night since you weren’t feeling good. But if you’re feelin’ better this mornin’...”

Flutters have awakened in my belly—more emotional than physical right now. I slide my hand under the covers, feeling his chest, his belly, and finally ending at the front of his underwear.

He’s hard.

“Did you wake up this way?” I ask, half laughing and half excited as I feel the shape of his erection beneath the thin cotton.

“Pretty much.” His hips move restlessly beneath my hand. “You feel like it?”

“I’m not crampy right now, but I’m still... Might get a little messy.”

“What the hell do I care about that?”

I’m giggling as I crawl over him so I can get out of bed. “I’ll be right back. I need to go to the bathroom and take care of a few things. Then we can do something.”

“Don’t be too long!”

Laughter and excitement are still bubbling over as I run to the bathroom and do what I need to do.

When I return, I’m ready to go.

“Think we’ll be okay,” I say as I climb onto the bed, pull down the covers, and straddle his thighs. “Not much going on right now in the period department.” When he starts to push himself up, I flatten both hands on his chest. “Huh-uh. You’ve got to rest your ankle.”

---