Page 35 of Room One Hundred and Eleven

Carter must be thinking the same thing, as usual. He focuses his attention on her and frowns at her disheveled confusion. “Poppy, how much do you usually sleep?”

“Why?” She pulls away, instantly defensive.

That’s not going to make Carter let it go.

Like a dog on a scent, he tracks down the problem. “Because I’m concerned about you, and I’d like to know if your reaction to what we did last night is normal for you.”

She tips her head and blinks up at him, still without answering him directly. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not used to anyone looking after you, are you?” I draw her back to me and rock her gently.

“I fend for myself.” That’s answer enough.

Why is she on her own? How can I show her that she doesn’t have to be—if she doesn’t want to be—when there’s no way Carter is going to let me keep her? Maybe not Knox either. He’sall about spontaneity, not really anything serious, except for with me and Carter.

Carter leans in, his forearm pressing my cheek as he reaches across to rub his thumb beneath her eyes. A purple cast darkens her porcelain skin there. “Do you, though?”

“Yes. I do what I have to in order to survive. To work toward something better. I’m in nursing school during the day, and I have to pay the bills somehow. That leaves a night shift. At Gunner’s.” She shrugs.

“So when do you hit the books?” Knox asks. “I’d bet my favorite sports car you have a four-point-oh GPA.”

“I do. Some of my financial aid—loans—are contingent on my grades. I study on breaks and after work. If I do all that and try to hit the gym for some cardio at least every other day, well…”

“You’re not sleeping enough.” Carter crosses his arms.

“It’s only temporary. While I’m earning my degree.”

“Oh yeah, because nurses are known for short, easy shifts and lots of time off in their careers?” Knox snorts. “You’re going to be the first person volunteering for overtime so you can land yourself a cute house and pay off your student loans. I can see it now.”

She doesn’t argue.

“No wonder you slept so hard.” I drag my knuckles over her cheek.

“Gunner told me this weekend would be a nice break for me. A chance to rest and relax and be spoiled.” She smiles shyly up at us then. “He was right about that part. Thank you.”

“We used the hell out of you last night.” Carter’s mouth is set in a slash.

“I remember now.” She doesn’t seem upset about it either.

“Are you sore?” I wonder.

“Not any worse than after a rough workout followed by a long day of school and work.” She acts like that’s normal. Or fine by us.

Which it definitely is not.

“After we feed you, we’ll be happy to give you another massage.” Knox doesn’t bother to ask me. He knows I’m in.

After all, we still have another twenty-four hours for a repeat of last night. If she’s up for it.

I’ll do everything in my power to ensure she is.

If I only have one more chance to experience whatever the fuck that was, I’m going to take it.

“And you?” She asks, her finger skimming the edge of the bandage on my face. “How is this?”

The fact that she cares does something to my soul. Most women only give a shit about what we can do for them. Not Poppy.

“Don’t even feel it when you’re in my arms.” It’s sappy but true. I forgot all about it until she pointed it out.

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