Page 54 of Rival Hearts

Lost in the rhythm of writing, it took me a while to realize she wasn’t participating in the process. Frowning, I turned to see her passed out in the beanbag chair, curled up on her side. Her auburn hair partially covered her pale face. That familiar ache spread across my chest at the sight of her looking so peaceful and vulnerable. We hadn’t talked about where she’d sleep, but after the amount she and I drank, there was no way she could easily get home.

I dropped my pencil and wandered over to crouch beside her. Would she rather I woke her? A better option was carrying her up to my bed. It was king-sized. We could sleep there comfortably without any danger of touching. I didn’t want her to wake up tomorrow and think I took advantage of her. The changes taking place between us needed to be protected.

Unable to resist, I scooped her into my arms. She murmured something, her head resting on my shoulder. In my bedroom, I slid her under the covers. For a moment, I watched her, wishing it was okay to stay, but I couldn’t risk her hating me again in the morning. With a sigh, I headed for the bedroom door.

“Grady?”

I halted and turned to lean against the frame. “What’s up Maggie May?”

“Stay with me?”

Never had I been drawn to another person like I was with her. “You sure?”

“You owe me cuddles.” She cracked open one eye.

Drunk Maggie’s ability to cut to the truth made me chuckle. Circling the bed, I slid under the covers beside her. She rolled over to face me and then scooted closer to rest her head on my shoulder.

“Is this okay?” she whispered.

I extended my arm around her, tucking her tight to my side. Her leg came across mine, and our hands laced on my stomach. “More than okay.”

Within minutes, her even breathing floated across my neck. As I listened to her, I stared at the ceiling, wondering which one of us would be let down first.

Chapter Twenty-One

Maggie

Istretched my arms over my head, feeling warm and relaxed. There was a dull ache behind my eyes, but I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gotten such a restful night of sleep. The covers on my chest felt heavier than normal. With a frown, I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling.

I wasn’t at home.

The night came flooding back.

Oh, no.No, no, no.

A wave of embarrassment swept over me, and I glanced to the side, praying the bed was empty. There, next to me, was Grady, still sleeping. He looked so peaceful and vulnerable my hand itched to stroke his face, run my thumb along the stubble. Maybe he’d be happy to realize I was still here instead of resigned at having to deal with me? Had I really passed out in his bed?

“Like what you see?” he mumbled before opening his eyes.

“I should go.” I rolled away from him.

His hand latched onto my waist and dragged me back. “What if I want you to stay?”

I covered my face with one hand. “Not sure why you would. I made a total ass of myself last night.”

“I’ve been making an ass of myself for years. It’s nice you’re finally catching up.”

A soft laugh escaped. I appreciated he was trying to make this easier. “If only I’d known alcohol was the key factor in winning that race.”

He chuckled, the sound warming my heart. “Oh, I think you’ve known for a while.”

True. I had. Alcohol hadn’t been my friend in a very long time. Last night, the devilish liquid had loosened my lips to an almost unbearable level. I closed my eyes and groaned.

“Aspirin?”

“Nope. A brain transplant would be more helpful.”

“It wasn’t that bad. There’s nothing wrong with your brain.”

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