Page 126 of Only Fate

“Fine,” Essie says around another yawn, and it doesn’t stop as she keeps talking. “You can sleep in the living room with him.” She raises a brow as if waiting for me to object to her terms.

I frown, hating that she thinks I would.

I’m not one of those assholes who only stays with women if it means sex.

I’d stay even if I knew she planned to egg me in my sleep or draw stupid shit on my forehead with a Sharpie.

“All right,” I say, standing and then holding out my hand to Essie, helping her to her feet. “The living room it is.”

She passes her blanket to me.

I cradle it in my arms, lowering my head to kiss her forehead. “Good night, Essie. Sweet dreams.”

“You’re really going to sleep on the couch?” She stares at me, eyes wide in disbelief.

“I’m grateful you’re not kicking my ass out. So, you make the rules.”

We’ve spent nights together without sex. That’s not why I’m here. Sure, the sex is a plus, but my love for her outweighs that.

“Okay,” she whispers. She motions toward the blanket. “Is that enough to keep you warm?”

“It’s enough. If not, I’ll snuggle with Tucker.”

She laughs. It’s a shy one. “Good night, Adrian.”

I can’t stop myself from placing another kiss on her forehead. As she leaves the living room, she sways her hips from side to side, as if her goal is to fuck with me.

I give Tucker a pat on the head before spreading the blanket on the couch. I pull my shirt over my head and drag my socks off my feet. I kicked my shoes off earlier before we started the first movie.

Essie left the TV on, which is fine with me since I won’t get much sleep anyway. I move a few different angles, attempting to make myself comfortable, and turn onThe People’s Court. It’s my go-to show when I can’t sleep.

I’m not through even one full episode before I hear footsteps down the hallway. The kitchen light flips on, and I watch Essie fill a glass of water.

She turns to me, resting her back against the counter as she takes a sip. “Are you comfortable?” Another sip.

I make a show of displaying the limited space I have.

“All right,” she groans. “Since you insisted the couch was so uncomfortable, I’ll share my bed.”

You don’t have to ask me twice.

I tug the blanket off and stand. “Did you fake come in here for water to ask for a snuggle buddy?”

She covers her mouth with her hand, most likely disguising her smile, and shakes her head. “Absolutely not.”

“You want me to come in there and sleep with you, don’t you?” I tease.

She shrugs. “Make a big deal about it, and I’m rescinding my offer. So, the couch or my bed?”

40

My decision-making skills should be heavily evaluated.

I’m inviting Adrian back into my bed.

The man who broke my heart.

This is avery, verybad idea.

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