Page 69 of Off the Wall

You need to stop.

With a low moan, I tear my thoughts from this fantasy. I’m not what Nori wants. We both have goals and obligations that don’t include each other. So even though the memory of holding her in my arms is seared into my brain, the only sane choice is to move forward.

And try like hell to forget.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Nori

The first thingI see when my eyes drift open is dusky light leaking through the curtains. I’m under a comforter with a weighted blanket pulled up to my chin. Thick bedding is tucked around my body. Under my head is a long plush pillow. The scent of something vaguely rich and spicy fills the air. I feel safe. Warm. Rested.

But.

Where am I?

Bolting upright, I glance around the space. King-sized mattress. Tall dresser. Nightstand and headboard in a gleaming dark wood. I’m in Cash’s bedroom. In his bed.

I remember now.

He insisted I stay over, and I didn’t have much choice. Not since my keys were missing. But before that … earlier in the evening … That part I just want to forget.

I mean, yes, Cash rescued me. He was solid, strong, protective. And I ended up perfectly safe. The thing is, I don’t want to be rescued. Not by Cash or anybody else. I want to prove I’m capable of saving myself. And the only way forme to really stand on my own two feet is to … stand on my own two feet.

Like, literally. Right now.

Slipping out from under the luxurious bedding, I cast a glance back at the warm cocoon I just voluntarily left.

Are you crazy, Nori?

Probably. But I need to check my phone. I left it plugged into Cash’s spare charger on his dresser.

As I pad across the room, I give the top of his sweatpants another roll to keep them from slipping down. Hopefully my own clothes are dry enough for me to change back into my skirt and blouse. As tempting as it is to stay in Cash’s warm, good-smelling clothes, I’m becoming way too attached to someone I can’t have. So I need a different thing to focus on right now besides his delicious man scent. And the texts that came in last night after I fell asleep are a good start.

Hayden

NORI! I’m so sorry you’re locked out! It’s too late for me to drive home now, but I’ll be back first thing in the morning. Until then, can you stay at Keeley’s?

Keeley

Just got home. OF COURSE you can sleep here, my poor little key-losing friend. Knock hard. If I don’t answer, call me. I’ll leave the ringer on, obvs.

Hayden

You’re not texting me back. Did you stay at Keeley’s? I hope you stayed at Keeley’s!!!

All things considered, these texts are welcome news. If Hayden isn’t home yet, I can go down to Keeley’s place. Either way, I have multiple options for escaping Cash Briggs’s den of attraction.

And also the pit of jealousy brewing in my gut.

Ridiculous or not, I was bothered enough when I thought Dr. Margaret Hanson was his girlfriend. Or that he might be dating Sandra Fulsome. And I didn’t even know Cash then. I was blissfully unaware of how kind and protective and generous he is. How good and smart and funny.

Not to mention the abs.

Now that Idoknow all this, imagining him proposing to a flesh-and-blood woman in real life makes me sick to my stomach. My palms itch just thinking about his ex-fiancée.

Daphne.

He didn’t mention her being swallowed by quicksand or trampled by wildebeests or engulfed by a swarm of bees, so I assume she’s still out there somewhere. Possibly missing her ex-fiancé.

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