Page 45 of You're All I Need

I continue to stare at the man before me. We’ve known each other a few months, mostly because we have mutual friends, but it’s only been a matter of days since we first slept together.

Is that accurate?

A quick check of the math confirms it. It’s literally been three days. Seventy-two hours. Less than, really. Yet, he’s showing me more care and concern than anyone has in a very long time. Well, that’s not true. My immediate family has been very concerned, but when was the last time a lover has done that?

Ever?

I thought someone did at one time, a lifetime ago, but that turned out to be a bunch of crap. Friends too. They were torn between the mess, pulled in multiple directions like some sort of human tug-of-war game. That’s when I needed a change. I knew my life would never be the same again, and a change of scenery was in order. Not to mention a new outlook on life. Sex was fun, and there were plenty of guys out there who were looking for no-strings sex.

Caden takes my television remote and finds one of the XM music stations. It’s a soft rock channel, and he makes sure the volume is turned down low. I climb into bed and reach for the tea, taking a small, tentative sip. The warm liquid sooths my soul, and before I know it the entire mug is empty.

Replacing it on the nightstand, I snuggle into my bed and curl onto my side. “Do you need anything?” Caden asks gently.

“No, I’m okay.”

He nods, making sure the bathroom light is off before returning to my bedroom. “Sweet dreams, Adrienne.”

I exhale, exhaustion suddenly gripping hold and refusing to let go. “Night, Caden.”

Listening to the sound of his retreating footfalls on the steps, I close my eyes. I can hear him moving about downstairs, and despite the fact I haven’t known him very long, I do trust Caden. I know he’s not doing anything malicious to my place, and there’s no denying the look of worry he’s carried in his eyes since the moment I fell at the bar. He’s here because he’s worried, and even though I should insist I’m fine and send him home, knowing he’s down there is a bit of a comfort.

I release a deep breath and feel myself completely relax for what feels like the first time in forever, the sounds of Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles lull me into a deep sleep.

Chapter Thirteen

Caden

Standing in the doorway, I can’t help but stare. She’s without a doubt the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. And not just because I’ve seen her naked and know how she comes. Nor because she’s wearing an oversized T-shirt and panties, her hair in a pile of curls on top of her head. No, my attraction to her runs deeper than the superficial. It’s her witty, spunky attitude and the way she makes me laugh.

I’m drawn to her.

It’s just after three in the morning, and even though I’m exhausted, I do what needs to be done and step inside her room. Kneeling beside her bed, much like I did just after midnight, I gently rouse her from sleep. “Adrienne, time to wake up.”

She grumbles and burrows deeper into her bedding. “Don’t wanna.”

Smiling, I run my hand across her shoulder. “But you have to. I need to make sure you don’t suffer from a major head injury.”

She sighs, her warm breath tickling my cheek. “I’m fine. And need sleep.”

“Man, you’re grumpy when you wake up,” I tease.

“I am when I’ve only gotten a little sleep becausesomeonekeeps waking me up,” she mumbles, cracking open her eyes.

“Well, thissomeoneis trying to make sure you don’t die in your sleep.” It’s an exaggeration, I know, but not too far from the truth. The fact remains I care about what happens to her, especially with the potential of a head injury. Watching her fall and hit the floor is something I keep replaying over and over inmy mind, and even though I’m tired myself, I can’t stop thinking about it.

She carefully sits up and focuses on my face. “I’m all right, Caden.”

I give her a crooked smile. “Happy to hear. Do you need anything?” I ask, noting her bottle of water is almost empty.

“No, I’m good. If I drink any more, I’ll have to pee a dozen times, and then I’ll be super cranky because I’m tired.”

“Well, we don’t want super cranky,” I reply. “Just regular cranky is all I can handle before my coffee.”

She smiles before lying back down and getting comfortable again. “Thank you. I don’t think it’s necessary to worry, but I do appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply, slowly getting back up and straightening my spine. Her couch isn’t the most comfortable place I’ve slept, that’s for sure, but I’m not going to bitch. I’d take the somewhat lumpy space if it meant I was close enough to check on her and help if needed throughout the night.

As I turn and head for the doorway, I hear, “Why don’t you join me? I know my couch isn’t the most comfortable to sleep on. I’ve woken up many times down there after falling asleep watching a movie with a bad kink in my neck and a stiff back.”

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