Page 16 of Wrecker

While I was peeking at his face again, his lashes flickered, then lifted. His dark eyes were instantly alert and locked straight onto mine as though he’d known I was watching him. My breath hitched at the intensity in his gaze, the low rumble of his voice breaking through the quiet. “Morning, baby.”

I liked it when he used the endearment yesterday, but my reaction paled in comparison to hearing it from him first thing in the morning when his deep voice was still raspy. I felt the impact of that word in places I probably shouldn’t, especially considering I was recovering from nearly being buried alive. But that didn’t stop the butterflies from swirling in my belly.

“Morning,” I murmured back, suddenly shy despite the fact that we’d just spent the night curled up together.

His mouth curved slightly, as though he knew exactly what kind of thoughts were racing through my mind. “How’re you feelin’?”

“Honestly?” I shifted closer to him and took stock of my body again. “Surprisingly good. I mean, my shoulder’s still sore as heck, but nothing like yesterday. And my head’s relatively clear now that I’m fully awake, which is a nice surprise.”

“Glad to hear it.” He stretched, the motion making every muscle in his chest ripple as he propped himself up on one elbow. “You must’ve needed the rest. You were out cold when I came back last night. Didn’t even twitch when I climbed into bed.”

Heat crawled up my neck and into my cheeks. “You, um…slept next to me?”

That half smile turned into something closer to a smirk, though it still held softness. “Hoped you’d sleep better if I was close. Guess I was right.”

He definitely was. I’d never felt more at ease in a strange place, which should’ve been impossible given everything I’d been through. But being near Reid had anchored me in a way nothing else had. Even sound asleep.

I didn’t know what to make of that since we just met each other yesterday.

“I did,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

He didn’t say anything right away, holding my gaze as he let the silence stretch. It wasn’t awkward, just weighted with something that made my breath catch.

Reid tilted his head toward the door. “You hungry for something heartier than that light shit Blade had you stick with yesterday?”

I thought about it for a moment before shaking my head. “Actually, I think I’d rather shower first, if that’s okay. I figure hot water will help with the soreness.”

His jaw flexed, the muscles ticking as his nostrils flared. “Of course. I’ll get you some ibuprofen, too.”

He stood in one fluid motion, my eyes trailing over every inch as his tall frame unfolded. Gray sweatpants hung low on his hips, and his butt looked great in them. After he grabbed a similar pair in black and a matching T-shirt, he strode toward my side of the bed, and I realized the front view was even better.

I finally understood why there were so many memes about guys in gray sweats. And the need for a cold shower…because it was very hot in here all of a sudden.

It took me a second to shake myself out of my stupor when he held a clean T-shirt out to me. “This should work for today.”

I briefly considered letting him know that I had a change of clothes in the trunk of my car for when I got dirty in the field, but I preferred the idea of wearing his clothes instead. “Thanks.”

Our fingers brushed when I reached out, and a jolt passed between us.

We looked at each other. And for a second, it felt as though the world had narrowed to just that single point of contact.

Reid was the one to break it. Clearing his throat again, he took a step back, and his hand fell away.

“There are towels, soap, whatever you need in the bathroom.”

I nodded, clutching the soft cotton clothes to my chest. “Thanks.”

Every line of his body was taut with tension as he turned away. I stepped into the bathroom and shut the door behind me with a firm click.

After turning on the shower so the water could heat, I caught my reflection in the mirror as I peeled off the borrowed T-shirt I slept in.

My shoulder was bruised and still a little swollen. I was only a little tender in a few other places. But still alive.

Because of Reid.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the shower, wincing a little as the spray hit my shoulder. The water was already warm, and steam curled around me until the world outside faded away. I leaned forward, pressing my forehead to the cool tile, and let the heat soak into my skin.

Maybe it was the shock of everything that happened yesterday finally wearing off. Or the silence.

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