Page 21 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

But when I opened my eyes, the heartbeat and the warmth didn’t go away.

“You fell asleep before the movie ended.” Garrett’s voice was soft and tender.

I sat up and rubbed sleep out of my eyes. “Sorry. After they stole that car, I just...” Then I glanced at the other side of the bed, where an entire four feet or more appeared untouched.

He chuckled. “That’s what they did through the whole movie—they stole cars.”

“I didn’t mean to cuddle you. I hope I didn’t hurt you.” I crawled to the far edge of the bed. “You must be hungry.”

“Tessa.” Concern added an edge to his voice.

Shaking my head, I walked out to the living room. I could put distance between us, but I couldn’t forget how good it felt to be snuggled against him. It wasn’t his tall, muscly build or those amazing blue eyes that had me thinking about him all the time. It was the way he said my name, the tender gestures from a man who tried to be strong even when he wasn’t, and his vulnerability.

But that vulnerability would go away when he’d healed and was no longer dependent on me for food and clean clothes. Even if it didn’t go away, there was no way I could be vulnerable in return.

Chapter 6

After feeding Garrett breakfast and only speaking when spoken to, I unwrapped his hand. “The scrapes still look bad. After the shower, we’ll put on fresh bandages. Did they say if anything was broken in this hand?”

“Honestly. I don’t remember. But based on the condition of the outside of my hand, I’m guessing the inside isn’t in great shape. But I hate not being able to use my hands.” He wiggled his fingers on the other hand and winced. “The doctor said I could take the brace off to shower.”

“But then it goes right back on after we ice it. I laid out clothes on the bed. And once you’re decent, I’ll come in and help with the rest.” I wiped down the counter. Again.

“How many times are you going to clean that spot?”

Until I stopped thinking about being snuggled against your chest. Thankfully, I didn’t say that out loud. “There was a crumb. Do you need me to do anything else?”

“Tell me why things are so different this morning. I swear nothing happened last night. When it got cold in the house, you cuddled next to me, and I put my arm around you. That’s it.” He laid his battered hand on mine. “Please tell me what’s bothering you.”

“After your shower. Maybe. I’m going to prep lunch, then we can play a game or...” I shrugged.

“Enjoy the hot tub. I can leave my bandages off just a little longer.”

The hot tub sounded so relaxing. “Okay. I’ll lay out your swimsuit.”

He followed me into the bedroom but kept his distance. I appreciated that, but a small part of me hated not having him near me. Stupid attraction.

I pulled out one of his swimsuits. “You want it on the bed?”

“Sure. Just—you know—close the door on your way out.” All the tease was gone from his blue eyes.

I laughed, hoping to lighten the mood. “Yeah. I won’t come in unless you yell my name. No matter how loud a thud.”

“Deal.”

In the kitchen, I rummaged through the cabinets, finding what I’d need to make doughnuts. Thankfully, this house was well-stocked, and I’d brought all the groceries I needed. Garrett’s mouth pain seemed to be easing, so today’s snack would be doughnuts. His favorite flavor. I’d make the dough while he showered and let it rise while we soaked in the hot tub.

I still doubted the wisdom of saying yes to his suggestion, but the warmth of the hot tub could make it easier to talk about why waking up next to him bothered me. I just needed to figure out what to say. ‘It’s not you. It’s me’ was not the right way to start the conversation. But at the end of the day, that was the truth. Someone as amazing as Garrett deserved someone equally as incredible. That person wasn’t me.

Thinking about it made my chest tight, so I put it off for now. I’d think about what to say later. Or wing it.

After opening cabinets and looking through the pantry, I was amazed. I couldn’t even imagine how much he had to be paying per night for this place. They had everything. Finding a standup mixer in the pantry was both unexpected and wonderful. My arms would be grateful.

I warmed the milk and mixed it with sugar and yeast, then let it sit for a few minutes.

While the yeast did its thing, I checked my messages.

Delaney had texted:Anything exciting?

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