Page 107 of A Little Crush
This time, I let him.
The warmth of the towel feels like heaven as he takes care of me, cleaning me up and making sure I’m okay. It shouldn’t surprise me. How sweet and considerate he’s being. After all, he’s Jaxon Thorne. The man’s been kissing my boo-boos and Band-Aiding my ouchies since before I could walk. Even so, it never ceases to amaze me. How thoughtful and caring he is. Once he’s finished, he tosses the towel into the hamper, then collapses next to me on the bed.
“There.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “Thank you for giving in.”
His attention bounces around my face as if I somehow hold all the answers to his many questions and deepest thoughts, though I have no idea what they are. “Pretty sure I’ll never be able to say no to you, Beautiful.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
He pauses, then shakes his head. “Fuck, I hope not.”Laying down, he tugs me into his side, and I melt against him. “Do you want to stay with me tonight?” he asks.
The question catches me off guard. We’ve had plenty of sleepovers, but we’ve also always had Poppy’s presence as an excuse. Since she’s staying at her grandparents’ house tonight, there’s no need for me to be here in the morning. Not really. “Do you want me to stay?”
“I did just ask,” he counters.
“You know what I mean, Jax.” I roll my eyes, fighting the urge to smack his chest. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to ask me to sleep over just because we had sex.”
“I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t want you here. I promise.”
My eyes burn, and a lump clogs my throat, though I refuse to let him witness my body’s response. Because, whoa, girl. Take a chill pill. He asked you to sleep over, not to marry him.
I hesitate, trying to reel in my stupid emotions before nodding against his warm chest. “I believe you.”
“Good. Now, let me ask you again. Will you stay with me tonight?”
Fighting my giddiness—because seriously, how is this my life—I drag my fingers against his bare skin. “I’d love to.”
38
JAXON
Half-asleep, I roll toward Rory’s side of the bed but find the sheets cold. Shit. I pry one lid open, confirming what I already know. She isn’t here. Why isn’t she here? The sheets pool at my waist as I sit up, scanning my bedroom. It’s empty. The bathroom light’s off, too, so she didn’t slip away to use it.
Unease coats my insides, and I plant my feet on the cold wood floor. After slipping on a pair of boxers, I head toward the hallway. It matches the pitch black bathroom, proving how early it must be, though I didn’t think to check the time before beginning my search. When I notice Rory’s purse on the kitchen counter, my muscles loosen, and I turn into the family room, finding Rory curled up on one of the chairs closest to the fireplace with Hades sitting at her feet with his head in her lap.
When she feels my presence, she looks up and smiles, though I don’t miss the way she keeps running her fingers through Hades’ fur. “Morning.”
She’s here. She didn’t leave. She didn’t run.
“What time is it?” I rasp. My voice is still rusty from sleep.
“Just after five.”
I rub at the corner of my eye. “Why are you up so early?”
“I’m always up this early.”
“Always?” With a yawn, I drop my hand to my side. “Rore, it’s still dark outside.”
“I know.” She peeks out one of the large windows as it showcases the lack of sunlight. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“No worries,” I reply. “I’m sorry I didn’t wear you out enough last night to sleep in for once.”
A quiet laugh escapes her. “You wore me out plenty.” Shifting on the chair, she flinches. “Trust me.”
Grimacing, I stride a little closer but stop myself from reaching out and touching her completely. “You sore?”
