Page 45 of Silent Count
“You know, I’ve never slept with someone before. Like, fall-asleep sleep.” I lie down and adjust the covers, but turn toward him.
He lifts his eyebrows. “Never?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I’ve never wanted to.” I place my hand on his bare chest. “Until now.”
He places his hand over mine and moves them both over his heart. His arm stretches out, and he slides it under my head. “Come here.”
I scoot over to him, and he wraps the arm under me over my shoulder, tucking me into him. I tilt my chin and kiss his stubbled jaw. Then he leans his head down to kiss my lips.
As I settle into his arms, the sound of his heartbeat is the last thing I remember before I fall asleep.
CHAPTER
ELEVEN
CHELSEA
It’s beentwo days since the night we messed around. I have talked to Bo every day, but I haven’t seen him since. And I’m back at my own apartment now, which I’m slightly disappointed about. I was starting to get used to having other people around, and being able to see Bo sleeping in his bed was a bonus too.
He’s been busy the last few days with football stuff, and he had to do some more interviews for the docuseries. And I’ve been working on getting everything turned in for my law school applications. I get to see him at our study session today though, and I can’t wait.
I’m walking to the library now. Luckily, I’ve been able to reserve the study area we’ve been using. I take the flight of stairs to the second level and head into the room. I’m just pulling my notebook out of my messenger bag when Bo walks in and sets his backpack on the table. He looks amazing in jeans and a tight black T-shirt.
“Hey.”
One thing I’ve noticed in the time we’ve been spending together and talking is just how deep his voice is. The timbre hits just right.
“Hi.” I look at him and smile. “How’s your day going?” I untie the hoodie around my waist, drape it on the back of my seat, sit down, and pull out the syllabus.
“Better now that I get to see you.” He walks around the table to me, tilts my chin up, and leans down to kiss me, lingering for a minute before pulling away. He goes back to his side of the table, opens his bag, and starts taking out his notebook, phone, and tablet.
“Aren’t you sweet?” I tease. “So, you have a quiz this week that we should study for today.”
“Yep, I do. I feel pretty good about it though. The last few weeks have really helped.” He takes a seat and pulls his chair in closer to the table.
“Good. I’m glad.” And I am.
I really like to help people. It’s not that Bo isn’t capable of learning the material. I think, with him, it’s more of a lack of interest in the subject maybe. Honestly, he just needs to pass the class. So, as long as I help him do that, I’ve done my job.
“Okay, let’s get started.”
“All right, let’s get the school stuff out of the way so we can talk. I want to hear about your day.” He pulls up his notes on his tablet and glances up at me, the corners of his mouth lifting.
“Not much to tell. I had class and met with my advisor this morning. Now I’m here with you.” I shrug. “My life is pretty predictable. I like a solid routine, you know?”
“I do know. I’m the same,” he says, watching me.
“Your old-man schedule, you mean?” I can’t help but laugh.
He puts his hand on his chest. “Hey, don’t knock it. I personally enjoy eating dinner early, and getting solid sleep isthe best. I’m tellin’ ya. Those old folks have had the right idea all along.”
“I believe you. I just can’t shut my head off as early as you do. I need to watch a show, scroll on my phone—although I need to stop doing that. It interferes with your sleep pattern or something.”
“Yep. That’s what our nutritionist tells us too. We need the sleep and downtime for recovery, but also for cognitive awareness. All that said, I do like being able to talk to you at night before bed. That’s been really nice the last few days.” He reaches across the table and hooks my index finger with his. “I also miss having you at the house and in my bed.”
“You do, huh?” I tilt my head, studying his eyes.
Bo Callaway is the kind of guy who speaks from the heart, and you can read the truth in his eyes.
