Page 15 of Unmasking Secrets
CHAPTER NINE
TABITHA
This is the softest bed I’ve ever laid in. Most hotel beds are a little firm, and I can feel it the next day. I’m left stiff and exhausted. This mattress isn’t like the others. It’s soft and exactly what I imagine a cloud feels like if it were made of cotton and not water vapor or whatever it is that actually makes them up.
The sheets are smooth and cool against my heated post-shower skin. I snuggle further into the bedding that promises to wrap me up safely. Maybe tonight will be the first night I sleep without waking up from a nightmare—one can hope.
A chuckle has me rolling over to see Archie emerge from the bathroom. He rubs a towel across his hair, and my eyes follow the movement. His eyes find mine before he turns to hang up the towel on the hook near the door.
His chest is bare and broad. Tattoos decorate one side of his body along his ribs and biceps. His shorts hang dangerously low on his hips, showcasing the V that has me salivating.
I should not be thinking of him like this—we’re just friends—or were.
Yet, I can’t look away.
I swallow as I continue to watch him. Is it weird to think a man is beautiful? Because when did he start looking like…this? Archie has always been cute, but now he’s justmake me do something stupidcute. Not to mention the muscular arms that I can imagine would feel so good to be wrapped up in.
Archie clears his throat, and my eyes snap up to his. He smirks. “Like what you see?”
“Just admiring your tattoos.” It’s not a total lie. The one on his ribs he got right after he turned eighteen. He’s added to it since then, and the others are new.
“Sure.” He climbs into the bed. “Do you still cocoon yourself? Because we need to share these blankets.” He teases.
I roll my eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No?” He rolls toward me.
I shake my head.
“I don’t believe you.” He smiles and then rolls onto his back.
“Well, good night.” I reach over and turn off the lamp.
I’m not sure how long I lay there unable to fall asleep. Even in this king-size bed, I can feel the heat from his body next to me. I know he’s here, but it’s also dark. I can’t see anything.
My chest grows tight, and I struggle to keep my breathing even. I count in my head, attempting to steady and control every inhale and exhale.
“You okay?” He whispers softly.
My eyes haven’t completely adjusted to the dark. I can barely make out his figure next to me. “Yeah.” The lie rushes out.
“Tab.” I feel him roll closer, his leg next to mine.
“It’s just,” I pause. “I’m not good with the dark right now, or sleeping. After—everything—I just. Can’t.” I sigh.
“Is there anything I can do to help?
“No, I just need to give it some time.” I stutter out the lie. I’m not okay.
“Tab, turn the light on.”
“But you won’t be able to sleep,” I argue.
Archie groans as he rolls over, partially on top of me. He reaches and flips the lamp on.
I wait for him to roll back over, but he hesitates.
Archie looks down at me, his blue eyes piercing mine. His gaze flickers to my lips and then back to my eyes. It’s as if he’s frozen in place, unable to move.
