Page 99 of Broken Hearts
He faces me, and I can see the exhaustion. His normally smooth face is sporting scruff and his gray-blue eyes are hazy.
“Yeah, of course. I was with Dakota and Reagan and we ran into Adam.” I linger in the doorway, then finally step forward to hug him. It’s the first time I’ve breathed easy in two days. His scent and his strong arms wrap around me. “I missed you. I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Me too. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have that behind me. How’ve you been feeling? And don’t say fine.”
“Better now.” I squeeze harder.
I don’t know how long we stand there embracing, but he lets out a contented sigh. “I’m gonna shower and go to bed. Can you stay?”
“If you want me to.” I wasn’t sure if he’d want space after all he’s been through, but I’m relieved when he looks at me like I’m ridiculous for considering any other option.
“Definitely. Maybe I’ll be more fun after twelve hours of sleep.”
“It’s okay. I have some reading to do for class anyway.”
He nods and then goes to shower.
True to his word, he showers and then climbs into bed and passes out. I read at his desk using my cell phone as a light, then crawl in beside him. When I wake up, he’s wrapped around me like a human teddy bear.
And that’s how the next couple of days go.
Rhett goes to classes, skates or lifts weights for several hours in the afternoon, and then comes back to his apartment exhausted and ready to sleep. We cuddle, we have sex, we watch movies, and sit together while we do schoolwork, but we barely leave his room outside of the previously mentioned activities.
When I ask him how he’s doing, he says he’s good and then kisses me. I don’t know if it’s a distraction technique, but it’s effective.
Thursday evening we’re sprawled out on his bed. He’s watching a movie on his phone and I’m trying to read for class.
Heath yells from the other side of the door and then opens it a crack. “You guys want to play sardines?”
I look to Rhett.
“Nah, man. We’re good. Thanks.”
Heath glances to me, a flash of uncertainty in his gaze, and then nods.
“Are you sure? I’m just reading ahead so I can follow along better in class. I can be done if you want to play.”
He shakes his head. “Not really feeling it.”
“You could let me beat you at Mario Kart.”
He snorts and then curls a finger around the front of my tank, pulling it down to show my cleavage. “I’m good right here.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love being with Rhett. I love being naked with Rhett, but his bedroom is starting to feel like our hideout.
“So, I heard that there’s a party tomorrow night for the hockey team. Are you going?”
“Yeah, it’s mandatory. The team is making an entrance. I promise we can duck out at a reasonable hour. I know you have the Valley Classic early Saturday.”
“We, huh? I guess that means I’m invited.”
“You go where I go.” He leans forward and touches his lips to mine.
“A night out sounds fun, actually.” I watch his expression carefully, but he’s stoic. “And I don’t have to be to the rink Saturday until ten so I’m good until at least midnight, when I turn into a pumpkin.”
A small smile tips up one side of his mouth.
“I thought you’d be more excited about it.”
