Page 30 of His Reward
Judging by the glint in his eyes, I have a feeling that if or when Malcolm talks to Kevin, he might not only use his words.I consider telling him about the texts Tyler sent too, but I don’t bother.I’m tired of talking about the negative parts of my day.
We move on to lighter conversation about the housing development he’s helping to build.His presence and deep voice fills the space.It feels so natural and calming.
I hadn’t realized I’ve been starved for company since Penny left until now.I soak up the moment, eager to keep it going as we relocate to the loveseat to watch TV.Malcolm barely lasts one episode before he starts yawning.
“I’m beat.I should hit the hay.”
I pout.“But it’s only eleven.”
He gives me an incredulous look.
“Only?I’m usually in bed by nine-thirty.Ten, the latest.”
“That’s so early!”I grin.“Is that a leftover habit from when you were in the army?”
“No, it’s because I’m not a spring chicken like you.”
I let out an amused scoff.“Why do you always act like you’re so old?You’re still in your thirties.”
Oh, the hypocrisy!A few hours ago, I tried to make him sound too old to discourage Penny’s interest.
His teasing smile fades.“Being around you makes me feel old, I guess.I remember when you were little, and now you’re...not.It reminds me of the huge age difference between us.”
“Seventeen years isn’tthathuge.”There’s no conviction in my voice.The gap is a valley.He was almost an adult when I was born.
“It’s not small either, Jujube.”
He stretches his arm across the loveseat’s backrest and gives my cheek two affectionate strokes with his knuckles, then pulls his hand away.It’s a quick action, but his touch lingers on my skin, filling my stomach with a fluttery sensation.
“Do you want to sleep in my bed?”I blurt out, my body warmer.
He goes still.“With you?”
I let out a short, nervous laugh.My offerdoessound really wrong.I rush to clarify.
“No, I meant a trade!You sleep in my bed, and I sleep on the loveseat until you get your own bed.You won’t have to sleep on the floor and hurt your shoulder again.”
“I’ll be fine.I bought an air mattress today.That’ll do until I get something proper.”He stands.“Speaking of which, I should get the pump started.”
He heads to the spare room.His room, now.I trail after him, leaning against the wall as he gets out the mattress and electric pump.When the bed is fully inflated, I help make it with the spare sheet and pillow I lent him last night.
We stand in silence, staring down at the air mattress, then our gazes meet.I’m conscious we’re alone with a bed at our feet like an open invitation.
Come, both of you.
Lie on me together.
I back away from the bed and its sinful suggestion.I don’t know why my mind keeps coming up with inappropriate thoughts.
I force a smile.“I should—I should go to bed too.Good night.”
He moves closer.“Wait.I meant to ask this morning if you had any more bad dreams last night.”
I had a filthy one starring you.
“Uh… nope.No bad dreams.”
He nods.“Because of the sleeping pill.”
