Page 113 of Downpour

Turning the tides would take more than the weak pull I was left with.

Brooke’s soft snores resumed. Even the sun needed to set and rest.

She was the reason I had energy and drive to keep trying. Her hope and optimism fueled me.

“Come on,” I said softly. “You’ll sleep better in bed.”

We moved like zombies through the dark house. I made sure the doors were locked while Brooke brushed her teeth and washed her face.

“Ray?” she asked quietly as she stood in front of the door to my room.

I frowned because she sounded worried. “What’s the matter?”

“I was just gonna ask if I could sleep with you tonight.”

We had slept in the same bed together at the motel, and we had fallen asleep together a handful of times—usually by accident—at the house. But we had never intentionally gone to bed together.

Brooke gave me space, probably because she was afraid to ask for intimacy. That was definitely my fault.

I wheeled over and slid my hand up and down her thigh. “Always, baby. I want you in my bed.”

“You sure?” She dug a pink-painted toe into the floor and wobbled her ankle back and forth.

“I’m sure.”

Her smile was soft and sleepy.

I finished brushing my teeth, then cut the lights and eased over into the bed beside her. Brooke had taken up the left side, leaving the right side for me.

“How’d you know what side I sleep on?” I asked as I kissed her head.

“Your phone charger is over there,” she said with a yawn.

I chuckled. “Observant.”

I didn’t need to ask her to come closer. As soon as I was settled under the covers, Brooke curled into my side. She was asleep in seconds.

I was jealous of her peace. I couldn’t remember the last time I slept that well. If I wasn’t waking up from phantom pains or discomfort, I woke up with mental anguish.

But Brooke didn’t. She was steady and stalwart like the sunrise.

My hands ached from physical therapy. Callie gave me a break from gross motor skills and made me hold a fucking pencil for what felt like ages.

Maybe it was the warmth and pressure of her body against my chest, but my mind calmed much more quickly than it usually did.

“Ray.”

I stirred, rousing to Brooke’s whisper. I had been in the best sleep I could remember.

“What’s the matter, baby?” I mumbled into her hair.

“I think someone’s in the house,” she whispered.

My eyes blinked open and I froze. Brooke’s body was rigid against mine.

The house was silent. Maybe one of the animals had gotten out and was making noise outside. That happened fairly frequently.

A thud echoed from the living room, making us both jolt.

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