Page 36 of Wanted

Amidst the haze of sleep and satisfaction around me, it takes a few seconds for my brain to process that information.

I sit up quickly on the bed like I’m powered by a spring, dragging the sheet up with me to cover myself. Well, it’s not like I’m naked or something, I’m completely dressed in one of my grandmother-style pajamas.

“What the hell did you do?” I ask, killing him with a look, wondering how we ended up being a tangled mess on the bed. I honestly don’t know.

“I didn’t do anything,” he counters as he positions himself more comfortably.

His messy hair and his features softened by sleep make my heart flutter.

“Don’t give me that innocent face,” I continue with my hands on my chest clutching the sheet so it doesn’t slip, I’m using it as a shield. It’s useless, I know.

“After you went to the bathroom, I waited for you for a while. I must have fallen asleep at some point. Those pills are quite strong.”

Yes, yes, excuses, excuses.

“Evidence doesn’t lie,” he continues with a smirk. “You were sleeping on my side of the river.”

“That isn’t true,” I reply stubbornly, but there’s no use. He’s telling the truth.

“You should admit I’m a great pillow. You were quite comfortable.” He looks at me, putting his hand on his shoulder to massage it.

The scars there remind me of how close he was to…

Stop it, Stella!

“As a pillow you’re tolerable,” I retort, there is no point in denying that his chest is very cozy.

I guess old habits die hard.

“You used me as a pillow, and you can’t even give me credit for it.” His hand travels until he’s touching his chest, over his heart. “You wound me deeply, Stella, worse than the bullets.”

I give him the stink eye.

“Don’t even joke about that,” I warn him.

“So what? Are you going to admit you liked sleeping with me? I’m a good pillow.”

“As a head and neck support, you’re quite efficient.”

“Don’t forget your hands,” he adds, making my eyes roll.

“You are impossible, Lionel.”

I move to my side of the bed to get up. The truth is I’m hungry. Lionel also needs to put something in his stomach to take his morning pills, and let’s face it. This conversation is utter nonsense.

“It was you who crossed the Mississippi to snuggle with me. It’s a vast river.”

“Aaaaarrggggg.” Stomping, I head to the bathroom, the man is driving me nuts.

“And we didn’t even mention sharing my body heat,” I hear him say before closing the door.

We definitely need to buy another bed and set it up in a room at the other side of the house—Today.

* * *

“What are you looking for?” Lionel demands when he sees I’ve scattered my bag contents on the kitchen countertop.

“My phone charger,” I reply while checking the inside pockets.

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