Page 19 of The Pilot & the Athlete

She wished she could claim she was his girl. “It’s … just an expression.”

He smiled. “More teenage verbiage?”

“No cap.”

Paul shook his head, leaned against the doorframe, and folded his arms across his chest. He looked so manly and appealing she had to lean against the wall for support.

“I intend to sleep on the floor,” he said, “just as I said I would. I hoped you were asleep because you must be exhausted and overwrought from everything that’s happened to you, especially tonight.”

“Oh. That’s …” The word ‘bussin’ almost flew off her tongue, but she was failing on the idea to cut the teenage jargon so he wouldn’t think of her as a little sister. “Kind. Very kind.” She swallowed down the emotion as she thought again of why she was ‘overwrought’.

She rushed forward, laying the blanket on the floor. “But since the sleepover party is my idea…” She pumped her hands up and down above her shoulders. “Party, party.”

Paul grinned at her. Did he think she was fun or was she reinforcing the ‘little sister’ image by teasing like she always did?

“I’ll make a bed for me down here and you can have the king.”

“No.” Paul strode forward, scooped her off her feet, and turned toward the bed.

“Paul!” Shay’s breath rushed out. This was the third time he’d literally swept her off her feet. No man made her feel desirable and appreciated like he did.

She leaned into his incredible chest, her hands wrapping around his shoulders. His lips brushed her forehead and she couldn’t think straight. Her heart raced out of control as his lips softly trailed to her temple, then her cheek, then her jawline. His mouth left tingly warmth in its wake.

She turned slightly, praying he would kiss her. She’d forget about all the anguish of tonight when their lips met again.

Paul pulled back just enough that their lips brushed but didn’t connect. Fire. Their gazes met and held, and the world stood still. A few delicious seconds passed.

Paul straightened, putting enough distance between them that their lips wouldn’t accidentally touch.

Shay had no idea what to do or say. He seemed as if he were frozen.

“You can’t just go picking me up all the time,” she said, trying to act unaffected. “I’m not a light weight.”

“You are to me.” He gently set her on the bed. His gaze traveled over her, and she went hot from head to toe. He lifted her legs and the sheet and bedspread. Resting her legs on the mattress, he pulled the sheet and bedspread over them and clear up to her chin, tucking her in, his fingers brushing her chin and cheek.

He cleared his throat and stepped back, his body rigid and his fists clenched as if trying not to reach for her. “This is the way I left you, if I remember correctly.”

She blinked up at him. “I’m sleeping on the floor. I’m the one who’s acting like a … wimp and wanting you close.”

“I’ll stay close, Shay. Please stay in the bed. I’ll go get more blankets and pillows and make my spot comfortable.”

“I’d hate for you to sleep on the floor.”

“I’ve slept in much worse places.” He gave her a wry smile.

“It’s a huge bed.” She pulled her arms free and gestured. “Please. I’ll stay glued to my side like Velcro and a strap.” She tightened up like she couldn’t move.

Paul smiled, but then he grew serious and shook his head. He backed toward the door. “Absolutely not. Please … it’s a no.” He pivoted and all but ran out the door.

Shay didn’t move, listening to his footfalls and doors opening and closing. He came back a few minutes later wearing a comfortable looking T-shirt and shorts, with a huge comforter, sheets and a couple pillows in his hands.

He folded the comforter in thirds and spread it on the floornext to the foot of the bed. She would prefer him closer, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.

“I can help,” she offered, arching up.

“I’m good. It’s almost four in the morning, Shay. Get some rest.”

But she was keyed up. The short nap on the plane and in the truck had been just enough to throw her off, and with Paul around she didn’t want to sleep. She wanted to talk to him for hours. Preferably after she convinced him to snuggle under these clean sheets with her and hold her very, very close.

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