Page 433 of Dark Love

“It is. Now go put it on.”

“But I have pajamas.” Lots of pajamas. Including a pair that covers me from my neck to my toes. I usually wear it on the coldest day of winter, but was planning to wear it tonight like it was armor protecting me from the gaze of a sexy man.

Which would probably work, since what man finds adult onesies sexy?

“I know, but I want you to wear this.” He nods to the t-shirt.

“But…”

“Wear the shirt, Dahl.”

Fine, I’ll wear the shirt, but only because it’s incredibly soft. “Here, take this. I’ll be right back.”

Vex takes the second sundae bowl, and I go change.

He’s lying on the bed on top of a blanket with the television on and a bowl in his hand.

How do women win any battles when they walk out to a sight like this? “You… um… didn’t have to sleep on top of the quilt. You have pajamas on.”

“Dahl, come eat your ice cream.”

“But Vex—”

“Dahl, I only have so much willpower.”

What does—Oh. I scamper into the bed and take the bowl he holds out to me. “Vex?”

“Yeah, Dahl.”

“Can I hug you?” There. That was certainly brazen.

His big arm wraps around my shoulders, and he pulls me in close.

The same warm, safe sensation runs through me like it does every time I’m in his arms.

This is right.

Everything about this moment is perfect.

“Vex?”

“Yeah, Dahl.”

“Do you think I’ll be ready for you to kiss me soon?”

“You’ll be ready when you’re ready.”

It better be soon. I snuggle into Vex’s shoulder.

Sleepy Head

Vex

If the dark circles around Dahlia’s eyes were anything to go by, she needed all this sleep. It’s been more than twelve hours since she fell asleep on my chest. Her untouched melted ice cream sits by the nightstand on my side of the bed next to my empty one.

I should read a book. Or turn on the television. Do anything but stare down at the locks of amber gold and chestnut hair splashed across me. The light has been shimmering on it since sunrise. Dahlia needs automatic blackout shades.

And a bigger library, if I’m going to keep a few books here.

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