Page 27 of Cross & Crown

over Nick’s, Nick’s eyelashes fluttered and his nose curled in

his sleep. Kelly closed his eyes and rolled in Nick’s embrace

until he had cuddled closer and Nick’s arms enveloped him.

Nick woke with a gasp.

“It’s me, babe,” Kelly whispered against Nick’s chest. “It’s

Doc, you’re safe.”

Nick tightened his grip and pulled Kelly closer. “Hey,” he

said, his deep voice even gruffer with sleep. “You okay?”

Kelly pushed his head back so he could see Nick’s face.

Nick was still half-asleep, his eyes washed of their usual green in the darkness. His brow was furrowed. It wasn’t unusual for

him to be concerned when he woke with Kelly in his arms

like this; he could be cuddling, or he could be choking Kelly

unconscious.

Kelly kissed his chin, then scooted up so he could reach

Nick’s lips. Nick hummed into the kiss.

“I’m fine,” Kelly said. “Couldn’t sleep.”

Kelly rolled onto his back, pul ing Nick with him. Nick

curled around him in a way that still surprised Kelly, resting

his head on Kelly’s chest and throwing a leg over Kelly’s hips.

Nick was about as alpha top as a man could get, but when it

came to cuddling, he had no compunctions about being held.

Kelly wrapped his arm around Nick’s shoulder and squeezed

him tight.

27

“Boat still throws you off, huh?” Nick mumbled against

Kelly’s chest.

Kelly nodded as he ran his fingers through Nick’s hair.

When they’d been discharged from the armed services, Kelly

had gone home to Colorado and stayed there in a cabin he’d

built with his own two hands and a very dedicated earthmover.

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