Page 84 of Smooth Sailing

She went on, “I like you. I really liked that kiss. And, well, none of this is optimal with all that’s going on and the fact we live in two different cities in two different states.”

“Yeah,” he agreed again.

“But I…well…” She faltered.

“I like you,” he said quietly. “I’m into you. This is shit timing, not only for the reasons you stated, but I’ve got things I gotta figure out before I’m good to get deep with a fucking fantastic woman I wanna get to know better.”

He didn’t think she could melt any more, but she practically fused with him then, a happy light sparking in her pretty green eyes.

Hugger instantly fell in love with that light. He wanted to keep it lit until he took his last breath.

But she had to know.

“Baby, the shit I gotta wade through is pretty deep and not the kind of thing you lay on a woman you just met and wanna get to know,” he warned.

“Um, were you there at Sack’s when I had a breakdown because my dad had demonstrated for the first time in twenty-nine years he gives a shit?”

Hugger couldn’t believe it, but he grinned.

She watched him grin, then looked up in his eyes. “Yes, you were. We learn something new every day, if we pay attention. And the last few days, I learned you don’t get to the pick the time you meet a guy who you want to jump his bones.”

His brows shot up. “You want to jump my bones?”

“Um…again, were you just there for that kiss?’

He stroked her back and muttered, “Totally there, baby.”

“So…what? Are we gonna kinda date while we deal with all this other stuff?”

“No, but we got no choice but to get to know each other, and I’m seriously down with doin’ that.”

Her eyes narrowed on him, and what she said next demonstrated she’d already started getting to know him.

“You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”

“Di, it isn’t a big deal.”

“It is. I don’t like it. Can you nap during the day?”

“Who can’t?”

“I can’t. If the sun is up, it’s impossible.”

Holy shit.

“Really?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Sucks for you, babe,” he mumbled.

“It does. But whatever. When Big Petey gets here, you’re behind closed doors in my room, catching up on sleep.”

He wanted to refuse, but he shouldn’t, so he didn’t.

“Pete’s bringing donuts,” he told her.

Her eyes lit up again, and Jesus.

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