Page 40 of Always

We must.

Because I can’t live without her.

Chapter Fifteen

“Stay,” I say softly, my eyes closed.

“I can’t.”

“Please.”

I hardly ever say please, but I’ve said it several times tonight. I want her to stay. I want to sleep with her nestled in my arms and wake up together. Make passionate morning love—the kind where morning breath and bedhead don’t matter. She kisses my lips lightly. “I want to stay more than anything, but I can’t. I hope you understand.”

I nod. Her parents may worry. Or she may not want them to know we’re sleeping tougher. I don’t like it, but I understand it. “I’ll walk you down.”

She laughs out loud. “Braden, Liberty, Kansas, is the safest place in the world.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll walk you down anyway.” I get up, pull my slacks back on, and slide my bare feet into my dress shoes. I grab my shirt and button a few buttons.

She dresses quickly. Too quickly. I feel a loss at each inch of gorgeous flesh she covers. Her hair is tousled, and she has a beautiful “just fucked” look.

It takes all my willpower not to grab her, toss her back on the bed, and command that she stay the night with me.

I have no doubt that she’d obey.

But I resist the temptation, and once she’s fully dressed, we leave the hotel room.

“You want to come over for breakfast in the morning?” she asks. “You’ll get better coffee from my mom than at the Sunrise.”

I kiss her cheek lightly. “What time?”

“Around eight, I guess. My mom and dad get up with the birds, but I won’t be ready for public viewing until eight.”

“Okay. I’ll be there.”

“I can pick you up.”

“That’s okay. I’ll get there.”

She smiles. “Okay, Braden. Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For…tonight. For telling me a little about your childhood. For…”

I lift my eyebrows.

“…everything,” she finishes.

“I love you, Skye,” I say. “I’m trying.”

“So am I. Good night.”

Once she drives away, I head back up to the hotel room, and without even checking my emails, I wash up and lie down in bed.

And I sleep without interruption for the first time in months.

…

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