Page 128 of The Re-Proposal

“You want something to drink?” he asks.

“I should probably go.”

“Or,” Cody says, closing the distance between us, “you could stay over?”

“Stay over?”

Bad, bad idea.

It’s difficult to keep my hands away from his rock-solid abs now that I know they’re under that soft green T-shirt. We’re both delirious with exhaustion. If something happens now, I won’t be able to resist him.

“Clay shot me a text. Hatchen is meeting the social worker at ten. That means we have,” he checks his watch, “about two hours to take a nap before we have to get ready. It’ll be faster for everyone if you sleep over here and then head out.”

“But…”

“If you leave now, that’ll be at least an hour going and coming.”

I frown. “You’ve thought this whole thing through, haven’t you?”

Cody slides his hands around my waist, closes his arms over my back and pulls me into his chest. The sudden hug surprises me and I stiffen in his arms.

“You want the truth?” he whispers.

I nod when all my good senses are telling me to push away.

“There was a moment in that alley, when I was running to you, that I thought I wouldn’t make it in time.”

My heart slams against my chest.

Cody kisses my temple. “I don’t want to let you out of my sight. Not tonight. I won’t be able to rest if I can’t hold you. Make sure you’re okay.”

His honesty makes me bold. “My turn.”

“Mm.” He nuzzles his nose in my hair.

“I don’t really want to be alone tonight either.”

His shoulders perk up and he opens his eyes.

“But this doesn’t mean anything,” I tack on. “We’re just… finding comfort together after a traumatic experience.”

“Understood.” He bounces his head.

“It’s a very common coping mechanism. Like… holding a teddy bear.”

“A teddy bear?” He looks amused.

“Yes. You can be my teddy bear for a few hours.” I see the glint in his eyes and add, “I won’t do anything more than sleep. And you’re in no shape to do more than sleep either.”

His lips descend on my throat, right where Hatchen left his mark. “Don’t tempt me, Ris.”

He’s the one tempting me.

I wiggle out of his embrace and point a finger. “Cody.”

“Fine. I’ll behave.” He captures my hand and slides our fingers together. I’m dead-tired too, but I still feel the sizzle between us.

“Where are you taking me?” I whisper.

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