Page 105 of Play Pretend

“You moved that in here?” I asked, pointing.

“It was more comfortable than the kitchen chair.” He rubbed the back of his neck in a way I’d learned meant he was shy or uncomfortable. A grin tugged at my lips as I shuffled a step forward.

“Why did you bring a chair in here at all?”

“I wanted to watch you,” he murmured. “I was worried you’d need me but be in too much pain to call out. I just wanted to be close.”

Emotion clogged my throat as I stared at him. No one had ever done that before. Everyone always left me to deal with my migraines alone. Gracie made sure I had everything I needed but ultimately left.

But Ronan…

Of course he’d gone above and beyond. Of course he’d stayed with me. He’d made sure I was okay—that I wassafe.

“I promise it wasn’t anything weird,” he blurted. “I’m not a creep?—”

“I know,” I choked out, the sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob.

My feet seemed to move on their own. I faltered with each step, unsure if this was the right thing, but I couldn’t stop myself. I stopped in front of him, and he tipped his head back to look up at me. The golden glow from the doorway was barely enough to highlight his strong features, to reflect in his eyes, but I couldseehim. I couldfeelhim.

“You’re feeling better?” he asked, and I nodded. “Still tired?”

“A little.” I bit my bottom lip, my heart in my throat as I reached for his hand. He was everything I’d ever wanted in my life, the type of man I’d dreamed about when I was young. And here he was, just inches from me. “Areyoutired?”

His thumb tapped against the back of my hand seven times. “Exhausted.”

We stared at each other for a few moments. My breath was uneven and too loud. My heart raced, and I knew he could feel my palms sweating. Gently, I tugged on his hand.

“Lie with me,” I finally said.

The air in the room shifted. Everything went still, but there was an electric charge connecting us. He didn’t move—I didn’t think he was even breathing.

After a moment, he let out a long breath, and when he spoke, his voice sounded strangled. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Please?” I whispered. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “You’ve slept with me once.” A nervous laugh escaped as I stepped closer to him. “And you’ve already seen me naked.”

“Willow—”

“Nothing has to happen,” I rushed out. “But…it could. If you wanted it to.”

He licked his lips, and I shifted my legs together. He had no idea what he did to me. “You’re still not a hundred percent,” he rasped.

“I promise I won’t break.” Another hesitant step closer. “I’m well enough for this—for you.”

I didn’t know if he even wanted this—if he wanted me—but I’d hate myself if I didn’t try. If I let him slip through my fingers because I was too scared to make a move. Arealmove.

I tugged on his hand again, and he stood. I knew it was only because he wanted to, and not because I had the strength to move him. He let me lead him to his bed, and I crawled across the mattress to my side, settling under the covers. A beat passed, then another. I held my breath as I waited, watching as he just stood there. His hands tightened at his sides as he stared down at the bed, and I could tell he was going through every scenario, trying to figure out the best one. Thesafestone.

But then he laid down, and I shuddered. Anticipation filled my body as the bed dipped under his weight. He was tense as he stared up at the ceiling, and I rolled my lips between my teeth.

Maybe this was a mistake. It was so awkward—maybe I’d misread everything. Today at the bakery, last night when he was outside my door, tonight with him watching over me.

Maybe it was all in my head.

I rolled onto my side, putting my back to him. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, and it would be easier if I didn’t have to see him. The bed shifted as he moved, and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to find the strength to tell him I was going back to my room, that I’d leave him alone.

But then his hand rested on the curve of my waist, and my heart leapt into my throat.

“You’re sure you’re feeling better?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

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