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Hard limits are set for a reason. By going against what I’ve always done, I’m opening the door to heartbreak. I know I am. She can promise until she’s blue in the face that she’s fine. But how can I trust that she truly is? Nothing is stopping her from completely annihilating me down the road, which is something she has the capacity to do.

I suppose that’s the risk I take. I can’t help feeling that she’s worth it. She’s everything I need and never knew I wanted. I guess I’ll see how this week plays out, but right now, I want to take a chance.

Sleeping against her all night and feeling her skin against mine is such an aphrodisiac. I’m dying for her to wake up so I can bury myself inside her—finally. I cashed in another furlough day so I didn’t have to leave this bed. Once again, I’m calling off work for her. It’s fine. I’ve barely taken a day in the twelve years I’ve been employed by the CFD. God knows, I have about a year straight of days racked up. If I can’t use them to stay in bed with Lexi, then what good are they anyway? Given the fact that she leaves in a week to return to Florida is reason enough to spend every second I can with her while she’s here.

She stirs, wiggling her body against mine. With a sigh, she looks up toward me. “Morning.” Her voice is gravelly from sleep and sexy as hell.

“Morning.” Smoothing her hair back, I kiss the top of her head.

“What about work?” she questions.

I shake my head. “I’m spending the whole day with you.”

“Oh my gosh.” She tightens her hold on me. “You’re the best.”

“You didn’t have any plans, did you?”

“Not today, no. I did offer to help Cam and Claire with some last-minute wedding preparation stuff. Putting together the favors and stuff like that. Then we have the bachelorette party later this week, of course. But other than that, I’m all yours.”

“What is she doing for favors? Are you all bagging those Jordan almonds?”

“No.”

“Oh, good. I’ve never understood their appeal. I mean, they’re not that great.”

“She actually has a really cool idea. She contacted all the important couples in her life, like her godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her and Ben’s parents to ask what their wedding song was. Ben compiled a playlist of the songs, along with their wedding song. Cam, Claire, and I are putting together this mini-flip book of these important couples with a picture of each couple from their wedding day. There’s a code to scan to pull up the playlist of songs. It’s really sweet.”

“That is a thoughtful favor. Well, I look forward to your flipbook crafting skills.”

She raises her gaze to meet mine. “Wait. You’re coming to the wedding?

“Yeah,” I answer with a quirked brow.

“Oh, I just assumed I’d only know Cam and Deacon there.”

I smile. “Well, no…actually, all the guys will be there. Since Cam and Deacon have been strong for a while now, we’ve incorporated Cam, Claire, and Ben into our firehouse family. It’s something we do, I guess. We’re a tight group. Claire probably felt she had to invite everyone from the firehouse.”

“I’m sure she was glad to.”

“Yeah, we’re pretty fun,” I tease with a shrug.

“And modest.”

“Of course,” I say, kissing the top of her head again. I slide my arm out from under her and roll out of bed.

She meets me in the bathroom, and I hand her a new toothbrush as I scrub my teeth with my own.

She giggles. “I love your obsession with clean teeth.”

“Is it an obsession, though? Don’t most people brush their teeth when they first get up?” I question, giving her a sudsy toothpaste smile.

“Yeah.” She hesitates, putting toothpaste on her brush. “But…”

She doesn’t finish her thought, and I don’t press it. I think she’s implying that most men who woke up hot and horny next to her perfection would’ve taken her for at least a satisfying quickie before hopping out of bed. The truth is, I wanted to. A part of me is still holding back. Once I have her in that way again, I’ll be hers forever. I know it.

I finish brushing my teeth.

Standing behind her, I stare at our reflection in the bathroom mirror. We make a hot couple, there’s no denying it.

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