Page 38 of War

“Okay,” I say, frowning at his lack of response. “Guess it wasn’tintentional.” Slipping into bed, I adjust the sheet and comforter and swallow back a moan at how comfortable the mattress is. “I can’t imagine you’d be eager to see me, of all people, wearing your last name. It’s just that Sara and Lennox are always going on about how much the guys love seeing the girls in their jerseys. It’s a whole thing for them. But then again, they’re all kind of…kinky?” I shrug.

Yeah, that’s how I’d categorize them. They’re also oversharers, which is apparently what I am when I’m nervous, because did I really just say the wordkinkywhile climbing into bed beside Tyler Warren?

Also, how come every time I say his name in my head it’s a whole thing. Tyler Warren? He’s like a god in my mind. Untouchable. I’m so embarrassing.

“Sorry, I’m being awkward. Just go to sleep. I swear I’ll be more normal in the morning.”

Pulling the comforter all the way up to my chin, I turn toward the door, my back to him, and pray for sleep to take me. Or a black hole. Either would be acceptable right about now.

War shifts, causing the bed to dip, and then he’s closer. Too close, since the air that escapes him when he lets out a heavy sigh tickles the back of my neck. “I didn’t actually get to see the back of the shirt on you. May I?”

I peer over my shoulder and find him motioning to the covers. Without a word, I nod. If I speak now, I’ll blurt out something else ridiculous.

He gently pulls the covers down, the move far too charged. I hold my breath, certain that if I don’t, the tension in the room will drown me.

Every syllable he speaks in that gravelly tone vibrates through me. “I can’t speak for all men, but yeah, I really like seeing you wearing my number.” He tugs the covers up again and shifts back, taking his heat with him. “I just didn’t expect you to wear it without pants.”

My heart all but stops when realization dawns. Crap. I walked out of the bathroom without putting on the sweats he gave me. “Uh, I?—”

War chuckles. “Go to bed,wifey. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

I wake to the sound of giggles and a loud, drawn-out “Tyler!”

“You know the rules. Knock before entering.” This voice is deeper, groggy.

“But it’s Christmas, Bray. Our first Christmas as a family. We need to wake him up. Let’s jump on the bed.”

I’m still fighting to open my eyes, confused about where I am, when the door swings open and the voices grow louder. “It’s Ava! Brayden, it’s Ava.”

“I can see that,” he grumbles.

Finally, I force my eyes open and blink into the dim light until the voices become people in front of me.

Brayden is holding Scarlett, who is wiggling against his chest, anxious to get down. Josie is bounding toward me, wearing the biggest smile.

Finally, memories from last night return, and it hits me. I slept over. I’m in Tyler Warren’s bed.

Holy shit, I’m in War’s bed.

“Merry Christmas,” he murmurs in my ear, hugging me to his chest.

My heart thumps wildly now that I notice the way he’s wrapped around me, his arms cradling me, his face buried in my hair, his head on my freaking pillow.

“Santa granted my wish. Ava is still here,” Josie squeals as she jumps onto the bed.

Lungs seizing, I roll out of War’s arms.

This is not good.

Once I’ve put a little distance between us, I dart a look at Brayden again. While Josie may think this is just a fun sleepover, it’s clear from the teenager’s amused face that he knows what adults normally do during overnight visits.

“Merry Christmas, love bug,” I say to Josie, breathing through mypanic. I open my arms wide and catch her as she catapults into them. I inhale the fragrance of her shampoo and kiss her head, finally beginning to find my bearings. This is just the reminder I need. I’m here for her. For them. The kids, that is.

“What am I? Yesterday’s news?” War shifts, wearing a pout.

Josie launches herself into his arms next. “You told me you got me the best present ever, and you weren’t lying. Is she staying all day?”

War chuckles now, his smile wide. “Yeah, I think so.” He nods to Brayden. “How’d you sleep?”

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