Page 59 of Barrett

“A lot of things. Getting pissed at you last night, arguing with you, but most of all for not seeing what was right in front of me.”

“You aren’t the only one who’s good at hiding things.”

“No, but I could have opened my eyes and really looked at you, saw who you were, and why you reacted to me the way you did.” I was a fool. It was a mistake I wouldn’t make again.

Reghan brought his arms around me, his hands settling on my ass to drag me forward. I looked down at him, but he was the one with the power. “We both could have done things differently. This isn’t all on you.”

“You’re going to keep paying for Marshall’s meds, aren’t you?” He said he would. While I hated that it wasn’t me, I was grateful for Reghan’s generosity.

“You’re going to keep giving me shit for it, aren’t you?”

“No. I just said I was sorry for that.”

“Uh huh.” He wasn’t convinced, not that I blamed him.

“I hate that I can’t do it without dipping into savings.”

“One day, hopefully soon, you’re going to realize there is nothing I won’t do for you.”

“You hardly know me.” It wasn’t a flimsy wall, more like a curtain. A thin piece of material keeping what little bit of myself left from completely letting go and giving him all of me.

“Do I know your entire life history? No. Do I need to? Also no. It doesn’t matter to me, unless you want me to hear it. If you do, I want it to come from you, but it’s not necessary. All I need is who you are in this moment. Who you are when you’re with me. That’s the Barrett I want. That’s the Barrett I?—”

I didn’t let him get the words out before I kissed him. If he said them, I’d crumble. I’d be screwed, so I kissed him to avoid him saying words I wasn’t ready to hear.

It didn’t last long before I pulled back and dropped my forehead on his. “Aren’t you supposed to work today?” I’d seen Reghan with Jordan every day of the week, night and day, over the years. I wondered if he ever slept. Yet here he was for the second day in a row.

“Ollie’s there and Rory. Vail’s home and so is Hartley. There’s plenty of backup. Raiden had the night shift so he’s sleeping.”

“And you couldn’t wait to see me again?” I teased. “It’s my ass, isn’t it? I always thought it was a work of art. Now I know it’s true.”

He shook his head as a smile teased his lips. “I had photos to show you last night but when I got here and Marshall wasn’t feeling well, I forgot. Jordan asked me about it this morning.” It must have been serious if it involved Jordan.

“What are they?”

“The guy who’s been taking men.”

“Show me.”

Reghan put his arm fully around me a second before he stood, taking me with him.

My legs instinctively went to his waist to hold myself up. “What are you doing?” I yelped.

“I need my phone. Since I don’t want to let you go, you’re coming with me.” He found where he put his belongings down and scooped up his phone then brought us over to the couch, taking a seat again. “This is more comfortable.”

I wasn’t about to complain. Instead, I tucked my face against his neck and breathed him in. He was about to show me photos that would have me in work mode. For a few beats of my heart, I soaked him in and enjoyed being close to him. I wouldn’t admit it out loud, but I missed him last night and wished he would have stayed.

Reghan didn’t push me to look at what he had on his phone. He put it down on the arm of the couch and fully engulfed me in his arms, warmth, and scent. I’d never been a cuddler before, yet here I was holding on to Reghan like a damn koala.

With him, I was safe.

I was cared for.

I was…

No, I wasn’t going there, even though it felt damn near close to what I was thinking.

I wasn’t sure how long we stayed like that. After a bit, Reghan moved so we were lying on the couch together, me over him, my face still tucked against his neck. His hands soothed along my back, under my shirt, his skin on mine. It didn’t turn me on. Rather, it had me melting against him. I was boneless.

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