Page 46 of You're All I Need

I face her once more, a war playing in my head. On one hand, I’d love to spread out on her soft bed, letting her curl up against my side as we drift off to sleep. On the other hand, my hands might not get the memo she’s in need of rest and want to touch every inch of her delectable body.

“Don’t worry, cowboy. I can keep my hands to myself for a few hours,” she murmurs softly.

I can’t help but snort as I step closer to her bed. “You might be able to, but I’m not sure I can.”

She doesn’t reply with words, just reaches behind her and pulls open the blankets. Knowing I shouldn’t, I climb into thebed anyway and settle in beside her. Compared to sleeping on her couch, this is like floating on clouds. I don’t remember her bed being this comfortable, but I also know we weren’t in it for sleep.

Suddenly, she moves closer, curling her body against mine. I somehow slip my arm beneath her neck, drawing her near. Her head rests on my upper arm, her hand settled on my chest. This is…nice. Much more comfortable than I anticipated, mostly because I detest snuggling. Dawn was a cuddler, needing to be all up in my business the moment we climbed into bed. I was forever choking on her hair and having my arm go numb, and if I asked for a little space, she turned it into a fight.

But with Adrienne in bed beside me, I want to pull her closer, to feel her hair against my cheek, to revel in the heat of her body against me. Any tingle in my arm is ignored so I can draw out the contact just a little longer.

I hear her sigh and feel her body relax as her breathing evens out. I’m not sure how long I lie here with her, but eventually, my own eyes grow heavy. Even though I know I should get up, I don’t. I continue to rest beside her until sleep pulls me under.

I sleep better than I ever have.

***

“What are your plans for the day?” I ask as I’m lacing up my boots and preparing to leave.

“I’m just hanging out here.”

Standing up, I meet her sleepy gaze. She’s positively adorable first thing in the morning, hair all wild with no makeup on. “It’s probably a good idea for you just to rest.”

“I know, Dad. Thank you for the concern,” she sasses, rolling her light-brown eyes.

Stepping to her, I rest my hand against her hip and gently draw her closer. “I should bend you over my knee and paddle your sweet ass for the sass.”

Her irises darken as her fingers flex against my chest. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, sugar, I most certainly would.” Leaning forward, I press a closed-mouth kiss to her lips. “But not today. You need to rest.” I take a step back, putting a little needed space between us. Otherwise, I’m liable to throw her over my shoulder and take her right back upstairs, potential injuries from her fall be damned. “This weekend though,” I start, holding her gaze. “You’re mine.”

She licks her lips, the gesture going straight to my cock. “Promises, promises.”

“Damn right, it’s a promise. You can come back to my place after the wedding if you’d like.”

She swallows. “All right. What time should I be ready?”

“Wedding’s at four, so I’ll pick you up around three thirty.”

“Sounds good. I assume dress code is cocktail?”

I shrug, trying not to latch on to the fact she used the wordcock. “Wear whatever in the hell you’d like. I couldn’t care less what they deem appropriate for their wedding.”

She grins. “Okay. See you Saturday at three thirty.”

I step forward once more and place another kiss on her lips. This time, I let them linger there just a few seconds longer than the last. “Oh, don’t worry, sweetheart. You’ll see me before then.”

“What if I have other plans?” she asks, a teasing tone in her question.

“Do you?” I ask, not at all liking the fact my gut twists at the thought.

She shrugs. “Not this week, cowboy.”

“Good. We’ll have dinner. Then I’ll eat you.”

She nibbles on her bottom lip, her cheeks turning a delightful shade of pink. “I have to work Thursday during the lunch shift, but I’m free after four.”

I nod. “See you Thursday, Adrienne.” I move to the door, release the lock, and step outside. “Lock up.”

---