Page 83 of Promise Me, Katie

“Are you ready to sleep now?”

“Yes and no,” she admitted. “Part of me is tired, and the other part of me is wide awake.”

“Trust me, I understand.”

“I like your kisses so much,” Katherine said, reaching up and touching the scrape of whiskers as she stared at Matthew’s mouth. “And I like your lips. You have the most amazing bottom lip.”

Matthew laughed again. “No one’s ever told me they liked my lips before, let alone my bottom lip.

“Is that weird?”

“Not at all,” he said, giving her a gentle kiss. “I like your lips too.”

Katherine beamed with happiness. “I’m looking forward to the day when it’s my turn to kiss and touch you like that.”

“So am I,” Matthew said. “But it’s late. We should get some sleep or tomorrow will be rough for both of us.”

Katherine sighed, letting her eyelids close. She felt utterly and blissfully content. And with the weight of Matthew’s leg thrown over hers, it made her feel protected and wanted, while the warm, woodsy smell of his skin and the sound of his breathing eased her to sleep.

But then she heard his whispered voice rousing her from a dream.

“Katie, wake up. I need to talk to you.”

Once Katherine opened her eyes and adjusted to the light of the bedside lamp, she saw that Matthew had gotten dressed. And the concern on his face frightened her. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Libby.”

Instant panic and fear gripped Katherine’s heart. “What’s wrong with Libby? What happened?”

She was throwing back blankets and heading for the closet to get dressed before Matthew could stop her.

“It’s not what you think,” he said. “I’m sorry, I should’ve explained better.”

“Then what is it?”

“I think my folks are having trouble getting her back to sleep.”

“How do you know? Did they call?”

“No, but I woke up and saw the lights on next door.”

Katherine’s gaze shot to the open window, and she breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh, thank God.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted you to know I was going home to help.”

“Of course you are. Go.” She leaned in, giving him a quick peck. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Actually, I was hoping to come back later. But I understand if you’re not comfortable leaving the door unlocked.”

Katherine searched inside the top drawer of the nightstand, then pulled out a spare set of house keys and placed them in the palm of Matthew’s hand.

“The bigger brass key is for the front, and the smaller silver one is for the deadbolt on the back.”

“Thanks.” Matthew smiled and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll be here waiting.”

“Waiting for what?” he teased.

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