Page 38 of Sunshine with You
“Naw. It’s been a thing since I was little. If I don’t start the night with something in my arms, whatever’s closest ends up there by morning. I usuallydouse an extra pillow, but unless you’re giving yours up, it’ll have to be you.”
“I can’t sleep without a pillow.”
“Me neither. So I guess we’re cuddling then.” I smirk, waiting for her move. Holding her all night sounds fantastic, as long as she agrees to it. Dry humping aside, I’m not enough of an ass to touch her uninvited.
“Fine. But if I feel any poking, you’re gonna get it, Hunter.”
“I think I’d be fine with ‘getting it’ after what just happened…” I tease, and she pushes on my shoulder.
“You’re so annoying!” She laughs, turning her back to me. Lifting her elbow in the air, she waits for me to settle around her. When I do, her hand slides down the length of my forearm in a soft caress, lacing her fingers with mine. I’d be surprised if she can’t feel the goosebumps rising in her wake. “Is this good,Mr.Snuggles?”
“It’s perfect.” I nuzzle into her shoulder, immersing myself in her jasmine perfume as I breathe her in. The tension in her back melts into me, and her breathing slows. The last thing I think before falling asleep is how nicely our bodies fit together.Yeah, I could get used to this.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ASHLIE
Five Years Ago
The Morning After
It’s early when I wake at The Bluffs to the sound of phones buzzing—Hunter’s in his pocket and mine on the nightstand. His arm is still draped over me. I don’t think he’s moved all night. I reach for my phone, and even in his sleep, Hunter pulls me back against him. It would be the cutest thing if it weren’t for the all-encompassing dread falling over me.
I crossed a line with him last night that I shouldn’t have. It wasn’t fair to him…or me…or Bryan, for that matter, seeing as we just broke up. Regardless of how electric it felt having Hunter’s lips on mine, and how my body hummed under his touch, last night can’t—won’t—happen again. I wasn’t thinking straight, but being upset is no excuse. Thank God my phone rang when it did, or there would be so much more for me to apologize for.
My phone shows an 11 p.m. call from Bryan, along with a recently missed call and group text from Chase.Why would Chase be calling at five-twenty in the morning?
Chase
Hey, Kayla needs reinforcements at the diner.
Me
What happened? Is she okay?
Chase
Woke up late for work and she’s panicking. HELP.
I fluff my flattened curls as I scramble out of bed, ignoring the thought of the dry tangles that cotton pillowcase gave me last night. Slipping my jacket over my shoulders, I zip it halfway before moving on to my shoes.
“Ugh, it’s too early.” Hunter groans. “Who’s blowing up my phone?”
“It’s Chase. Kayla needs help. I gotta go.”
Hunter sits with a yawn, squinting at my racing around the room. He taps on his phone before heading down the hall. Mine buzzes again as I wiggle my shoe on my foot.
Hunter
Bruh, really? It’s 5 a.m.
Chase
Just get down here.
Hunter
We’re on our way.
