Page 56 of Sassy Love
Fuck, that’s right, I gave him half the bed in a rare moment of humility toward the man who reminds me of my greatest failure every day.
I take a minute to study the competition. Who is, I realize, missing a pillow. His head is on the mattress, his chin up, as if showing off his Adam’s apple.
Although, after last night, it’s hard to consider him just my competition. I run my gaze over the toned musculature on the other side of the bed. It’s been forever since I woke up next to a man.
Okay, so it’s never actually happened. My Tinder dates don’t exactly stay for the cigarette, let alone the cuddle after. So I’ve never missed something I’ve never had. But watching Ra—Lawson sleep stirs up the butterflies I locked up and threw away the key on last night after our deep and meaningful conversation. I lock them down, a few hitting the metal confines of their cage. He’s all angles, lips that look like I could eat him with one bite. Gorgeous brown hair I could send my fingers into...
My breathing picks up pace, sending heat low in my belly.
Shit.
I roll onto my back and rub my hands over my face.
A groan sees me splay my fingers apart to peek at the man.
He rolls over, reaching for something. His big mitt finds my pillow. He tugs it to himself, and my head hits the mattress. “Hey!”
His face twists as his eyes slowly open. He lifts his head, rubbing a hand over his face, his biceps flexing as he does. Deep blues finally meet my gaze, and I close my gaping mouth and grab the pillow. “Thief. That’s what I get for my kindness?”
He smiles and flops back onto the mattress.
“Mornin’,” he drawls in a low, raspy tone.
My stomach flips, upturning the metal cage, and the butterflies race from their confines. I fling the covers off and pad to my luggage. Pulling out my day clothes, I head to the bathroom, not paying Lawson and his heady masculinity another glance.
After brushing my teeth, I take a quick shower and pull on my shorts and a tank that hangs off one shoulder. I put my hair up and apply some light makeup.
Day four.
Role-playing. This should be interesting.
I can’t wait to see what crazy shit Manuel has for us today. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m kind of enjoying this week. I predicted it would be hell, being trapped in these confines with Lawson.
But it’s . . . not?
I don’t hate it the way I predicted I would.
“You done?” he says from near the faux wall, still out of sight.
“Yeah, sorry.”
He steps into the bathroom, still bare-chested. His Levi’s are crumpled. I guess he slept in them. That must have been uncomfortable.
He moves to the sink and brushes his teeth as I finish up my hair.
How very domesticated of us.
Spitting, he washes his face and runs a wet hand through his hair.
God, I want to do that.
“You good?” he says, and I realize I’m staring.
I clear my throat. “Yep. See you at breakfast.”
“Sure. Be there in a bit.”
I walk from the bathroom to the door, grabbing my key as I leave. At the dining area, I grab a table for two and order breakfast. My food arrives as Lawson drops into the seat across from mine. “You forgot your phone,” he says, sliding my phone over the table.
