Page 47 of Cross My Heart
Without even looking, I know she is lying. “Lanie, it is the middle of the night. You, sweetheart, have just had one hell of a nightmare. What kind of an asshole do you think I am? I am going to lay right here with you so you can sleep, nothing else.”
She seems lost in thought but doesn’t argue. Instead, she slides down into the bed and turns on her side. Just before I pull the sleep mask into place, I reach over, grab her around her middle and tug her back into my front.
The gasp she exhales is my new favorite sound. I lean over, kiss the back of her head and whisper, “Sleep, sweetheart, you’re safe.” Within minutes, she has relaxed, but I can tell she isn’t sleeping.
“Lanie? Can I ask you something?” I ask hesitantly.
“I-I guess that depends on what it is,” she answers honestly.
Hating I need to know this, I ask, “You had this nightmare because of my trip to Vermont, right?”
Lanie sighs. “It wasn’t necessarily the trip. I felt blindsided. It was something I couldn’t control. I haven’t had very good luck with things I don’t have complete control over the last few months.”
I swallow thickly, not entirely sure I want the answer to my next question, “Did you have one after Anna hit you?”
“No. I don’t think so,” she answers immediately. “I slept with Tate. Body heat keeps the monsters away, remember?”
“Okay.” I pause, thinking about my trip to Vermont and all that has happened since. “You know, we are all on the same side. The McDowell’s, the kids and I, we are all on your side, just let me be here for you. You told me you were recovering, we can talk about that another time, because I do want to be there for you in everything.” I pause, “Lanie…I’m sorry you had a nightmare because of my little stunt. I didn’t do it to go behind your back or to have you lose faith in me. I guess I just wanted to talk to the people you love the most. I wanted their perspective, their advice. I really like you, Lanie. I’m going to spend every day letting you know it.”
On a sob, Lanie speaks. “Don’t fall in love with me, Dex. I’m too broken, I’ll never be what you need.”
“Baby, I’m going to treat you so nice, you’re never gonna wanna let me go.” I get the reaction I was hoping for.
“Did you just give me a line from Pretty Woman?” Lanie asks, not able to control her giggle.
“You get to be Mary Poppins, I’m Edward,” I say cockily.
“Maria, remember? I’m more Maria, and you do realize it was Vivian that said that line, not Edward?” She schools me.
“Lanie, it’s called creative liberties.” I leave her alone in her thoughts for a few minutes.
“Lanie? Do you know the difference between Mary Poppins and Maria?” She stays silent. “Maria is the one who stayed. Go to sleep, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”
Lanie
Chapter 20
Iwake slowly, a distinct difference from my usual morning routine. Not startling awake is something I could get used to. Gradually, as my body catches up to my brain, I realize I have a sense of calm that I’m not sure I have ever had before. I’m also all kinds of hot. My eyes open as if pulled by a slingshot as I realize why I’m so warm.
My body goes stiff as I take stock of everything around me. I silently groan as last night's events come back to me. I am going to disown Julia as soon as I can sneak out of Dexter’s strong embrace.
Trying not to move too much, I look down and realize he has one hand wrapped securely around my boob.Just freaking great.His other arm, I notice, is tucked under my pillow.He must have genuinely not moved a muscle last night.
Slowly, I try to wiggle out of his embrace but stop abruptly when I feel his cock, long, hard, and thick standing at full attention against my ass. His arm around me tightens its hold, and I hear him breathe me in. Slowly, he releases my breast to rest his hand on my ribcage.
“Morning.” He says, his voice gruff with sleep. “You can’t keep moving on me like that. I’m trying to be a gentleman, but your tight little ass rubbing against me is making it really hard.”
“I can tell.” I snort,so ladylike, Lanie, geez. “I should get moving, Tate is going to be up soon. We have a breakfast routine now, so I know he will be waiting for me.
“Soon,” He leans up on his forearm, rolling me onto my back. “I’m not going to lie, I’ve dreamt about waking up with you like this. Does that scare you?”
I press a hand to his chest and push slightly. I’m not ready for these conversations. “Dex, please. I-I was honest with you. I’m a mess. I promise you this kind of damage is not what you want.”
“We’ll see, Lanie. I’m going to show you that you’re wrong every day. I’m going to ask you out every chance I get, and when you are ready, you’ll say yes,” he informs me.
I roll my eyes, but he doesn’t seem to notice or care. “Thank you for last night. I know it’s probably a shock to see me like that.” I glance down, ashamed. “I never wanted you to witness it.”
Dexter leans down and kisses my forehead. “I want to see and know everything about you, Lanie.” Before I can respond, he climbs over me to get out of bed. “I’m going to need a long shower, a long, cold shower. I’ll meet you guys in the kitchen.” He gives me a lopsided grin, making him appear more like a late twenty’s man trying to make it through life than the million-dollar business mogul I’ve come to know.
