Page 56 of Idle

I know something about running away from problems. Hell, I fled to Fordham and didn’t return home, even during breaks, by making up excuses. “I get it. College was that for me. Although, I got four years out of that deal. You’re only away for six weeks.”

“Despite the shit that went down with Bo last night, this has been like heaven for me.” Like me earlier, it seems as though her dam has burst. “I used to love our place. We have views of Central Park. It’s magical and serene. Rather, it used to be. Now it’s filled with breaking glass and screaming.”

I hug her. “Sounds awful.”

She rests her cheek against my pecs. “It has been. I mean, don’t get me wrong. Growing up, my parents always fought when we were at home. But it was more like bickering. Now, it’s become a full-fledged war.”

“Your parents were always portrayed by the media as the perfect couple.”

“In public, they were.”

“Wow. Yet they managed to produce four amazing kids. A doctor, a writer, a baseball player,” I tick off her description of her siblings. “And a wonderful interior designer.”

At my final addition, I score a small smile. “House flipper,” she corrects.

“I’m sure they’re proud of you. They’re just preoccupied right now.”

She snorts, then tries to cover it up by coughing.Adorable. “Want some water?”

She snuggles into my body, her fingers tracing the spot where Bo hit me yesterday. “No, I’m good.”

We sit in silence for a while. Until her hand stops moving. And her breathing smooths out into slumber. Only when I’m sure she’s asleep do I kiss her cheek. Knowing this position won’t allow me to get any shut eye, I hook my arms behind her back and under her legs and stand.

Despite her height, she’s light as a feather.

I carry her down the hallway into the one completed bedroom in the apartment. I pull the duvet down and lay her on the sheet. While sleeping in her clothes isn’t the most comfortable, I can’t imagine undressing her. Instead, I slip off her shoes and tuck her in.

After watching her sleep for a few minutes, I go into the bathroom and splash some cold water on my face. I’m tired, but I can’t force myself to leave her in this apartment all alone. We both opened wounds tonight, and I want some comfort. Against my better judgment, I return to the bedroom and slip into the bed, making sure to leave space between our bodies.

Lying here, my mind churns from the truths I shared with her earlier. Memories I haven’t thought about in years, and facts I never reveal. She shared some deep secrets with me, too. I want to wrap her in my arms and tell her everything will be alright. I don’t move.

I close my eyes and pray for a reprieve.

Sometime later, my eyes spring open. Something’s pressing against my morning wood. I take in my surroundings and realize what it is. Rather, who. I’m spooning Paige, whose ass is plastered against my lower half—because my arm is pulling her tight. I release the pressure against her abdomen.

“Don’t.”

Her sleepy murmur almost makes me return my arm. Almost.

I try to put distance between us, but she turns over. Face to face, she stares into my eyes, which I’m sure are rimmed with red.

“The red in your eyes brings out the green in them.”

Her words mimic Diana’s from years ago. “Go back to sleep. It’s early.” I have no idea what time it is.

She pushes against my front. “I’m not tired anymore.”

Your cue to make a graceful exit, Jesse. “I can make you coffee. I know the decorator here included one of those machines.” I force a smile, however, all I want to do is enjoy her as my breakfast.

She shakes her head. “I don’t want coffee either.”

Heaven help me, I know what she wants. I want it too. After sharing so many secrets last night, it’s as if the universe wants us together. And I’m tired of fighting against everything I want.

“How about this?”

I bring my face closer to hers, receiving a beautiful smile. My hands cup her cheeks and I pull us together. Her soft lips are like a gift. One I want to unwrap forever. The kiss turns carnal in two seconds flat, with our tongues stroking each other’s and hands sliding up and down our exposed bodies.

Which are covered by too many clothes.

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