Page 64 of Tattered and Torn

I lie there quietly, feeling his breath on my shoulder. Occasionally, he presses light kisses to the back of my head. I’ve never felt more cherished and better cared for.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“I didn’t hurt you?”

I smile in the darkness. “No.”

“You’re sure?”

I laugh softly. “Yes.”

I feel his lips in my hair once more. “Sweet dreams. Tomorrow we’ll go on a little adventure. Just the two of us this time.”

“We’re not bringing the L.A. Trio?”

“God, no. They’re heading home in the morning.”

“Good. I’ve had enough of Brittany ogling your ass.”

He laughs, his chest vibrating against my back. “She was staring at my ass?”

“Yes. Don’t you dare act surprised. You have a very fine ass.”

John tightens his arm around my waist. “I’m glad you think so. That’s all that matters.”

* * *

After waking up, we decide to meet up at the restaurant for breakfast. I leave the cabin so I can return to my apartment to shower, change into camping-appropriate attire, and pack an overnight bag.

“Pack light,” John warned me before we parted ways this morning. “We have to carry everything we bring with us, so just the essentials, please. And it’ll be chilly up there at night, so dress warmly. Bring a jacket and warm pajamas. Although, I promise I’ll keep you warm.”

I know he won’t have any trouble keeping that promise, because his body radiates heat like a furnace. I do as he requested and pack only warm PJs and a change of clothes for tomorrow. I fill a small toiletries bag with the necessities and a spare battery for my phone. Even though I won’t have any cell service up there, I can still use my phone to take pictures. It also makes a great flashlight and, of course, an e-reader.

This morning I’m dressed in blue jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and short hiking boots. I tie the sleeves of my jacket around my waist, keeping it handy in case I need it.

I leave my bags in my apartment, just inside the door, and head down to the restaurant to help out this morning before we leave.

As soon as I step into the dining room, Hannah calls my name and waves me over to the table she’s sharing with Killian. It looks like they’re halfway through breakfast.

“Sit,” Hannah says, pointing to the empty seat across from hers.

I sit. “Hey, guys, good morning.”

Hannah swallows her food. “Where were you last night? I stopped by your apartment, but you weren’t home. And then I tried again this morning, but there was no answer. Is everything okay?”

Feeling awkward, I meet her gaze, then Killian’s. They both look eager for an explanation, but I think it’s more out of curiosity than outright concern.

“Well.” My face heats up, giving me away.

“Oh, my God,” Hannah says, pointing her fork at me. “You were out all night, weren’t you?” The fact that she’s grinning helps. At least she doesn’t seem upset.

Of course I’m blushing. I’m terrible at keeping secrets. “I may have had a sleepover last night.”

“With Chris?” she asks.

I swallow hard. I guess it’s time to let the cat out of the bag. “No, with John.”

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