“Come in.”
She’s curled up on the couch. Her damp hair is pulled up in a ponytail. She’s wearing a little t-shirt and a pair of sleep shorts. And she has one of my flannels in her hands.
“Whatcha doing?”
“Sewing your shirt,” she says as she pulls a needle through the fabric. “Did you know that almost all of your long-sleeved shirts and flannels have holes or tears?”
Paige is mending my clothes. Fuck, that’s… I don’t have words. “Baby, you don’t need to do that.”
She smiles. “I don’t mind. I love to sew.”
“Thank you. In case I haven’t said it lately, you’re fucking awesome.” I motion toward the bathroom. “Gonna go get cleaned up. Do you wanna watch a movie with me? I’ll probably fall asleep, but maybe we can watch half tonight and half tomorrow.”
“I’d love that.” It’s early by most people’s standards, barely eight in the evening, but since I get up so early, I can’t stay up late or I’ll be dead on my feet in the morning.
I toss her the remote. “Pick something. I’ll be back in a sec.” I take a lightning-fast shower. I ignore the erection I sprang when I saw Paige’s nipples poking through the thin fabric of her shirt. I’m tempted to jerk off, but then I’ll crash as soon as my head hits my pillow, and I’d like to spend some time with her.
I’m out in less than ten minutes. I’m scrubbing a towel over my head when I return to the bedroom.
“What are you in the mood for…” Her voice fades away as her eyes trail over me.
I’m wearing pajama bottoms, which is what I always wear to bed, but since we’re hanging out, maybe it’s not appropriate.“That’s a loaded question, wildflower.” I chuckle as I reach into my dresser for a shirt.
“Don’t feel the need to get dressed on my account,” she teases as she eyes my chest.
Well then. Forgoing the shirt, I head for the bed. She’s sitting on the edge, perched like a little bird about to take flight. “Make yourself comfortable. Should I turn off the lights for the movie?”
“Yes, please.”
I flip off the light switch and cross the room. I pull down the top sheet and comforter because, chances are, I’ll knock out in a bit. After I flop on the side closest to me, I adjust my pillows and then pat the space next to me.
She lies down and turns to me. “Can we watch a chick flick?”
“Whatever you want.”
“Really?”
“Why do you look so shocked? I’m sure I’ll enjoy whatever you pick. After that great dinner and dealing with my office all day, you deserve it.”
“It’s just…” Her pretty brow crinkles. “Marcus hated chick flicks and anything with a hint of romance.”
“Which is probably why you dumped him.” Douchebag.
She stares at the ceiling. “He wasn’t terrible, but I needed more than he was able to give.”
“You deserve someone who’ll treat you right.”
Her voice gets so soft, it’s barely a whisper. “It’s funny that you treat me better than he did, and you and I aren’t even together.”
Why does everything feel so fucking tragic when she says shit like that? “Come here.” I hold out my hand, and she immediately scoots closer and settles in the crook of my arm. I turn my head to kiss her temple. “You just haven’t met the right man yet, sweetheart.”
It kills me to say those words.
Because someday she’s gonna meet someone who’s smart enough to snatch up this sweet beauty.
She snuggles into me, and I reach down and pull the covers over us because she has goosebumps. “Cold?” Paige shivers as she nods, and I pull her closer. Her arm wraps around my chest. Having her in my bed feels so right, I close my eyes. “I might not be able to stay awake. I’m too comfortable, and you feel too good like this.”
She lets out a relaxed sigh. “Can I stay here for a bit? You’re so warm.”
