“Sleep.”
“I’m naked,” she murmurs.
I chuckle. “You are.”
“I’ve never slept naked.”
My chest tightens. How is that humanly possible? I can’t respond. I’m too choked up. Instead, I kiss her shoulder and thread my fingers with hers.
Her breathing evens out quickly, making me feel like an ass for pushing her so hard for the last hour. But I don’t think she minded. She’s still smiling. I’ve never seen such wonder and bliss on a woman’s face before.
I can’t stop touching her. I don’t want to wake her, but I can’t keep from stroking her soft skin and nuzzling her neck. She’s so conked that she doesn’t notice.
I love her scent. I want to inhale it forever. I want to breathe her in and never exhale, her scent permeating through me. I’m sappy as fuck tonight.
My mind races, making lists of so many things I want to buy for her, and I’m so anxious that I eventually slide out of bed and head for my home office to grab my laptop. I don’t want to leave her alone, so I climb back in and settle against the headboard.
Half an hour later, I’ve ordered so many things for delivery that this apartment is going to look like Christmas vomited all over the place in the next few days.
I’m pleased when I finally shut the laptop and snuggle back against June. We have to go to the doctor first thing in the morning, but by the time we get back here, boxes will be lining the front room.
I want to pamper her. I want to see her smile and giggle as she opens box after box. I want to watch her try on clothes. Nope. I want to do it for her—change her over and over until she’s worn every single item twice.
I made selections for her office and playroom based on what I saw in her apartment, choosing white furniture and colorful accent pieces.
I’m going to have to clear out a cabinet in the kitchen for all the plates, sippy cups, and bowls I’ve bought. I can’t imagine what toys she might like, so I ordered a variety. In a range of ages.
The thing is, I want her to have the world, and I can get that for her, so she’s going to have it. I just hope she’s pleased and not scared out of her mind.
One day…
One day, and already I know in my soul she’s mine. I’m so cocky about it that I’m willing to take this giant leap and purchase everything a Little could want.
Eventually, I force my mind to slow down, take several deep breaths, and slide into sleep, inhaling my girl the entire time.
Sixteen
June
* * *
I’m nervous as we sit in the exam room, waiting for the doctor to enter. My arm isn’t throbbing as badly today, but I don’t have the foggiest clue what he’s going to say needs to be done to it. I was so out of it while I was in the emergency room the night of my attack that I couldn’t focus on what the ER doctor was telling me.
I was alone and scared. I spent the entire night in the hospital because they wanted to observe to make sure I didn’t have a concussion. I suspect they were mostly making up excuses to keep me as long as possible because they knew I didn’t have anyone to go home to, and they were worried about me.
Blade is at my side where I sit on the exam table. He has one hand on my lower back and one on my thigh, holding my good hand in his. He’s so overprotective that I suspect he’s worried I might fall if he doesn’t hold on to me.
I flinch when the door opens. I’m still so jumpy.
The man who enters immediately puts me at ease. He’s smiling and warm. He reaches for Blade’s hand first, but his gaze is on mine. “Good to see you, Blade. Sorry it’s under these circumstances, but I’m glad my staff squeezed you in.”
The doctor sets his hand on my shoulder next. “Nice to meet you, June. I’m Dr. Reinhardt. Looks like you broke your arm.”
“Yes, sir,” I mumble.
He pulls up a rolling stool. “How did this happen?”
I wince and turn toward Blade.
