“Well, I really appreciate it, and I’m kind of excited to poke around HQ.”
“Girl, there are so many cool places to poke around here. You come find me tomorrow and I’ll give you the backstage exclusive, one-of-a-kind tour.” Mitzy glances at me and winks. “We’re going to have a ton of fun.”
After introductions are done, we’re excused. I’m a bit confused, to be honest. I thought there would be a lot more about Scott discussed, but it seems as if Mitzy’s not ready, which is odd. Mitzy’s always got something to say. Maybe they found something they didn’t want Kaye to know?
I walk Kaye back to her lodging, holding her hand the entire way. We stop outside the building. If I go inside, I won’t have enough restraint to leave.
“I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.” Kaye spins around to face me. She takes my hands in hers and gives a little squeeze.
“You’re worth it.”
“I’m incredibly lucky to have you.”
I offer her a small smile. “Well, I hope you sleep easy tonight. You’re safe. He can’t hurt you.”
“Thanks. That means the world to me.”
Scott’s been a problem for too long. I’m happy I have the resources to help her. Not many women have that.
“We’ll figure this out together. You don’t have to suffer alone anymore.”
She smiles back at me, then glances at the building. “Will you walk me to my door?”
“I thought I’d stop here.”
“Why?”
“Because, if I go inside, I may not have the strength to leave.”
“If I promise to keep my hands to myself, do you think you could stay a bit longer? I-I’m not ready to be alone, especially in a place I don’t know.”
“You’re not the one I’m worried about.”
“I’m sure you can keep your hands to yourself.” She gives a timid smile. “Let me put it like this, so we get it out in the open.”
“Sure?” I’m not really certain what she wants to say, but I’ll play along.
“You make me feel things I’ve never felt before.”
“Things?”
“I feel like I’ve known you my entire life. There’s chemistry between us. I never knew what that meant until I met you.”
“I feel it too.” I rock back on my heels and shove my hands deep into my pockets.
“It’s not a stretch to say things will progress.”
“Progress?”
“Don’t make me say it.”
“Why not? I love watching you blush.”
“You’re horrible. I’m trying to have a moment here.”
“Okay. Sorry.” I wipe the grin from my face and give her my full attention. “You were saying things will progress?”
“Yes.”
“To sex?” I can’t not go there.
“Yes.” Her eyes flare with annoyance, but it’s not real. Her smile tells me she’s having fun with me. “Are you saying you don’t want to spend the night with me because you don’t want…”
“Want, what?”
“To go there.”
“Go where?”
“Oh, you’re impossible.” She stamps her foot and flicks those long lashes of hers in irritation.
“I’m just trying to clarify. And who’s to say I’m the one who’s going to have problems keeping my hands to myself? I saw the way you were checking me out earlier. My eyes…” I point to my eyes with a dramatic flourish. “They are up here. Not here.” I point to my chest. “Or here.” I gesture below my belt. How do I know you won’t try to ravish me?”
“Ravish?”
“That’s what I said.” A grin fills my face.
“You would love it if I ravished you.” She shakes her head and laughs.
“True.”
“Okay, at some point, we’re going to have sex.”
“Hot damn. Best words ever.”
“But not tonight.” Her smile slips into a laugh.
“Buzz kill.”
“Stop it.” She can’t stop smiling.
“You’re the one talking about sex.”
“No, I’m talking about not having sex.”
“Potatoes, tomatoes.”
“Have nothing to do with it. Will you be serious for a minute?”
“I don’t think I can.” I scrub my face and plaster on a flat, expressionless mask. It lasts all of five seconds before her laughter fills the air.
“You’re hopeless.” She holds up her hands. “Will you…”
“Yes?”
“I haven’t asked the question yet.”
“Okay.” I put on my serious face and rock back on my heels. Her lips twitch into another smile.
“Will you please come inside and stay the night? Not for sex.” She holds up her pointer finger. “Not for sex, but for comfort, so I don’t have to sleep in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar building, in an unfamiliar place?”
“Yes, luv.”
“You will?”
“How can I say no? I would love to sleep in your bed, but don’t get handsy with me.”
“For the love of…”
“Hey, that’s my condition.” I hold up my hands in front of me.
“Fine. I won’t get handsy, but seriously, I really could use…”
“No need to explain. I’m just having fun.” I gesture toward the door. “Do you want to check in with Carmen or Rosalie?”
“I’m sure they’re busy.”
“Well, we could be busy too, but the no handsy rule is in effect.”
“You’re a total goofball.”
“I try.” I’m really trying whatever I can to help Kaye relax. It’s been a trying day on more than one level, and now that she’s here, Scott is on the hunt—out there looking for her. I’m sure that’s on her mind.
We head to her room and enjoy relative silence as she unpacks her things. After she changes into very unflattering PJs, I strip to my boxers, keep my shirt on, and we crawl into bed together. Me with a major boner and her with flannel PJs that cover up all the good bits.
I curl my body around hers and drape an arm over her hip. I avoid her erogenous zones because my restraint is only so strong, and wait for her to relax. After she settles down, I close my eyes and breathe in her light floral scent. It’s going to be one hell of a long night.
“Thank you,” she says softly.
“For what?”
“For being here. For helping.”
I find myself unable to find any words that suffice as an answer. Instead, I squeeze Kaye’s hip in reassurance. “How about we get some sleep?”
“And for staying. So I don’t have to sleep alone.”
“Whatever you need, luv, I’m here, and I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“Nonsense.” I give her a gentle kiss on her temple. With my arms wrapped protectively around her, I wait for her to drift off to sleep, before closing my eyes and allowing sleep to claim me. This feels good. It feels right.