“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He squeezed her closer. “I would’ve slept on nails for you.”
It was just about the most romantic thing anyone had ever said to her, and she kissed his chest, over where his heart was.
Smoothing her hair, he let out another sigh and seemed to sink deeper into the mattress, as if all his limbs had turned heavy.
After a while of lying quietly, she sensed he was sleeping. Content in his arms and thoroughly satisfied, she allowed herself to drift. A wonderful gentle state enveloped her. The strong body aligned with hers, and his steady breathing gave her a much-needed sense of safety.
Jayden was exactly the person he projected. He wasn’t pretending, wasn’t trying to trick or fool or display an image. Sure, he was big, tough, rough, and he had a dark side, but he’d only ever been respectful and caring with her and Zak. Perhaps some people would find him menacing. She’d judged him as dangerous to start with, hell, she’d turned around and walked away, but now, having him in her corner, a man unafraid tostand up for his beliefs, was a true godsend.
Shifting slightly, she sensed dampness between her legs. Cum.
Very carefully, she untangled herself and stood.
She watched him sleep for a moment, enjoying his unguarded face. He really was incredibly handsome, his dark stubble and unruly hair just adding to his appeal. Gently, she covered him up to his waist with the sheet, then made her way to the bathroom.
After freshening up, she pulled on underwear and a small black spaghetti strap dress and brushed her hair up into a high ponytail. She then took a coffee into the living area and sat.
Her relationship with Jayden had gone to a new level. One she’d wanted it to go to. But she had others to consider—Zak, Hudson … Gary.
Oh, all the times Gary had accused her of cheating, and always with people she’d never have looked twice at under any circumstances—pimply youths at the grocery store, the friendly mailman twice her age, and the married-with-three-kids neighbor who’d once invited them around for a barbeque in his backyard.
If Gary could see who was sleeping in her bed now, he would burst a blood vessel. His face would go bright red, his fists would clench, and anything within reach would be punched, kicked, broken, and smashed.
She shuddered. She hoped she would never have to see him again.
Jayden slept for two hours. He emerged in just his boxers, yawning as he ran his hand through his hair, flashing his dark underarm hair.
Her heart did another flip.
Fuck. He’s hot.
Every muscle was defined, top to toe, and pure strengthoozed from him. When he saw her and gave a sexy grin, she heated all over again from the inside out.
“You hungry?” he asked.
“I could eat.”
“I’ll have a coffee, then we’ll go for pancakes, yeah?” He poured a mug of steaming coffee.
“Sure.”
He sat to her right on the sofa, filling it when he rested back. He studied her. “You regretting what we did?”
“No, no, not at all. Why would you think that?”
“Just checking, I know I wouldn’t be your usual type.”
“There was only ever one usual type, and I’m more than happy to have switched that up.” She set her empty mug on the table, sat back, and crossed her legs.
“I’m glad to hear it.” His biceps bunched as he lifted his mug to his lips.
Once again, her attention went to the two crosses etched into his flesh. “So, are you going to tell me about those?”
“What?”
“The crosses on your arm.”