33. Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Blake
I sighed and relaxed in AJ’s arms. I didn't understand why, but his embrace comforted me.
Oh my God, I’m slobbering all over him . Without moving out of the comfort and safety of AJ’s arms, I sniffled and wiped my nose on my sleeve in the most inelegant fashion. If only Priscilla could see me now.
Does it matter if I’m lady-like while locked away in a safe house?
AJ called me sweetheart.
But I was no one special. At least not without my inheritance.
“I’m sorry,” I said as I pulled away and wiped at the tears on my cheek. There was no doubt in my mind I looked like crap.
“No need to apologize.” AJ’s touch was butterfly soft when he wiped a tear off my cheek. “Want to tell me about your nightmare?”
“That’s okay; I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my stupid dreams.” I wanted to curl up in his powerful arms and feel safe again, not relive my nightmare.
A finger under my chin turned my head until I looked into AJ’s intense dark eyes. “You’re wrong. I want to hear about your dream, stupid or not.” He swept my bangs across my forehead. “I want to hear everything you’re willing to tell me,” he whispered.
“You, um, I, um…” It wasn’t the first time AJ’s touch short-circuited my brain.
He chuckled and handed me a box of tissues. “I’ll get you some water, then you can tell me about it.”
I sagged as the couch rebounded from his weight after he stood up.
I really misjudged him . AJ was supportive and kind. Safe and warm.
He handed me a bottle of water and turned towards the recliner.
“You can sit here.” I scooted over so he’d have plenty of room.
His eyes darted from me to the couch and back again before he moved. He sat at the far end, creating a gaping space between us.
Missing the warmth and comfort of his body, I willed him to sit closer.
Oh. My. God. I’m attracted to him .
Not physically, I mean, I was, but I liked him too.
It didn’t matter if AJ was the complete opposite of every guy I’d ever dated, and totally not my usual type. My last boyfriend was good looking. More cute than handsome. He was tall, like AJ, but thin. His idea of being supportive was asking why I worried about my grades when I’d be rich soon.
People expected me to live off my inheritance, but my mother would roll over in her grave if I did that. No, I’d earn my degree and work to support myself.
Maybe that’s why it hadn’t worked out with any of them.
None of them were half the man AJ is .
Was I really the type of woman who wanted to be with a guy who oozed toxic masculinity?
“Want to tell me what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” he asked.
I’d been so lost in my head thinking about AJ, I’d forgotten he was sitting a few feet away.
Masculine, one hundred percent.
Toxic, not at all.
“Nothing.” I chugged my water to hide my embarrassment.
AJ patiently coaxed the details of my nightmare out of me. It wasn’t hard; I wanted to talk to him.
It wasn’t long before I yawned more than I talked.
“Let’s get you to bed.”
When AJ stood and offered me a hand, I happily put my hand in his and let him help me stand.
He walked me to my room but didn’t come in. “I’m right next door if you need me.”
“Okay.” I nodded. I could still feel his eyes on me as I walked into the room. “Thank you, AJ. Good night.”
“Good night, Blake.” AJ pulled the door closed; but it didn’t latch.
After changing and cleaning up, I crawled into bed and hugged the second pillow, wishing I was home in my own bed.
I tossed and turned most of the night, not getting more than a few hours of fitful sleep at a time. I finally gave up as the sun rose over the horizon and dragged myself out of bed. Maybe a hot shower would help me feel better.
And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.