Chapter 33
Kate
I wake up drenched in sweat, my skin sticking to everything I’m touching.
Which is mostly Jordan’s naked body.
My eyes open to see her asleep beside me, her generous chest pressing against my own.
Relaxation keeps my muscles from locking up.
Not long ago, I could never imagine this scenario.
My fingers lift to trace Jordan’s features, smoothing her eyebrows, the bridge of her nose, her lips.
She’s ethereal when she’s asleep; there’s no signs of stress, of trauma, of loss. Just a woman.
I’ve noticed a shift in her since she shared her past. She’s become increasingly affectionate—picking me up and letting me piggyback, sleeping next to me. It’s as if sharing what happened to her has helped her release it.
I can’t help the sharp bite of guilt that latches onto me. I haven’t been entirely forthright with her. Not about everything, anyway.
I should tell her the truth about Harry, about why I really want the cure so badly. She’s entrusted me with her struggles, and I should do the same.
As I ponder it, Jordan’s eyes open and immediately zero in on me. They scan my face, looking for any trouble, before blinking.
“I didn’t anticipate being able to sleep with you all night,” she comments with surprise in her voice.
It makes my heart crack. I want to hold her close, to fight off every bad memory she has, but I know I can’t do that. All I can do is move at her pace.
I pull back a bit so we aren’t pressed against each other anymore, letting air move between our bodies.
Her brows furrow and she reaches for me, her arms around me like a vise as she pulls me flush against her. “No,” she growls, her face pressing into the top of my head.
I feel her taking deep breaths, probably scenting me. My face heats at the thought of her smelling me after I’ve been hiking all day and sweating all night.
I don’t fight her on it, though; I settle myself against her, letting her get her fill.
My arms tentatively wrap around her, my fingertips skating along her back, and she lets out what almost sounds like a purr.
I know we should get up, keep moving, but I can’t remember the last time I felt so content. At peace.
My mind wanders back to telling Jordan about Harry and my true intentions, but the words struggle to form. I don’t want to ruin this moment.
So I keep my mouth shut, letting myself melt into Jordan as the day breaks.