AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m sorry for calling so late. I couldn’t remember how many hours ahead you were.”
“It’s okay, Mom. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’ll let you get some sleep. Just know that I’m thinking of you.”
“I’m thinking of you, too.”
“Goodnight, honey.”
I set my phone on the bedside table, intent on getting at least a couple hours of shut eye when I heard a faint rustling out in the hall. Never one to let an unknown sound go unchecked, I got up and opened my door, sticking my head out to see who was still puttering around.
Sam froze mid-stride, a glass of water in one hand and a small bottle of ibuprofen in the other.
“Sorry,” she said with a grimace. “Did I wake you? I was trying to be quiet.”
“Don’t worry, I wasn’t asleep yet. Is your wrist still bothering you?”
“No, it’s not that. Adam took me sightseeing a bit while you guys were with the duchess. We kind of got caught in the rain earlier and now I have a headache. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”
“I see. Be sure to bundle up tonight, then. I don’t want you catching a cold.”
“I will,” she said softly. She paused, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Kris?”
“Hm?”
“Are you really okay with all this? You’re the one who said that this wasn’t a good idea.”
I took a deep breath. “Yes, I’m okay with this.”
“Then why did you…”
“It’s exceedingly rare to find a beautiful woman as willing and as open-minded as you, Sam. The last thing I want is to do something to push you away.”
“But the other night, IsaidI wanted it.”
“You’ll have to forgive me. I wasn’t exactly thinking clearly.” I took a step forward, dipping down to admire her full, pouty lips. “You have to understand that this is a balancing act for me. I still need to be a competent leader. I was thinking about the team, of our mission. When I’m with you, I get distracted and I can’t afford to get distracted.”
“I understand. I just want to make sure that you’re okay. That we’re all okay.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest. Sam was already talking like we were a whole unit, thinking of the bigger picture.
“We’re okay, Sam. I promise.”
Her shoulders relaxed slightly as she took a deep breath, in and out. “Okay. I’m glad to hear it.” She glanced past my shoulder and looked to my bed. “Do you think that I could…”
“All you have to do is ask, Sam. There’s no need to be shy around any of us.”
“Do you think I could spend the night with you? I mean, I don’t really want to do anything. I just… I guess I was hoping to cuddle someone. It’s awfully cold in my room and it’s been quite the day.”
A grin tugged at the corners of my mouth. “Luckily for you, I’m a furnace. I think I can warm you up.”
I placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her to my bed. She took a painkiller for her headache and a sip of water before curling up against me, her back to my chest. I held her as tight as I dared, pressing my lips to her slim shoulder. Sam felt so right against me, like two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together.
“Goodnight, Kris,” she whispered in the dark.
“Goodnight, Sam,” I whispered back.
That night I dreamt of a summer scene and a sprawling field of peach trees.
