Page 86 of Cautious Love

“If you’re staying awake, then I am too,” she says, tucking her nose into my neck.

I don’t know how, and I’m not sure I understand why, but feeling her body next to mine makes every muscle relax.

“You can touch me, Sheriff,” she mumbles into my skin.

I huff and rest my hand on her thigh. She smiles against my skin. “I can move if you want me to,” she says.

“No, nope, you’re fine here.” It doesn’t matter if it’s tactically not the best position. I’m enjoying this way too much.

She giggles and kisses my neck, and pauses. “Are you afraid they’re going to come back?” she whispers.

“The more I think about it, the more I don’t want to be caught unaware, so yes, maybe. I know I said otherwise, but I didn’t want to worry you. I figured I’d handle it.”

“Thank you,” she whispers.

I hum, and she sits up, handing me the coffee. I sip it, and she takes it back, drinking some.

“So, are you going to tell me what we’re going to do on our date?”

I grin. “That would give away the surprise, though I think I’ll have to pivot with this … interruption.”

“It’s okay, we can go to the diner or something.”

I shake my head and squeeze her thigh. “You wanted something here. I will make it happen.”

She bites her lower lip, trying to hide her smile.

“I like it when you do that, you know?” I say, staring at her mouth.

“Do what?” she asks.

“Smile. It’s beautiful, you don’t do it often.”

“I do it more than I have in a long time around you,” she says.

I smile at her.

“I could say the same for you,” she whispers.

“Ditto,” I grunt.

She sighs and leans in, rubbing our noses together.

“I’m on watch, Shy,” I mumble.

She looks me in the eye and smiles. “We have to figure out how to stay awake,” she says.

I huff. “Trust me, I’m wide awake.”

She shifts on my lap, and I swallow the groan.

“I’m aware,” she whispers.

“Shiloh,” I warn.

She sighs and pecks her lips on mine.

“You’re trouble,” I mumble.