Page 101 of Silk Sheets

* * *

I woke up in Kaden’s arms and couldn’t be more content. I snuggled closer to him, feeling his warm upper body pressed against mine.

His scent lingered in the room, wrapping around me in a tight embrace that fed my soul regularly. I laid my head on his chest, gently tracing his tattoos with my finger. He had so many. There were big ones, small ones, words, names, symbols—everything.

His arms around me turned firm and I smiled as he kissed the top of my head. “Good morning,” I almost giggled.

His hoarse voice took me by surprise, but I liked it.Lovedit. “Good morning, Dakota.”

“Did you sleep well?” I asked, throwing my leg over both of his. He simply hummed in response, running a hand down his face. “Do you feel energized and ready for the day?” I lifted myself in excitement and saw him laying back with his forearm over his eyes.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, fighting back a smile. “You’re not a morning person, got it,” I noted, laying back down.

My fingers continued to trace his tattoos until I found a random empty patch. I gently traced my finger over the area in confusion.Did he…?

“What’s this?” I asked, feeling him lift his head to look at his chest.

He sighed, keeping his answer vague. “It’s nothing.”

I shifted closer to get a better look and my brows drew together. “Did you get a tattoo removed?”

“I said it’s nothing, Dakota,” he shut me down and the edge in his voice startled me.Right.

I brushed my curiosity aside, and continued to lay in silence.

Kaden had never opened up to me about anything, ever. I mean, it’s only been a couple months now but I had never even gotten so much as asmileout of him. But, I wouldn’t let that get in the way of us, because as scary and closed-off as he was, he showed me affection in his own way, and I appreciated it. I wouldn’t rush him.

* * *

“All three of you didn’t have to accompany me to the mall, you know?” I said as I hooked my arm with Chase’s since Logan and Kaden’s hands were both full with my bags. “Your level of being clingy is concerning,” I teased as the four of us continued inside.

Chase found amusement in my accusation. “Yeah?”

“Oh, yeah,” I nodded. “Kaden, as a therapist, wouldn’t you agree?” I playfully asked and he simply cast me a glance. “Matter of fact, shouldn’t you know better?” I gasped which gained me a playful smile from Logan.

“We never claimed he was good at his job,” Logan added, and I couldn’t help but mirror his smile.

I needed a couple of things, and as usual, the guys jumped at the opportunity to personally escort me to and from the mall. I didn’t mind. This simply meant that I wouldn’t be spending any money, and would have three men to carry my bags. It sounded like a win-win to me.

I sighed, glancing around at the guys as we entered the store. “Some warm coffee in this chilly weather would be perfect right about now,” I casually stated, and when I glanced at Logan from the corner of my eye, he grinned. “Please?” I showed my biggest smile, and he nodded. He left with Kaden, so Chase and I continued.

I scanned through a couple of dresses, and when I got stuck, I turned to face him.

“Pick one,” I said, holding both in front of my body.

“Why not both?” he asked, seeming genuinely confused, and I nodded.

“You’re right.”

I handed both dresses to him, and he threw them over his forearm as I continued. “I don’t think—”

“Josie?”

Chase cut me off, and I slightly frowned in confusion.Did he just call me another girl’s name?

“Who—”

“You wear dresses now?” a feminine voice asked.