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Christ. He ran his hand over his face. “Will you even sleep tonight?”
She rocked her hand from side to side, meaning it was debatable.
He tapped her nose reprovingly. She already looked like she didn’t get enough sleep. “If you get scared tonight, I want you to come find me.”
She bit her lip nervously.
“Promise,” he said firmly. “Or you’re not leaving my sight. I don’t want you having nightmares or being too scared to go to sleep.”
What had he been doing, letting her watch that? She’d gotten to him with her big eyes.
“Besides, it’s not like I’m going to be sleeping much tonight.”
She grinned.
“Are you laughing at me? Because I’m now terrified a zombie is going to eat me?”
She giggled. There he went, puffing up like a peacock again.
“So mean, making me watch a zombie movie.”
Her mouth opened and he thought she might speak. Then she frowned, looking frustrated.
“Easy,” he told her. “I can wait as long as you need to. Even if it takes forever.”
She relaxed in his arms and he knew he’d guessed the reason for her frustration. Made him feel even more like an asshole for the way he’d treated her earlier. It was obvious that not speaking wasn’t a choice.
He just wished he knew why she couldn’t talk to him. She’d spoken to the sheriff and her friend.
It’s got to be about trust. He just had to hope once she trusted him fully, she’d speak to him.
Until then, he’d be patient.
Leaning in, he kissed the tip of her nose, then her forehead, then both cheeks.
She tilted her head as though wanting his lips on hers. But he drew back.
She let out a small noise of protest and he had to hold back his smile.
“You’re beautiful, you know.”
She shook her head immediately. He’d expected that reaction. Most women didn’t seem to see their worth. Juliet’s beauty didn’t hit you over the head. It was quiet. It snuck up on you. Then pow! It smacked you over the head when you weren’t even looking.
“So beautiful. I could hold you all night. But you need sleep.”
She shook her head.
“Yes. Sleep.”
Standing, he drew her up next to him. He tried to discreetly adjust himself, but she stared down at him with wide eyes.
“Gonna need a cold shower tonight.”
A smile crossed her lips.
That cold shower?
Totally worth it.
