Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“We’ll watch a few episodes. Then I’ll go. Come here, Bell. You need rest, and you’ll rest better in my arms.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Fine, I’ll feel better knowing that’s where you are. Come on.”
Slowly, she moves and settles next to me. I wrap my arm around her and pull her into my chest. She brings her legs up to the couch and tucks them under her. I help her adjust her blanket so she’s nice and snuggled. Even though it’s a million degrees outside, the air conditioning is cool in here.
I press a kiss to the top of her head and try to focus on the TV, when really, all I want to do is watch her. This is huge. Not only did she open the door for me, but she also let me inside, and she’s in my arms. This night couldn’t have ended any better.
Chapter Eleven
Bellamy
I’m weak. Not because I’m feeling sick, but because even though I should tell him no and stay on my side of the couch, I cave. I want what he is offering. I want his arms around me. I tell myself that this is it. This is the last time I allow myself to indulge in what this man is offering. It’s not fair to either of us to keep pretending this could be more.
My stomach rolls, and I bury my face in his shirt, breathing him in, hoping it will settle, and luckily, it does. It’s going to be a long damn time before I eat Chinese food again.
“You all right?” he asks, rubbing his hand gently down my back.
“I’m okay,” I whisper. His kindness brings tears to my eyes. Oh, how I wish that things could be different for us. Why does he have to be a damn football player?
“Can I get you anything?” he asks.
Just you. “I’m good,” I assure him. As long as I don’t move or think about food, the nausea stays calm. He continues to rub my back, and my eyes feel heavy. I try to fight sleep, but I can’t seem to stop it. I’m too warm, too comfortable. I don’t know how it’s possible, but I’ve missed being close to him. One night was all it took for feelings to take root, feelings I refuse to allow myself to act on, so I push them aside and give myself tonight as I drift off to sleep.
A soft curse and a thump jolt me awake. “What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice groggy with sleep.
“I dropped my phone. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you,” Reid replies softly.
“What time is it?” I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“After two.”
My mouth falls open. “In the morning?”
“Yeah, you needed the rest.”
“You’re still here?” Why is he still here? He stayed while I was sleeping? Why would he do that?
“Where else would I be, Bell?”
My belly flutters, and this time, it’s not from the food poisoning; it’s from the man. I secretly love the way he calls me Bell. To everyone else, I’m Bellamy or Bella, but Bell, that’s just his, and it’s something for me to hold on to when he’s no longer around. “Home, or at your cookout with your friends.”
Reaching over, his hand lands on my thigh, and he gives it a soft squeeze. “I’m where I want to be,” he assures me.
“You should go. It’s late, and you have to get ready for training camp.” My words sound dismissive, and while they are, I don’t mean them to be harsh. I’m falling for him. Who am I kidding? I’ve already fallen for him, but I can’t act on those feelings. I can’t let this happen. I refuse to set myself up for heartbreak.
“I’m ready,” he assures me. “I’m packed, and the only thing I’m missing is time with you.”
“It’s late,” I say again because my brain is still trying to comprehend that he’s still here—wide awake, while I use him as my personal pillow. He’s here, and he’s telling me that I’m all that he’s missing. My heart wants to throw caution to the wind, but my mind tells me that I know better.
“Are you hungry?” He ignores my words, telling him that he should go. Instead, he tries to continue to take care of me. I feel my resolve softening, and I can’t let that happen.
“No, I’m going to go to bed.” Tossing off the cover I was wrapped up in, I stand. My words are abrupt, but I need some separation. My body is trying to betray me. “Thank you for coming to check on me.” I soften my tone. I do appreciate him coming to check on me, and he stayed. He had other places he could be, but he chose to stay here, on my couch, letting me use him as a pillow. I’m trying to wrap my head around that.