“Hmm,” she mumbles.
“Tinsley will help you get undressed, and you’re going to sleep with her.”
Morgan leans back in my arms, opening her eyes. “You’re so warm, though. Can’t I sleep with you?”
“Come on, babe. Tinsley’s room has a lot of blankets.”
Her eyes tear up. “Do you not want me in your bed?” Her lips tremble. “Or do you have someone coming over?”
I press my forehead to hers. I’m fucked. “Not at all. I thought you might be more comfortable here.”
I lower her to the floor, but she resists.
“Shh. I’m going to go grab you a shirt to sleep in, and Tinsley’s going to help you get changed,” I console her.
“I have stuff she can wear,” Tinsley offers, but I shake my head.
Something about knowing Morgan is sleeping in my shirt again makes me feel good.
Morgan protests as I leave, but Tinsley takes her into the bathroom. When I make it back, I knock on the door and pass a pair of shorts and my t-shirt through the door.
I wait on the other side until they come out. I see that Tinsley has washed off Morgan’s makeup and brushed her hair back. She’s no longer wearing the soaked dress and is now in my clothes. A sense of pride overcomes me at seeing her dressed this way.
Morgan meets my eyes, looking sad. I hold out my hand to her. Her eyes light up as she grabs it without hesitation.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed.”
I lean over and kiss Tinsley on the head before leading Morgan down the hall to my bedroom. I pull back the covers for her, and she slides into my bed, immediately curling into my side as soon as I join her. I lie awake for hours listening to her breathe as I think about my future.
The last thought I have before I finally doze off is how I wouldn’t mind falling asleep with Morgan every night for the rest of my life.
✽✽✽
Chapter 9
Morgan
“Ugh. Why is it that when I drink, I always end up in your bed?” I mumble against Keaton’s chest.
I don’t question it this time. I knew it was him the moment I woke up. His smell infiltrates my senses, telling me just whose arms I was in.
“Drunk Morgan loves me. It’s sober Morgan that seems to have a problem with me.”
I groan. “I wish drunk Morgan would be smarter. My head is killing me.” He moves from under me, causing me to groan more. “Why are you leaving? You’re warm.”
He chuckles as he brings a bottle of water and some medicine back to me. “You kept saying that to me last night too. Glad I can be your personal heater.”
I lean up and take the pills before drinking half the bottle of water. “If you’re going to offer, get back in bed. I’m freezing and need to sleep off this hangover before I show my face at home.”
The look of shock that covers his face is almost comical. He doesn’t question it though. He slides back in bed, allowing me to plaster myself against his body.
“Comfortable?” he whispers.
“Shhh.” I blindly pat his mouth. “Be a quiet heater.”
I feel his body shake with laughter but ignore it. Within moments, I feel the lull of sleep pull me deeper.
✽✽✽
When I wake up the second time, I feel a soft caress to the back of my head. I stay still a moment, realizing that Keaton is stroking my hair.
“I know you’re awake, babe. Your breathing changed,” he says softly.
“How long have you been awake?” I lean up, gasping as I realize I’ve drooled on his chest. “Oh. My. God.”
He chuckles as he grabs a strand of my hair. “To answer your question, three hours.”
I turn from him, covering my face with my hands in embarrassment. I drooled all over Keaton Yates.
Kill me now.
He leans up, setting his head on my shoulder. “Come on, let’s get you something to eat.”
“I’m sorry I drooled on you.” I peek over at him.
He shakes his head, laughing. “You can drool on me all you want, babe.”
I note that this is not the first time he has called me that this morning. It’s almost like something last night changed the dynamic between us. I wish I could pinpoint what it was so I can understand this new Keaton.
“Still, it’s embarrassing.”
He leans into my space, an arm on either side of me on the bed. For a heartbeat, I think he might kiss me. I sway closer to him.
“Never apologize for drooling on me. Or laying on top of me. Or for wanting to be by my side.” Instead of my lips, his lips meet my forehead before pulling away. He straightens back up and grabs a change of clothes from his dresser before heading to the bathroom. “Be back in a minute.”
I lie back, waiting for him to come back out. When he does, I can’t deny how sexy Keaton Yates is.
“Do you want a shower first or food?”
I think about it. I don’t really want either.
He laughs at the expression that must be on my face. “How about some toast and a movie?”
Smiling, I nod. “I need to get my bag from Tinsley’s room. It has my clothes.”
He points to the corner. “I brought it in last night. You should probably leave your shit in here from now on.”
My body warms. I don’t respond, making him chuckle. He taps on the doorframe twice. “Meet me in the theater.”
I take my time getting ready, finding the same toothbrush I used the last time I was here neatly in place next to Keaton’s. After washing my face and pulling my hair into a messy bun, I pull on a pair of black leggings and an oversized, off-the-shoulder sweater.
Making my way down the stairs, I find Keaton in the theater with two bottles of water and a plate of toast.
