Free Relinquished by K.A. Hunter Page B

he came back, wearing boxer briefs and carrying a shirt and a large blanket. Standing before me, he pulled the soft t-shirt over my head as I filled my lungs with his scent. He scooted me over, giving me enough time to put my arms through the sleeves as he climbed in next to me and covered us.
    “You don’t have to sleep in here with me if you don’t want... but I’d rather you did.” There was no denying the hope in his voice.
    That I could do. I could sleep.
    I answered by nuzzling into his chest, allowing him to wrap his arms around me. I couldn’t believe how twisted the day had become since leaving my room this morning.  There was no way I could’ve predicted it.
    “I’m sorry,” I said softly into the dark room.
    “Shh.” He squeezed my shoulder. “No need to apologize. When you’re ready, you’re ready. Let’s get some sleep.”
    I rested my eyes then, letting them close and knowing I was safe. For the moment, at least. It was sweet that he was so sure about me, that I’d be ready to share everything with him at some point.  
    I wish I had his confidence, but I’m still not sure he’ll ever be able to handle all of my gritty secrets.
     

 
    Opening my eyes to the sight of Holden was a better view than my dingy motel room. Holden was on the balcony, coffee in hand, probably enjoying the morning ocean breeze.  As I watched him stand there, in nothing more than his plaid pajama pants, a small part of me—okay, big—was regretting that we hadn’t had sex last night.  Because if we had, I would’ve grabbed him this morning and gone another round.  My head and heart were thankful, but my body was throbbing. That was one deliciously compassionate man.  
    I tilted my head as I continued checking him out. I didn’t think real men actually had those dimples on their lower backs.  Then again, Holden’s life revolved around physical fitness, so I guess that made sense. He really was the total package. What he saw in me, I still had no idea.
    Turning, he caught me staring at his ass just like last night. “Hey, sleepyhead.” He smirked as he made his way back to the bed, and I buried my head in his soft pillow, embarrassed.
    His hand moved my hair to the side, “Don’t be shy,” he chuckled. “I work hard to make my ass look like this. I don’t mind if you look.  As a matter of fact, I like the way you look at me.”
    I peeked up when he added, “If it makes you feel better, I stared at you for like a half an hour before I finally peeled myself out of bed.”
    A giggle escaped my throat, shocking the hell out of me.  The giggly girl in me didn’t make an appearance often, but Holden seemed to find her with no effort.
    “So, beautiful, I only have a few hours left with you today. What would you like to do?” He gave me a questioning look as he took a sip of his coffee.
    Laying on my stomach, I could feel the tightness in my shoulders relaxing as I stretched and yawned. The door to the balcony was still open, and the sound of the waves floated in. The feel of the cool air and comfort of the bed made me want to stay here and waste the whole day away until something dawned on me. “I think the first order of business is getting my clothes in the dryer.  You distracted me last night before I had a chance to do that.” I narrowed my eyes playfully at him.
    He laughed and tweaked my nose. “Already done, my dear.” He pointed to my neatly folded stack on top of his dresser.
    “Thanks.” I smiled until the aroma from his mug hit me, and I sniffed the air, moaning.  I loved the smell of coffee, but since it was a luxury expense, I purposely avoided drinking it. From what I’d seen with other people, it was like crack once your body got used to drinking it regularly.
    Holden took another sip. “I remember you saying you didn't drink coffee, but I have juice downstairs if you’d like some.”
    “I seem to remember you teasing me about that.” I rolled my eyes. “You know, not