Chapter 8

chapter

eight

D eclan finally emerges , now wearing a loose fitting pair of plaid pajama bottoms and a matching top that looks like it’s two sizes too small. His muscles tug and pull at the fabric with each step he takes.

“Declan, don’t take this the wrong way, but that top looks incredibly uncomfortable.” I suppress my bubbling laughter and walk the short distance to him. His broad muscular chest is testing the limits of the buttons that hold the night shirt closed.

He chuckles, running his palms along his torso in a way that’s super distracting. “Aye, I know. I feel like I’m fit to burst.”

“You could just take it off,” I suggest, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

“Are you sure? It won’t make you uncomfortable?” His eyes search mine, looking for an answer.

I’m falling for this man hard and fast. No one that I’ve dated in the past gave a damn about taking things at my pace or checking in. Warmth spreads across my chest at the fact that this giant troll is worried about my comfort.

“Of course not. I think my delicate female eyes can handle seeing you without a shirt on,” I tease.

Declan slowly unbuttons the plaid top, revealing every square inch of his delicious chest. A light sprinkle of dark hair makes him look rugged, sending my horniness into overdrive. I’m studying this man taking off his shirt with such intensity, you’d think I’m going to be quizzed on it later.

The sound of someone clearing their throat brings me back to reality. It’s my turn to blush—my cheeks and chest feel like they’re on fire. My heart pounds in an unsteady rhythm.

“Um, I’m going to head to bed now,” I say awkwardly, stumbling over my words. The pile of blankets and pillows is plenty big enough for the both of us, so I climb under and wait for Declan to take his place next to me. To my surprise, he turns away from the makeshift bed and sits in one of the chairs, stretching out his legs and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Goodnight, Hannah,” he mutters, closing his eyes and shifting around, trying to get comfortable.

I almost whine when he doesn’t fulfill my one-bed trope fantasy and lay next to me. The logical part of me kicks in, thankfully. He’s probably trying to be a gentleman. However, there’s simply no reason for him to sleep in a rock hard chair when there’s plenty of room in the reading nook. I throw the covers back, stand up, and make my way over to where he’s attempting to relax.

“Um, Declan,” I whisper. A small seed of doubt sprouts in the pit of my stomach. Maybe this is a bad idea, and I’ve read way too many romances. I sigh and turn to walk away, but a firm arm wraps around my waist, stopping me.

“Is everything okay, mo ghràidh?” he asks, looking me over in concern.

Well, I might as well come clean. “Feel free to say no, but I just figured that you might prefer to sleep in the reading nook with me. I promise to keep my hands to myself—it really will be more comfortable than this chair. I once had to do a story hour with the kids while sitting in one of those, and my ass hurt for days.” Yep, I’m rambling now. That fun little anecdote about my sore ass certainly wasn’t necessary.

The hand that Declan has resting on my waist flexes briefly. His palm sets my skin on fire, even with the thin fabric of the nightie in between. His touch shouldn’t affect me this much, but it absolutely does.

“Hannah, I have to be honest with you about something. I have feelings for you, lass, and if we sleep together in that little nest of blankets it’s going to mean something to me. Just being close to you like I have this week has meant something to me. My heart recovered after that disaster of a first date we had, but I don’t think it could handle being rejected again. I need you to be certain about what you want.”

The sincerity in his voice makes me want to cry. How could I ever have thought that this sweet man wasn’t interested in me? I’m ashamed with my reaction to him after our first date and how dismissive I was. I will forever be thankful that Declan has given me another chance.

His confession took a lot of bravery, and now it’s my turn. Extending my arm, I wait for him to take hold.

“Come to bed, Declan.” My hand trembles as I worry that he might not accept my offer.

His massive hand clasps onto mine, the other firmly on my waist. We both silently walk over to the mountain of pillows, and I climb in first, hoping the fuzzy blankets will calm my nerves. Declan lowers himself to the floor and takes up the space beside me. His larger frame presses against my side.

I could totally get used to this.

Declan’s body is stiff, and if I had to bet, he’s holding his breath. All right, we’re back to being awkward, but at least he’s down here with me. I’ll take the win, even if it’s small.

I turn onto my side and try to fall asleep, but my brain can’t turn off. Every minute of the day replays on an endless loop. I toss and turn trying to find a position that will let me fall asleep. With a huff of frustration, I count down the minutes until the sun will rise.

Of course, Declan’s passed out, his face relaxed as he lightly snores. His body faces me, and I try my best to stay still and not disturb him.

Just as I’m about to close my eyes again, an arm wraps itself around my waist, warm and strong. It pulls me towards the sleeping giant next to me. My eyes immediately glance to Declan, who is still peacefully asleep. Limbs frozen in place, I close my eyes and enjoy the pressure of his arms.

Wait a minute, is that his face nuzzling into the crook of my neck?

Fuck, I could die a happy lady now. This man smells incredible, and I’ve never felt safer than right now. Too bad my conscience kicks in, telling me that he probably didn’t mean to do this, and that I should probably scooch away.

I’m about to attempt a jail break when Declan’s breath softly warms my neck as he mutters, “Mhhm, Hannah.” His sleepy voice saying my name in that low growl leaves my panties dripping. When his arms tighten around me, the decision has been made. I’m not fucking moving unless this library is burning to the ground.

I turn so that I can snuggle into Declan’s firm chest. The sound of his beating heart creates a soothing rhythm and sleep quickly claims me.