Chapter 28

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

ALEXANDER

I burst into the media room and am shushed by Trevor. He has his finger over his mouth and points to the recliner beside him. Dani is lying on her side, facing him, her eyes closed like a sleeping angel.

Trevor grins at me as I approach them. “She’s had a long day.”

It’s well past midnight. I shouldn’t have kept her here this late, but I didn’t want to let her go. She looks so peaceful, and I don’t want to disturb her.

“Why don’t you head home? Tripp’s still here, and he can walk with you. I’ve got her from here. Thanks for keeping her safe.”

“It was my pleasure. I can see why you like her. She’s got a spark.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me.

I nod my head. That’s one way to put it.

I hold out my hand, pull him up, and hug him. “Thanks, man.”

“I won’t wait up,” Trevor says and gives me a wink. He gets on his scooter and leaves me alone with a sleeping beauty.

Do I wake her and take her home? Her place or mine? My place is at capacity with testosterone, so that’s out. She looks so content. What is it about this woman that shakes my confidence and makes me indecisive and unsure of myself?

The closet in the back has blankets, because this room is a favorite place for a few guys to take pregame naps. I grab two, gently cover her, and take Trevor’s place in the chair beside her. I brush her hair off her cheek, and a slight smile graces her face.

“This isn’t how I pictured our first night together, but sunshine, I’ll take every moment you can give me,” I whisper.

I watch her sleep for longer than is considered proper and finally surrender to my tiredness. I close my eyes and drift off, dreaming of my sunshine.

Her hushed panic wakes me and puts me on high alert.

“Oh my god, oh my god,” she mutters to herself.

I open my eyes to find a blanket and an empty chair beside me. I turn to the sound of her voice and see her pacing, too close to the door and too far away from me for my liking.

“Good morning, sunshine.” My morning voice is rough and deep.

She jumps with a start. “Oh! I didn’t mean to wake you.” She’s looking around like a scared animal, unsure what to do or where to go. It’s adorable.

I get up slowly and move toward her, not wanting to spook her. I don’t break my eye contact and as I get close, I open my arms, inviting her in. She hesitates, and I drop my arms.

“I’m sorry, I should have taken you home last night, but you looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you.” I glance at the clock and see that it’s almost seven o’clock. I can’t remember the last time I slept this late.

She steps closer, still hesitant. She covers her face with her hands. “No more apologies, remember? I’m so embarrassed. I can’t believe I fell asleep. I swear, I can’t even do grown-up hours anymor e.” She’s shaking her head in disbelief and embarrassment.

I take a step closer, closing the gap. I take her hands away from her beautiful eyes and put her hands in mine. “It was a late night, and you had a busy day. After a long week of busy. You needed to rest.” I tilt her face to mine. “It’s okay. Hear me?” I give her a quick wink, bringing a slight smile to her gorgeous face.

She gives me a little nod. “Now, what do we do? I’m not exactly practiced in the walk of shame.”

I can’t control my joy at that statement. I didn’t get the impression she dated much, but hearing no other man is getting to see her in the morning does something to my chest that I can’t quite describe.

“Breakfast?” I’m unsure what her plans are for today, but I’d like to be part of them.

She looks hesitant.

“No pressure. If you want me to take you home, say the word. Never ever do I want you to feel uncomfortable, especially around me. Got it, sunshine?”

She wraps her arms around my waist, and my heart melts. Her curls are unruly this morning, and they tickle my nose. I could get used to this.

I kiss the top of her head, and she relaxes in the embrace. Her breasts rub against my chest, and my morning wood begs for attention. But this is neither the time and definitely not the place.

“Why don’t you freshen up, and I’ll take you to breakfast? I know a great place near your house that will hit the spot. Sound good?”

“Okay.” She steps back, and the separation makes me feel cold, my sunshine pulling away. She gives me a questioning look. “How do you know where I live?”

Shit. I don’t want to confess I’ve done a background check on her. What will she think of me then? “You said you live in Southend. Ta ke the light rail? Which we won’t be doing, by the way.”

“You a public transportation snob, Mr. Decker?” She challenges me. And fuck if it doesn’t turn me on a little more.

“Not at all, Ms. Franklin. It’s just, well, I want you to be safe.”

“Got it. Can you direct me to the nearest ladies’ room before we start today’s adventure?” She runs her fingers through her hair, and I wish that were me.

“Absolutely.” She’s giving me the gift of her time. I’m going to cherish every second. “Right this way, sunshine.”