The Pairing (The Proposition #3)(20)

Glancing at him over her shoulder, Megan gave him a weak smile. “Thank you.”

He took out a spare toothbrush from underneath the counter and placed it next to the clothes he’d brought her. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Okay.”

Whirling around, he strode out of the bathroom. Not wanting to go too far in case Megan needed him, he began pacing around the bedroom. He momentarily faltered when he heard the shower turn off. He waited for her to appear, but she didn’t. Just as he was about to knock on the door, the whirring hum of the hairdryer started. He continued his pacing as she dried her hair. Next, he heard the sink water turn on as she brushed her teeth. When it was quiet once again in the bathroom, his feet froze as he stared anxiously at the bathroom door.

When it opened, Pesh’s breath caught. Appearing fresh-faced and clean, Megan looked so beautiful as she tentatively stepped into the bedroom. “Everything okay?” he asked.

She jumped at his voice. “Um, it’s fine. Thank you again for the clothes and for letting me shower.”

“You’re more than welcome. And there’s no need to thank me.”

Chewing on her lip, she glanced from the bed to him. “I texted my mother to tell her I was staying the night at Emma’s.” Before he could say anything, she quickly added, “Thank you for putting my purse in the bathroom. That was very thoughtful of you.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied. Then he thought of her text. “So you’re staying at Aidan and Emma’s?” After all, the last thing he needed was to have her here—a reminder of what he couldn’t have. It would be enough to drive any man crazy.

Megan shook her head. “Do you mind if I stayed here instead?” When he started to open his mouth, she shook her head. “I promise no funny business. I just don’t want to go home yet. If you don’t want to me to stay, you can take me to Emma’s.”

“Of course you can stay.”

“I can sleep on the couch or in the guest room.”

He shook his head. “You’ll sleep right here.” He walked over to his massive king-sized bed. He turned down the covers before glancing back at her. “Come on. Getting some rest will make you feel better.”

She eyed him hesitantly. “I really can’t take your bed. That would be imposing.”

“I don’t mind. I promise.”

“Only if you’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Tentatively, she started walking over to him, her eyes never leaving his. She eased down onto the mattress before sliding beneath the sheets. When she appeared comfortable, he covered her up. As he started to go, she reached out to grab his arm. “No, please don’t go. Don’t leave me alone.”

His brows shot up in surprise. “You want me to stay with you?”

“Yes, please.”

“In this bed…with you?” When she nodded, he exhaled a ragged breath. “Megan, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Don’t overthink it; just stay with me.”

Although his brain was raging war at him to make the sane and responsible decision, he replied, “Give me a few minutes.”

“Okay,” she replied softly.

Turning, he strode into the bathroom. He didn’t bother glancing in the mirror because he was pretty sure he wouldn’t like what he saw. Instead, he stripped off his suit and tie. Although he probably should have thrown on more clothes, he left his boxers on and grabbed a white shirt off the hamper. After pulling it over his head, he went back out into the bedroom.

Megan lay on her side in the bed, her face turned toward the bathroom. Her eyes were closed, but they popped open the moment he entered the bedroom. Without a word to her, he walked around the other side of the bed and climbed inside. Lying on his back, he propped one arm over his head. His other hand rested on his chest. He twisted his fingers into the fabric of his shirt over his heart. Somehow he wanted to still the erratic beating.

Just when he thought he might be comfortable, Megan turned over to face him. “You’re so far away,” she whispered.

“I thought it was for the best.”

The corners of her mouth momentarily turned down in a pout. Then she inched closer to him. He sucked in a breath and tried not to hiss when he felt her head nuzzle against his chest. Before he could stop her, she had thrown an arm around him. Thankfully, she didn’t try anything else. And within a few minutes, her labored breathing signaled she had fallen asleep. Pesh stared up at the ceiling and willed himself to be able to go to sleep as easily.

Surprisingly, as Megan’s soft snores echoed against his side, his eyes grew heavy. For the first time in two years, he fell asleep with someone in his arms.

Chapter Six

Sunlight streamed across Megan’s face, causing her to squint her eyes tighter closed against the bright invasion. She was warm and comfortable, and she didn’t want to wake up. But the tranquility of her morning was shattered when a soft snore came from behind her. It was far too deep to be one of Mason’s.

Panic prickled its way up her skin. Where am I? Her eyes frantically scanned the room. Overcome by both masculine décor and smells, she realized she was in a man’s bedroom, or more importantly a man’s bed. She hadn’t woken up this dazed and confused since she got hammered for the first time. She couldn’t even remember what day it was. This was bad. Very, very bad. She had to get out of there and get home to Mason. What kind of mother was she to wake up in a strange man’s bed?