Kept By the Beast by Hallie Bennett

CHAPTER NINE

POPPY

 

Sunlight warms my cheek, and I stretch in the soft glow. Sore muscles remind me of last night, bringing a sleepy smile to my face.

Asa had been wonderful, so tender and kind. After settling me on his bed, he’d run a hot bath and proceeded to wash the remaining effects of our lovemaking away. Despite his comments about having bear paws for hands, his touch had been gentle, hardly Beast-like.

“Mmm… I like waking up next to you, baby. That sweet little sound you just made makes me imagine all sorts of filthy ways to hear it again.”

Turning to face him, I cuddle deeper into his chest, enjoying the scratch of his chest hair. “I like it, too, though you generate a lot of heat. We need to open a window or get some fans in here at night, so I can sleep without burning up.”

Asa chuckles. “I’ll add fans to the list along with the rug, but if you need help sleeping, I know a surefire way to wear you out.” His hand sneaks under the covers to capture one of my breasts in a possessive hold.

“Maybe you should remind me… for research purposes,” I tease, closing the space between us. And Asa accepts the challenge ﹘ proving his theory correct over and over again.

Best Sunday ever.

***

“You’re sure it’s safe?” Asa asks the mechanic for the hundredth time, and I appreciate his thoroughness. The man had called this morning with the cost and repair needed, and now it’s done. I can drive home as if this weekend never happened. As if I didn’t fall in love with Asa over the course of the past forty-eight hours.

“Yep, she’s all good to go. Nothing to worry about. We just need payment, and you’re free to leave.”

Stepping forward, I offer my card before Asa and I walk back outside. We stand quiet and awkward by my car, unsure of our next step. A lot of promises were made this weekend. Promises I believe Asa meant, but in the cold light of Monday ﹘ away from his cozy cabin ﹘ it’s easier for doubts to creep in.

“You’ll call me when you get home? To let me know you made it safely?” There’s a vulnerable look in his eyes, an expression compelling me to soothe his apprehension.

Twining my arms around his waist, I enfold him in a protective hug. “Yes, the moment I’m parked I’ll let you know. And we’ll see each other soon. It’s not that far of a drive.” Before this weekend, I would’ve balked at putting any kind of pressure on someone to drive to see me, not wanting to inconvenience them. But Asa’s shown me how I’m worthy of affection ﹘ that I matter, that I’m not too much.

“No, it’s not. You’ll probably get sick of seeing me so much.” His tone tries to lighten the mood, but an underlying insecurity seeps into his voice.

“Never.” Bouncing to my tip toes, I place a heartfelt kiss on his mouth, pouring every ounce of love into the embrace even if I can’t say the words yet. “See you soon.”

Asa releases me begrudgingly, and I get into the car before waving good-bye. This time I take the ramp to the highway, bypassing the country roads. Cars fly by me while a sick knot grows in my stomach as High Ridge and Asa get further away.

This is wrong.

The conviction deepens the longer I drive, and by the time I pull into my apartment’s parking lot, a decision crystallizes in my mind. I don’t belong here anymore. Not in Everton. And certainly not alone in my apartment.

I belong with Asa.

If it weren’t for my rational brain trying to exhibit some control, I never would’ve continued with this ridiculous plan of dating like a normal couple, living separate lives. Not after what we experienced this weekend.

I love Asa but didn’t want to tell him because it’s too early. Too fast.

Well, too damn bad.

After texting Asa I made it home okay, I race up to my apartment, assessing everything that needs to be done. Breaking my lease won’t be fun, but it’s necessary. Along with packing my meager belongings, but at least I have someone to rely on now. Someone who will help. And has a truck.

The thought makes me grin, and I throw the essentials into my suitcase before lugging it down to my car. Tory’s going to think I’m crazy for doing this. Same for all of my friends. If you even stay in contact.

Which is a big if considering our tenuous friendships. We barely hung out living in the same city; I’m not sure they’re going to want to visit High Ridge to see me. But somehow the realization isn’t as painful as it once was.

Because I have Asa now.

Excitement blooms in my chest, and once my car’s packed, I begin my journey back to High Ridge.

To Asa.

To my future.