The Impact of You

Chapter 22

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I offer Avery one of my T-shirts, and she quietly slips it on over her head, then curls against my pillow in an unspoken agreement that she’s staying the night. Seeing her lying in my bed, swallowed up in my shirt is the best sight ever. Knowing she’s sleeping in my arms tonight, that she’s sharing parts of herself with me despite her fears, does heady things to my protective instincts. I still wish I knew what was going on inside that pretty head of hers, but I know we’ll get there. Tonight was a big step forward. And I won’t soon forget the way she tastes, the sultry sound of her raspy gasps calling my name. Fuck, that was hot.

I turn off the light and join her in the bed, spooning up against her back so I can fold her into my arms. Her hair smells like strawberries and I lean in to kiss the back of her neck. “Just rest. Everything’s going to be okay,” I mumble against her skin.

She lets out a soft sigh and relaxes against me.

I don’t know what set her off tonight, but I’m happy that she came to me for comfort. I’ll never forget the feeling of panic when I heard that whistle cut through the party. I didn’t even realize she carried it with her; I’d sort of gotten it as a joke. But part of me loved knowing she kept it with her, and used it to call me when she needed me.

In the morning, we sleep late, and grab coffee and muffins on campus before I drive her to her dorm. I wouldn’t mind spending the day with her just lounging in my bed, but she says she has homework, so I reluctantly let her go.

At the curb outside her building, I hold her tightly to my chest and kiss her.

“Thanks for everything last night,” she says, blinking up at me.

“Anytime.” I kiss her once more and let her go. “Better go write that journaling assignment on orgasms now…” I grin.

She takes a step away and stumbles on the sidewalk, but I catch her elbow before she goes down. Heat blossoms in her cheeks and she shoots me a glare.

“Call me later, babe.”

She nods once, then flees into her dorm.