Read Online Slow Burn by Cheyenne McCray - Free Book Online

med.”
    “But—” she started.
    “Shhhh.” He put two fingers against her lips. “You’re vulnerable right now, Christie, in more ways than one, and I’m not going to ask you to make decisions under any of these circumstances.”
    “I’m more than fine.” She met his gaze. “It’s thanks to the meds that my arm is not bothering me in the least.”
    “But it might be clouding your judgment.” He stroked her nose with one finger. “I want you to be clear-headed when you make your decision.”
    She reached up and kissed him. “I don’t want to wait, you know.”
    He put his forehead to hers. “It might be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I’m going to put you to bed. Without me.”
    She wanted to pout. She ached so much for him. “I knew I hated Percocet. This gives me one more reason.”
    He caressed her cheek, his gaze serious as he studied her. “I won’t take advantage of you. If there’s a chance that you could change your mind in the morning, I won’t do it.”
    She shifted in his lap and put her head against his chest. “You’re a good man, Trace Davidson. In this case I almost wish you weren’t quite so good.”
    “So do I.” He held her close and she heard the smile in his voice. “You are one hell of a woman, Christie. I want you to know how special you are.”

CHAPTER SIX
    The bathroom was chilly as Christie took off the sling and changed into a big T-shirt and sweatpants. She hadn’t expected to be sleeping in the same room as the man she’d more or less had a crush on, or she might have picked out something a little sexier to take with her on her trip.
    Her arm wasn’t bothering her with the pain med, but it felt stiff after having been in a sling for so long. When she left the bathroom, she carried her things out and saw that Trace was wearing a form-fitting T-shirt and a pair of sweatpants, too. Damn, she’d never seen anyone look so sexy in sweatpants.
    He held up a first aid kit. “Let’s change that bandage.”
    She sat in a chair as he crouched beside her, and she felt more flutters in her belly. Every time he came near her, she wanted to lean into him and feel his body even closer to hers. Being in his arms, feeling his lips against hers—it had been incredible. And she was greedy—she wanted more.
    He carefully removed the bandage, the touch of his fingers on her skin giving her goose bumps. “It looks good.” He examined her arm and she saw the bandage had no traces of blood and the wound was closing. “It’s healing very well.”
    He dressed her wound, then got up from his crouch. “You take the bed.” He nodded in its direction. “I’ll unfold the couch bed.”
    She bit her lower lip, suddenly feeling vulnerable and needy for his companionship. “Will you sleep with me?” Before he could list the reasons why they couldn’t have sex, she hurried to add, “To sleep. Just keep me company.” She gave him a little mischievous smile. “I promise not to attack you.”
    His lips curved with a hint of amusement. “As long as you’re promising not to attack me, we can make that happen.”
    She grinned and scooted under the cool sheets and quilts on the bed. She plumped one of the two pillows and rested her head on it as she watched him.
    He turned off one of the LED lanterns and the room grew darker. He drew his gun out of its holster before turning off the other lantern.
    The fire in the fireplace had died down and the light was dim as he returned to the bed, and then set his weapon on a nightstand at the head of the bed.
    He smiled down on her. “Give me a minute.” He went to the fire and added a big log into the grate.
    When he finally came back to the bed, the sheets were a little warmer from her body heat. He slid between the sheets and rested his head on the pillow as he faced her. The firelight flickered, casting shadows over his face. For a long moment they looked at each other and she felt like they were lost someplace in space and