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`` no , if you 're a fool , then so am i . |
we both wanted each other . '' |
`` but i got drunk ... i never get drunk anymore . '' |
`` it was an accident . |
things like that happen . '' |
he cupped her chin and forced her to look at him . |
`` you are none of the negative things your mind is calling you right now . '' |
`` really ? '' |
her broken expression , coupled with her need for his reassurance , nearly crushed him . |
he had to fight from taking her in his arms . |
he knew if he did that , he would end up doing something he should n't with her . |
finally , he nodded . |
`` but you do smell , so go on and get in the shower . '' |
the corners of her lips curved up in a half smile . |
`` do you have something i can change into ? |
and maybe a toothbrush ? '' |
he nodded . |
`` one second . '' |
leaving her in the bathroom , he went back into the bedroom to his closet . |
he took out a pair of scrubs he knew would be too big and too long for her and then coupled it with an emory university t-shirt . |
when he got back to the bathroom , megan was struggling with the zipper at the back of her dress . |
with a defeated expression , she dropped her hands . |
`` could you please help me ? '' |
`` of course . '' |
he sat the clothes down on the counter . |
he then reached up to tug down the zipper . |
the back of the dress gaped open , exposing her cream colored skin and navy blue lace bra and panties . |
he closed his eyes to try and block out the glaring images rocketing through his mind . |
his lips on her skin , his tongue licking up her spine , his hands curving around her ribcage to cup her br**sts . |
he forced himself to step back . |
clearing his throat , he replied , `` done . '' |
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 did n'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 could n'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 do n't want to go home yet . |
if you do n'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 ca n't take your bed . |
that would be imposing . '' |
`` i do n'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 do n't go . |
do n'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 do n't think that 's a good idea . '' |
`` do n'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 did n't bother glancing in the mirror because he was pretty sure he would n't like what he saw . |
Subsets and Splits