Page 29 of Love Me Like You Do
Chapter Seven
Tris didn’t want to leave.
He wanted to call in sick.
Call around and see if someone else could cover his shift.
But he wouldn’t.
She’d promised him she wouldn’t leave the house. The snow was already coming down and it was supposed to continue into tomorrow and Wednesday with the biggest dump happening over night Tuesday.
He’d checked everything. The windows and doors were secure. The furnace working perfectly. She had a small room heater they’d purchased yesterday just in case. Cupboards and fridge were full.
No more stalling. He had to go or he’d be late for shift change.
Bending over he planted a kiss on Cov’s temple.
“Hmm…”
“Shh, stay asleep. I’m going to work now. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay,” she murmured sleepily before snuggling down under the bedding.
God, he really didn’t want to leave. More than anything he wanted to crawl under the covers with her. Wanted to stay wrapped up in the quilt, their legs tangled together, holding her close.
They had so much to talk about. They should have talked yesterday but by some mutually—telepathically—agreed upon decision they’d spent the day hanging out instead. Like they used to back in Miami.
He’d shown her around town. She’d spent a good hour inside Read Between The Lines before she picked two books to see her through the two days without him. His insides had cramped at the thought of heading to work today so he’d pushed it to the back of his mind and concentrated on Cov and giving her a tour of his new hometown.
They’d eaten lunch at Sue Ann’s again. An interrupted lunch.
The news of Cov’s arrival had spread along the grape vine and everyone, even residents he hadn’t met yet, stopped by to congratulate them. A few had asked when the wedding was, but he’d deflected before the question could upset Cov.
He’d promised her a trip to JT’s Roadhouse for dinner except they hadn’t made it. By the time evening rolled around Covington was dragging her feet and barely keeping her eyes open. They’d skipped the bar trip and headed home for canned soup and toasted sandwiches.
Cov had been lights out by eight-thirty.
Tristan had carried her to bed, stripped down to his boxers and crawled in beside her. The last thing he remembered before his alarm catapulted him out of sleep was holding Cov in his arms, her warm breath fanning over his chest.
If he thought walking away from her all those months ago was hard it had nothing on leaving her now. Maybe it was because she’d gladly welcome him back into bed this time. Or maybe it was that he finally knew what was at stake.
He might have to leave her to go to work but he’d never willing turn his back on her again.
“Go to work. You’ll be late. I’ll be fine. Stop staring.”
Tris chuckled. “Sorry.”
“No you’re not.” She smiled, her eyes still closed. “Go.”
He bent over and kissed her. On the mouth this time. “I’ll call you later.”
“Bye.”
Another quick peck and he turned away and left.
He’s organized a lift and in spite of his tardiness Dylan sat in his truck, waiting. Opening the passenger door, Tris said, “Hey,” and got a grunt in reply.
He laughed as Dylan put the truck in reverse and hit the accelerator.
