Or maybe I stepped too far?

No, not that. Because he’s suddenly even closer than he was before, so much so that I can’t fit my arm between us anymore. He picks up my arm and pulls it across his chest so he can continue to play with my fingers, this time with his other hand.

I let out a long breath as quietly as I can. I’m not going to forget how to breathe just because he’s touching me.

Over time, his caresses slow, and his breathing lengthens. He puts his mouth up to my ear. “Try to sleep. We’ve still a long way to go.”

Then his hand stills, holding mine clasped in his.

Is he serious?

I can’t sleep with him next to me. Touching me.

Long after I hear Temra’s and Kellyn’s breathing slow, I’m still staring up at the sky, my body going stiff from being in the same position. Carefully, I take my hand back so I can turn on my side, facing him.

And though he’s asleep, he somehow moves with me anyway. He wedges the arm closest to me under my head and pulls me flush up against his side.

And I suspect that he’s not sleeping at all, but I’ll let him pretend.

I don’t remember falling asleep or waking up. I’m suddenly just alert.

The first thing I notice is that Temra isn’t quite next to me anymore. No, she’s rolled over, practically on top of Petrik. They’re in a really embarrassing position. Though Temra wouldn’t be embarrassed by it, I can imagine how Petrik’s cheeks will heat.

Then I realize there’s movement above me. A chest moving in and out.

I turn my head.

Kellyn has one arm thrown over me, his head resting on my shoulder, blowing his heated breath into my neck.

At first I think to jump up, but I can’t do that. That would be rude while he’s trying to sleep.

So I watch him.

I take in what I can see of that long body, those muscled arms and flat chest. His nose is so sharp, his cheekbones so high. And that hair—

A beam of light breaks through the trees and lands directly on those golden-red locks, setting them ablaze.

Dear heavens.

After a few minutes, the beam moves to his eyes, and then he starts to turn his head from side to side.

I hastily shut my eyes and force myself to relax, faking sleep.

I hear his breathing change. He moves slightly, lifting his head, I think.

I wait for him to get up, to nudge me away or something, anything. But he’s still. Watching me. I can feel his eyes burning holes onto my face.

And I don’t know how, but I feel the exact moment they drop to my lips.

I remember the fascination, and almost delight, when he brought up the freckles on my lips.

My breath rushes into me, and I have to open my eyes. I probably should put more effort into acting as though I’ve just woken up, but I don’t.