Grayson released Emma and helped her into the T-shirt she’d tossed over the foot of the bed.

While she went into the next room, he watched her on the monitor, soothing Simone, who hadn’t woken.

He got out of bed and found his clothes on the floor.

By the time Emma returned, he was dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for her. “Is she okay?”

“Just a little restless.”

Grayson held out his hand to her, inviting her into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head against her chest. “I should go downstairs.”

She held on tighter to him. “Not yet.”

Powerless to resist the temptation of more time with her, Grayson helped her back into bed, pulled the covers over her and lay on top of the comforter.

“You’re going to be cold out there.”

“If I fall asleep, it’ll look better that I’m out here than in there with you if we get caught.”

“Come in here with me for a little while. I won’t let you fall asleep.”

“That sounds promising,” he said as he got under the down quilt and snuggled up to her.

Emma laughed. “Don’t even think about it. I’m surprised I can still walk after this day.”

Grayson glanced at the bedside clock over her shoulder. “That was yesterday. Today’s a whole new day.”

“Also known as Emma’s day of recovery from yesterday.”

“Spoilsport.”

She placed her hand on his face. “Other than Simone getting hurt, yesterday was one of the best days I’ve ever had.”

Touched by her sweetness, he said, “It was for me, too.” He gathered her in closer to him, encouraging her to use his chest as a pillow. “You need to sleep so you can tend to your girl in the morning.”

“I don’t want to sleep when I have to go home in just over twenty-four hours.”

The thought of her leaving set off an ache deep inside him. “What time is your flight on Friday?”

“Two, out of Burlington.”

“I’ll take you over.”

“You don’t have to. Lucy can do it.”

“I want to, unless you’d rather have her.”

“I’d rather have you, not that I don’t love my sister.”

He kissed her swollen lips. “I’m glad you want me.”

“I definitely want you.”

“Are we still talking about rides to the airport?”

“Of course we are. What else would we be talking about?”