Page 40 of Tinsel Time Treasure

“Do you want me to get you a glass of water?” Max asked softly.

I shook my head. “No. Thank you.”

“I should let you get back to sleep.”

“Stay?” I whispered.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded and forced myself to lie down again. “I… kinda don’t want to be alone.”

“Ok.” He stood, pulled a chair over, and took a seat next to the bed. “This ok?”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

“Should I turn off the light?”

“No.”

We were silent for several minutes as I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep again. But the memories of my nightmare invaded, and threatened to chase any hope of rest away.

“How did I get into bed?” I finally asked. “I remember you were going to change the sheets, then…”

I started as Max took my hand, then relaxed again. “You fell asleep on the couch. I left you there for a while, thinking you’d wake up, but when it was time for bed I decided to carry you in here.”

“You carried me?” I asked, turning towards the sound of his voice.

“I did.”

It was strangely romantic, and the omega part of me loved the idea of it. “How strong are you?” I mumbled. “I’m not the smallest man.”

He chuckled. “I’m a personal trainer, so I spend plenty of time at the gym.”

“Really?”

“Mm-hmm.” His thumb bumped over my knuckles. “What do you do?”

I yawned. “I’m a massage therapist.”

“Do you like your job?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I’ll have to make an appointment once all this is over,” he said.

I smiled, liking the idea of feeling his skin under my fingers.

Then I remembered that there used to also be an omega in the apartment. “Will..” I whispered. “Will your mate be upset that I’m here?”

“Mate?”

“The omega who lives here?”

“Linden? We… um… we broke up.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m not.”