Page 98 of Chasing the Sun

“Little bit,” she replied, scrunching up her nose.

He laughed and flung the pillow off to reveal his nakedness. He crawled back into bed and gathered her close, her limbs automatically entwining with his.

“What else were you doing besides watching me sleep?”

Smoothing her hair back, he said, “Thinking of ways to keep you here.”

“Well, we can’t stay here forever. I only paid for one night,” she teased.

“I meant here as in Naples.”

“I know.” She kissed the middle of his chest, loving that she could do so freely now.

“I came up with some ideas.”

“I appreciate that, but you’re not responsible for taking care of me,” she said lightly, knowing he might not like the sound of that. He was used to taking care of people, and while she understood that, she didn’t want to be thought of as a charity case.

“Just hear me out.”

“Okay.” She nestled her head on his shoulder and waited.

“The plaza my parents mentioned where there used to be a dance studio…”

“Um-hmm?”

“You could open a studio there. If money’s an issue, I can help.”

“Bryce…”

“I’m not done yet.”

She sighed but forced herself to keep her mouth shut and let him finish.

“You can consider it a loan if you want to, but at least it would help you get started.”

“What if the studio doesn’t take off? You might not get your money back.”

He gave her a squeeze. “That’s okay. I’m not worried about the money.”

“That’s because you have an abundance of it.” She hadn’t meant to sound snarky, and she quickly moved on. “I appreciate the offer, but I’d like to do this on my own.”

He untangled himself and sat up against the headboard with a huff. “For once in your life, will you stop being so stubborn!”

“Stubborn? Me?” She scooted away from him and clutched the sheet over her bare chest. “Look who’s calling who stubborn!”

“Whom,” he corrected.

She threw up her hands and shouted, “Whatever!”

When his gaze shifted to her breasts, she covered them with the sheet again.

“Let me ask you a question. Have you ever been in love before?”

“Not really. Why?”

“Because when two people love each other, they operate as a team. They take care of each other and help each other out.”

“Yes, but…”