First (A Crescent Chronicles Novella) by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online

excited. Tonight wasn’t the night, but it would happen.
     
    Another image flashed through my mind. Another night, a fireplace and a skylight open to the stars. I forced my eyes open. I couldn’t go there. That was a thought that could only hurt me. Still, there was something about this girl that got to me, and I knew it wasn’t just about sex. If it was, I wouldn’t have been so satisfied just holding her. I stayed awake for hours listening to her breathe.   I relaxed completely, and I felt strangely comfortable considering the cramped space. Finally, my body protested to the late hour, and I kissed her cheek before drifting off to sleep.
     
    ***
     
    My body was stiff, but I’d never woken up in such a good mood before. Allie was snuggled up flush against me, and her hair and hands were sprawled across my chest. I imagined how much better the morning would be if we weren’t wearing clothes, but somehow I was okay with the current situation.
     
    She stirred, quietly at first, before doing this adorable stretch with her arms. She seemed to notice the cramped space and opened her eyes.
     
    “Good morning, beautiful.”
     
    She clutched the blanket against her. “Oh god.”
     
    “Sleep well?”
     
    She blinked a few times and looked around. “What are you doing here?”
     
    “You’re in my apartment, or did you forget?” I liked saying that.
     
    “I mean why are you sleeping on the couch with me? Why aren’t you in your room?”
     
    “Oh, I gave my bed to Hailey.”
     
    “But I thought you’d never…”
     
    “I was just messing with her. Besides, I thought we could use the privacy.” I couldn’t resist egging her on.
     
    “Was I really so zonked out I missed all of this?”
     
    “You fell asleep in the middle of a conversation and were leaning against me. You looked too comfortable to disturb, so I just moved us a bit.” I left out asking Hailey for a blanket. She didn’t need to know I’d actually put thought into the arrangement.
     
    “I see. Well, at least we’re on the couch and not your bed.”
     
    “Don’t sound so relieved about it.” I tried to sound playful, but would it have been so bad if we’d spent the night in my room?
     
    “Hmm, yeah, because it would have felt great to wake up in bed with a guy I don’t know.”
     
    “You do know me, Allison.” Her name felt like velvet on my tongue. I knew she didn’t like it, but I liked the way it riled her up. Besides, I was serious about not calling her what everyone else did.
     
    “That again?” She shifted around. I knew she was trying to get up, but I wasn’t quite ready to let go yet.
     
    “You are really cute when you get angry.”
     
    “Just shut up and let go of me so I can get the heck out of here.”
     
    “Wow, calm down. Aren’t you going to let me make you breakfast? It’s the least I can do for the girl I just spent the night with.”
     
    “I did not spend the night with you. We were on the couch.” She blinked again. I’d have to make sure she brought a case for her contacts next time she spent the night at my place. The next time. That thought got me excited.
     
    “You spent the night in my arms, sweetheart. Sex or no sex, you can’t argue that.”
     
    She groaned just as Owen walked into the room. He always had impeccable timing. I moved my arm so Allie could sit up. She smoothed out her dress and stood.  
     
    “Good morning. Did you enjoy the wonderful accommodations of our living room?”
     
    “Where’s Jess? Please tell me she’s here somewhere.” Allie’s voice was a mix of worry and embarrassment. She didn’t need to feel either. Jared wouldn’t have hurt Jess, and she’d slept with me on the couch. What was embarrassing about that?  
     
    “She’s in with Jared,” Owen and I answered at the same time.
     
    “Um, could one of you please get her for me?” She picked up her purse off the ground and put back on her flip-flops. Was she really just going to leave