“Can I stay with you?”“Always.”

“I sighed. “Mom, it’s not like we’re going to have sex with you home.”“Well, honey, it’s good to know that you only have sex when I’m not home.”Daemon coughed as he fought a smile. “We can stay—”

“I love you, Katy. Always have. Always will.”

“I always liked you. From the moment you first flipped me off.”

“I could always give you a teaser. You bookish people love teasers, don't you?”

“You know what, you need to stay out of my bedroom. You have your own.” He smiled. “I know I do. I see it quite often. I just prefer your bed. It smells better.” I made a face. “It smells better? What does your bed smell like? Regret and bad taste?”

“Can I…?” There was a pause and my heart stuttered. “Can I just hold you? That’s all…that’s all I want.”