Queen of my Heart

05

I'VE NEVER HAD A LONGER NIGHT.

I was tired from the unexpected reunion with my former best friend. It also didn't help that Bryan was crashing in for the night.

Well, my subconscious said, you wanted to take care of that pathetic excuse for a man.

I mean, who whined about slightly warm porridge?

"It's not hot enough," he complained.

Despite of him being sick, I whacked his head. "Why don't you shut up and just be thankful?"

"How can I express gratitude without speaking?" he pointed out, trying to search for holes.

I raised a brow. "I will accept silence as a proper thank you," I said.

He rolled his eyes but didn't say anything more.

Finally.

I helped him settle on my bed and changed his shirt (I have to say, he has a quite . . . adorable body).

Sue me for being a complete prude.

Letting out a sigh, I checked Bryan's temperature for the last time and came up with 99°.

It was enough to have me smiling in relief.

I nudged him slightly. "Hey, Bryan."

He groaned in response.

It was enough for me. "I'm gonna sleep downstairs. Just rest, okay?"

Not waiting for his reply, I turned around to leave, but was surprised when a hand tugged me down on the bed.

My face met a chest. "Whahahek?" I said, my voice muffled on his shirt.

Bryan chuckled. "Get your face off my chest."

I scowled, pulling away so I could talk. "Get your chest off my face," I retorted.

"Don't leave," he whispered, looking deep in my eyes.

I rolled my eyes, smiling faintly. "Of course I won't leave. It's my house," I humored him.

A frown decorated his face. "That's not what I—"

I shushed him by putting a finger on his lips. "I know, Bryan." I offered him a smile. "I'll stay with you."

A soft smile grazed his lips, his eyes half closed. "Thank you."

Had it been Shane, I would be utterly terrified at the prospect of sleeping together (and, of course, perhaps a teensy bit excited).

But with Bryan McFadden, I just didn't mind. When I met him earlier, he and I seemed to just . . . click.

I mean, there was no love at first sight or anything romance-related. It was just the fact that Bryan seemed so friendly and optimistic.

Me and him were basically the complete opposite.

Even I had to admit I liked how we easily got along.

I closed my eyes as he nuzzled my neck affectionately, sending my hormones on fire.

Damn being an inexperienced virgin.

I felt Bryan sighed contentedly against my skin, as if sensing the effect he suddenly had on me.

Pity Shane wasn't here to witness anything.

***

The first thing that welcomed me upon my awakening was a pair of strong arms around me.

I groaned in the most unfeminine way before trying—and failing—to unwrap the body parts embracing me.

I weakly tapped on his shoulder, refusing to open my eyes. "Bryan, let me goooo."

I heard his deep chuckle. "Open your eyes first, sweet pea."

I shook my head profusely. "No. Don't wanna." I pouted, wanting to sleep a little longer.

"Fine. I'll kiss you if you don't do it," he challenged.

I smirked. "My morning breath will kill you before you could do anything else."

He hummed in contemplation. "You don't smell that bad," he concluded.

"Kissing is overrated, Bryan."

"Not for me, babe." I can hear the smile in his voice.

I snorted, burying my face in his neck. He visibly tensed. I grinned at his discomfort.

"Feeling what I felt last night, McFadden?" I taunted, still sleepy.

He started to relax a bit. "If you mean getting a bone—"

I clamped my hand on his mouth without opening my eyes still. "Don't even think about finishing that sentence," I threatened.

He barked out a laugh, slightly pulling way from me. "Just open your eyes, Juliet," he said softly, persuasively.

I wasn't bulging.

"Fine," he huffed.

And then I felt his lips on mine.