He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 48

For Vivian, it was jealousy.

That night, Houston stayed over at the Marshall family’s home.

Sam had set him up in a tiny guest room, but sometime after midnight, Houston quietly slipped into Rose’s room.

Rose woke with a start when she felt someone slip into the bed beside her. Turning her head, she saw Houston. "What are you doing here?"

Houston gave her a pitiful look. "Rose, the guest bed’s too small. I couldn’t even stretch out. Mind if I crash here tonight?"

Rose suddenly remembered—the guest room was tiny, barely sixty-five square feet. The bed had been custom-made, just about six-foot-three inches long. Houston was six-foot-two. No wonder he was uncomfortable.

Feeling bad for him, Rose pulled her warm blanket over him.

But Houston wasn’t done. He rolled over suddenly, resting his arm across her.

They were facing each other now, so close she could feel his breath. Rose lay stiff, unable to fall back asleep. Her gaze stayed locked on Houston.

His eyes were closed, clearly pretending to be asleep. His skin was smooth and fair, his features sharp and defined, and his lashes dark and long. He looked almost too perfect to ignore.

Unable to resist, Rose reached out and gently touched his face.

Houston caught her hand and tucked it against his chest. "Rose," he warned softly, "if you keep that up, I can’t promise I won’t do something about it."

Terrified, Rose froze and quickly shut her eyes.

Houston’s lips curled into a wicked smile.

The next morning.

They’d both overslept. After breakfast, Rose rushed around gathering her things for work.

"I’m going to be late!" she called, running toward the study.

Sam glanced at Houston and said meaningfully, "Rose, how many times have I told you—don’t stay up late. You need proper rest so you can get to work on time, fresh and focused. But you never listen, do you? Tell me, did you stay up last night?"

Clutching her folder, Rose stood in the doorway, looking tired and drawn. She shot a nervous glance at Houston.

Houston calmly finished the last bite of his pancake, swallowed, and then said casually, "No rush. I’ll drive you."

Rose instantly relaxed. How did I forget I have my own private driver now? She shot Sam a playful grin.