Chapter 43

"He wakes before me," I said half to myself. "I've noticed that."

"Well, he gave me permission to stay here, although I'm not going to." Paul grasped my hand and led me into the front room. "These rooms are a bit much for me." He sprawled out on the cushions, and I sat across from him.

He watched me for a moment. "I think the fancy clothes are great, but you really look good in jeans and a T-shirt."

I smiled shyly. "Thanks. You look ... equally good in a towel."

He studied one of the cushions.

It seemed we were both making an effort not to relive the night before.

"Amanda and I broke up," he said.

"Oh, Paul. I hope it's not because of me because I didn't want to disrupt your life."