Chapter 74

Addy’s POV

I’d been wiggling for what felt like an eternity—tapping his shoulder, humming obnoxiously, even tickling his ribs—but finally, Damien’s eyelids fluttered open. His gaze was half-lost in dreamland, pupils like two groggy hamster wheels clattering in slow motion. I felt a pang of guilt for dragging him out of his nap, but hey, I’d promised dinner.

“Let me grab some food. You can head up to bed,” I said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. His fingers were cool and slightly clammy—weekend warrior exhaustion at its prime.

He blinked twice, then mumbled, “I’m supposed to be feeding you.” He tried to sit up and immediately toppled off-balance. Predictably, I ducked under his arm and caught him around the waist, securing a perfect, accidental “hero carrying damsel” tableau. His arm draped over my shoulders, and he sighed, “Thanks.”

I half-chuckled. “Yep. No big deal.” I helped him over to the two barstools that faced the island counter. He planted h