Chapter seven

I was only vaguely aware of being carried up the stairs and into my new room. I was warm and comfortable and safe, that was all I cared about. When I was put down on my feet, I protested and tried to snuggle back into that warmth.

"Kimber, can you just stand there for a second? I need to turn down the bed so I can put you in it."

I mumbled a protest in a sleepy, childlike voice and leaned against Derek. He held me against him with one arm while turning down the bed with the other.

"Okay, into bed you go," and I scooped off my feet and slid into the sheets.

I blinked up at him owlishly, "What'd you call me?"

Derek grinned at me, "Kimber. Kimberly is a mouthful and Kim is too short. You seem like a Kimber to me, sort of unusual and elegant. Is that okay with you?"

It was already too warm in the bed. I pulled the sweats off and tossed them on the floor, leaving me in my t-shirt and panties.

"S'okay. You're weird, but I like it. I'm going to sleep now." My words were slow and sleepy. Talk