That wasn’t much fun to think about, so he circled the room blowing out votives. Oh, and the kitchen light was still on. He’d been focused on the issues and hadn’t turned it off when he’d gone to get the laptop.
The dishes were still where they’d left them, too. Should he ignore them? Laughing at himself, he walked over and cleared the table.
He shouldn’t be worried that Tracy would question his cleanliness. That said, he rinsed everything and put it in the dishwasher, picked up the placemats and wiped down the table before turning off the light.
Last of all he located his phone and set an alarm for six. When they’d changed the contract to include next week, they’d taken out the part suggesting one last roll in the hay beginning at six. But he still needed to get up and at least shower before he left for the barn.
Leaving the phone on the easy chair along with the contracts and the condom, he studied the logistics of getting into bed without waking Tracy. He’d also rather not freeze to death during what was left of the night.
She’d claimed the side closest to the sofa and most of the comforter. That put him next to the fire, which was almost out but would give off smoke during the night, which meant he couldn’t close the flue. Cold air would start whistling down that chimney any time now.
Aha. He could put on his sweats. He walked around the sofa and started digging them out of the pile when it dawned on him that he had more blankets. All that good sex had clearly fried his brain cells.
Fetching a nice soft one from the hall closet, he folded it in two, laid it out on his side and crawled under it. Except now he was on top of the sheet and Tracy was under it.
What was the point of sleeping beside her if he couldn’t snuggle? He got up, peeled back the top sheet and the blanket, and climbed in again.
“Are you finally settled?”
“You’re awake?”
“Well, duh. I halfway woke up when you come back from the bathroom. I figured you’d climb right in and I’d drift off again, but you kept puttering around.” She rolled to face him. “What all were you doing?”
“Things.”
She grinned.
“Important things.”
“Obviously.” Then she noticed the extra blanket. “What’s that for?”
“You had most of the comforter.”
“Oh. You’re right. Didn’t mean to hog it. You should’ve just pulled it over to your side.”
“I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not? You did it all the time when we were kids.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, we’re not kids anymore.” Reaching for her, he pulled her close. “We’re lovers. And lovers don’t yank covers off their beloved. They fetch another blanket.”
Her gaze softened. “I’m your beloved?”
“Yes, ma’am. And I’m yours.”
“I like that.”
“Me, too. And FYI I brought another condom from the bathroom.”
She gazed at him, clearly trying hard to keep her eyes open. So cute. She’d always hated to admit she was tired. And he’d be damned if he’d confess to it.
Finally she covered her mouth and yawned. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m pretty sleepy.”
“You’re pretty awake, too.”
“Aw, thanks. Anyway, I’d just like to snuggle.”
“Then come here.” Rolling to his back, he gathered her close, settling her head on his shoulder. “How’s that?”
