“Permission to koala?” he asked against my lips. “I need some emotional strangulation.”
I exhaled a laugh, happy to deliver and relieved he was teasing me back.
“I volunteer.”
I changed into sweats while he tossed my giant pillows on the floor and started a movie. Admittedly, there was more kissingthan movie-watching, but the minute I started twirling his hair between my fingers, he was out like a light.
His hot breath slowed against my neck where he buried his face, the dead weight of his head and arm confining me to a prison I never wanted to escape.
I stayed as still as I could, still lightly dragging my nails over his scalp and down his back. Eventually I began to drift off and had to nudge him awake. I knew how important it was for him to follow through with his commitments, and I didn’t know his plan.
“Do you need an alarm?” I whispered.
He shifted his weight, reversing our positions, and tightened his arms around me. “You’re watching out for me.”
“Of course I am. You’re exhausted. What can I do?”
“I told Ray I had some business to handle at home and I’d be back tomorrow afternoon. I need to be irresponsible for eight hours. Rest with me? We’ll be grown-ups at 10 a.m.”
“So, blanket nest until ten?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he drawled lazily into my hair, the hum of his voice making me shiver. “Is that okay? You won’t take advantage of me in my weakened state, will you?”
I smacked his hip, the only move I could make the way we were wrapped up.
“Did you try to spank me? Little girl, I’m too tired to discuss boundaries, but once I’ve had some sleep, you’re in trouble.”
“Looking forward to it,” I whispered as I rolled over and settled my back against his chest.
“Mmm, me too.” His words hummed near my ear as his arm slipped around my waist. “You know what else?”
“Hmm?”
“I want to take you to a Braves game.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hmm. And maybe … a beach trip?” he asked softly, as if I might turn him down.
“Are you real?”
“I hope so.” His laugh rumbled against my back. “One more thing. I’ve wanted to for a while, but I didn’t know how you’d take it.”
“What?” I asked, tilting my face back.
“Houses…” he trailed off.
“What about houses?”
“I want to look together and see what you like.”
He was barely awake and so adorable I could hardly stand it.
“Anytime. But you need to sleep.”
“I think of all the things I want to ask you when I can’t sleep, but when I’m with you…”
“I’m not going anywhere, Boss Man. Go to sleep.”
