"You're so gorgeous," TJ murmured.
I blushed. I'd never get tired of his compliments, or the touch of his warm hands. "You're not bad looking yourself," I teased, already feeling the heat creep into my cheeks.
TJ brushed my hair aside, playing with it. I leaned into it. I loved feeling doted on by him.
"Do you think I could be pregnant?" I asked softly.
"I hope so." TJ smiled. "We can always try again, too."
I chuckled. "Is that an invitation for round two?"
“Maybe."
He kissed the top of my head. Both of us were too tired for that, but it didn't stop me from getting a little aroused. Besides, there was something both hot and deeply comforting about knowing your partnerwantedyou.
I lifted my arm and gazed at my beautiful new tattoo.
"You know, TJ... this has been just about the best day ever," I said.
"What a coincidence. I feel the same way."
I cuddled into a ball, getting as close to him as possible. "I'm really digging this whole fated mates thing. I wish you'd told me sooner."
"Me, too. But I was nervous you wouldn't understand." He brushed his forehead against mine. "I didn't want to lose you."
A swell of emotions rose in my chest. I exhaled against his collarbones, relaxing into his body. "I get it. But now that you have me, I'm not going anywhere. Ever."
TJ's voice was calm and relieved. "Good."
* * *
Fuzzy morning lightfiltered in through the windows of my bedroom. I yawned and snuggled into my bed. My back hurt for some reason, even though I had a decent mattress.
Then I realized I wasn'tonmy mattress, or even in my bed.
I was in a massage chair. In a tattoo shop.
With TJ.
I blinked as the leftover sleep vanished from my system. I sat up, my eyes frozen on the alpha I'd curled up with last night. All of yesterday's events came rushing back to me in a flurry of good feelings. I broke out into a huge smile as I looked at TJ.
My fated mate.
My heart fluttered. We'd fallen asleep in this massage chair together, wrapped up in each other's arms. Sure, my back hurt and my neck had a weird crick in it, but I didn't care. Waking up with TJ was perfect, no matter the circumstances.
TJ roused with a small groan. "Ow, my back..."
I chuckled. "Morning. And same."
Upon hearing my voice, TJ's eyes snapped open and an adoring expression came over his face. He smiled brightly as he reached for me, pulling me back into the inescapable cuddle.
"Looks like we never made it to bed, huh?" TJ asked.
"Apparently not. Next time we should make a better effort to find one before we throw both our backs out."
TJ tilted his head. "Is Kiara still at your parents' place?"
I nodded. "Whenever she sleeps over, they do a pancake breakfast the next morning. She's probably having the time of her life right now."
