Ugh, this is why I don’t do relationships. They make me question everything I thought I knew about myself.
“You look like you’re contemplating your life choices.” Tristan slides his arm around me, pulling me to him. He kisses my forehead and smiles down at me. “Good morning.”
This may be my new favorite way to wake up. I’m in so much trouble. “Morning. I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“No. I’ve been awake probably three times already, but I keep forcing myself back to sleep. Are you thinking about how bad of an idea it was to stay up until three drinking with your brothers? I know I am.”
“No, I was barely buzzed.” I snuggle into him. “I was thinking about us, and possibly freaking out a little bit.”
“Why? We’re still the same people, we’re just officially dating now instead of it being a performance.”
How pathetic will I sound if I tell him I’ve never actually dated anyone? Not even in high school. “Because I’ve never done this before. I wasn’t lying when I said relationships weren’t my thing.”
“Well, they are now.” He glances toward the window and the sunlight peeking through the blinds. “Do we have to be anywhere at a specific time today?”
“Not that I know of. Mom saidsomething about going to the botanical gardens at some point today. Why?”
“Come here.” He lifts my chin and softly kisses me before tracing a line down my jaw.
“Absolutely not. We’ve already established I can’t be quiet to save my life. And…I’m almost certain everyone is awake.”
His chuckle vibrates through me. It’s like a kitten’s purr. “I wasn’t going to suggest that. Well, I was…but you reminding me about the noise issue made me change my mind.”
“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“It’s not my fault.” Another laugh. “Eh, maybe a little bit.”
“You are definitely getting all the blame.” I pull the covers over us more. “Why don’t we go back to sleep for a while. It’s so rare I get a chance to sleep in.”
“That means you have to stop talking.”
I pull my fingers across my lips as if I’m zipping them shut, and throw away the imaginary key.
This right here brings me the most comfort I’ve felt in a while. I feel safe and cared for. Tristan has my back no matter what. Even when I want to ignore the world for a while longer and drift off to dream land.
Something hits me in the head, and I sit up. “What the fuck?”
Piper is in the doorway with another pillow in herhand. Peter is standing beside her with additional ammunition.
“Huh. The first pillow woke you up. I thought for sure I’d need at least three.”
Peter laughs at our baby sister. He’s not so bad as long as he’s not up Pierce’s ass, but right now I’m not amused with him.
“You never know, she might glare us to death and go back to sleep.”
Tristan stirs beside me and slowly opens his eyes. “Why do I feel like we’re under attack?”
“Because you are.” Piper sing songs before chunking another pillow at us.
“Would you stop?” I growl. “We’re awake.”
“Good. It’s after lunch. I know you weren’t drunk when you went to bed last night. Why are you still in bed?”
I wave my arm around to show the room. “We’re on vacation. That’s what you’re supposed to do.”
“Except we’re hungry.” Peter whines. “Mom said we’d eat out for lunch before we go to the gardens. But you have to get up.”
I swear some things never change. This brother of mine always thinks with his stomach. Tristan’s stomach growls in response. Apparently, the mention of food reminds his body he hasn’t eaten.
