But it doesn’t come.
The only thing I feel is peace, lying here next to him.
Even in his sleep, he keeps me close. He covers me, protects me. The same way he does with all his people. I’ve watched him for months now, even last season when we hardly knew one another. I’ve witnessed him take care of everyone. How could I not want to be included in that?
This was inevitable in a way. In my bones, I knew eventually we’d be waking up tangled together. We’ve been tangled up for months now, haven’t we? Blurred lines. Boundaries crossed. Enemies. Friends. Coworkers. Lovers.
A tangled web, indeed. And I’ve never enjoyed a mess as much as I do this one.
The sun shines over his face too, and I steal the opportunity to look at him. Really look at him. We’ve woken up a couple of times together, but not like this. I’ve never had the chance to take him in like this.
Emmett is handsome when he sleeps. Lashes a bit too long. Jaw that’s a bit too sharp. A big hand, that only a few hours ago was all over my body, rests against his chest.
Perfectly content with himself after ruining me last night.
“Enjoying the view?” he asks, eyes closed, voice laced with sleep.
I attempt to hide my face against him, but I’m sure he can feel my smile form on his skin.
“I was just checking on something.” I run my fingers through a bit of the salt that lives around his temples. “Is that new? Did you age in your sleep? I remember you looking younger last night.”
His chest moves in a laugh. “I didn’t hear you complaining about my age while I was fucking you through multiple orgasms.”
No, no he didn’t. I had never been with an older man until last night, and I learned that they know exactly what they’re doing in bed. At least, this older man does. The soreness between my legs is evidence of that.
Finally, he cracks his eyes open, turning to look down at me. “Morning, Reese.”
His sleepy rasp does something sinful to my body. It has me shifting my legs, rubbing my naked skin against his. “Morning, Em.”
The hand that’s keeping me close reaches up to run softly through my hair. “You’re beautiful in the morning.”
“I just called you old, and you call me beautiful?”
“Yeah. And I hope you feel terrible about it for the rest of the day.”
I crack a smile. “You’ve woken up with me before, you know.”
“I know. But not like this.”
Definitely not like this.
Scooting up, I press my lips to his, then cross my arms over his chest, leaning my chin on my hands.
Emmett’s attention bounces over my face, soft smile on his lips, and fingers toying with my tangled hair.
He’s so comfortable. So at ease in my bed, like he’s got nowhere better to be today, even though both of us are aware we need to head to the field soon for a game.
“How’s that brain of yours?” he asks. “Running in circles?”
“Nope.”
There’s an edge of surprise on his face.
“Just happy.”
“Yeah?”
“Very happy. You look awfully good in my bed.”
