"Yes."
He'd spoken before she finished her question. He shook his head and leaned against the door frame leading into the bedroom.
"Sorry," he apologized.
She shook her head and a ghost of a smile touched her lips. "I was just wondering if you could stay."
His eyes widened at her question, and he felt his heart kick against his ribs.
He didn't know what she saw in his expression, but she rushed on to explain. "At least until I fall asleep. Would that be okay?"
Sam nodded. "Happy to, Seaton. Whatever you need."
Her smile broadened as she stepped beyond the door.
By the timeshe came out, he had a warm glass of milk that he pressed into her hands.
With a nod, she took the glass and drank it down.
"Thanks," she handed the glass to him, "for the milk and for staying."
She looked around, her gaze ended up at the ceiling above her head.
"I feel safe here, but all day I've had you with me." She closed her eyes for a moment. "Beside me," she explained. "I'm pretty sure I'm just being clingy right now, or selfish, wanting you to stay, but-"
"You can ask me anything. If I'm not okay with it," he leaned in and touched his lips to her cheek, "I'll let you know."
She turned her head and her lips glanced along the skin at the side of his neck. "Why do you always smell so good?"
He knew she wasn't completely conscious of what she was doing.
Her voice had a dreamy, half-asleep quality to it.
"I'm glad you think so." He let his eyes drift closed when she stepped in and leaned against his chest.
Well, it wasn't just his chest, but he wasn't going to allow his thoughts to go there.
"One day," she murmured softly, "I'm going to look in your bedroom and find out what cologne you use."
He didn't want to ruin the moment and tell her that he didn't use cologne. It was just the combination of his body wash and deodorant that made him smell the way he did. The word cologne sounded better, so he let it go and wrapped his free arm around her body to hold her close. "You're welcome to go looking in my bedroom and my bathroom any time you want to."
Seaton placed a hand against his chest, her fingertips brushed against his shirt, forward and back in a vague circular shape.
"Do you," her voice was softer now, "wish that I hadn't come over to say hello?"
"No." He placed a kiss on the top of her head. "And I won't. The day you came by with cookies was the beginning of the best part of my life, Seaton."
He felt her lean in against him and he let out a soft sigh. "Here, let me get you settled, and I'll wash this glass and come back."
Sam kept his arm around her, but loosened his hold, setting down the glass on the nightstand.
He drew back the blanket and held it open for her.
There was something so intimate about watching her climb into bed. She slipped under the blanket and turned on her side, facing him.
Beautiful.
She was just beautiful inside and out.
