"The one with the long-haired princess?"
"Rapunzel. And yes. It's one of my favorites."
"Then that's what we're watching." He shifts us so we're both comfortable on the couch, me tucked against his side.
I grab Mr. Snuggles and the new kitten plushie he gave me, settling them in my lap.
Tyler doesn't comment on it. Doesn't make me feel childish or silly. He just pulls the blanket over both of us and starts the movie.
Halfway through, I realize I'm sucking my thumb.
I jerk it out of my mouth, mortified. "Sorry. I didn't—I don't usually?—"
"Hey." His voice is gentle. "Don't apologize. If that's something that comforts you, it's okay."
"It's babyish."
"It's self-soothing. There's a difference." He guides my thumb back to my mouth. "If it makes you feel safe and relaxed, do it. I'm not judging you."
"Really?"
"Really. You're allowed to be little with me, sweetheart. All the parts of yourself that you usually hide. I want to see them. Know them. Love them."
"You don't even know me that well yet."
"I know enough. And I'm falling for you. Hard." He tilts my face up. "Is that too fast? Too intense?"
"No. Because I'm falling too."
His kiss is soft and sweet and tastes like a promise of things to come.
When we break apart, I settle back against his chest, thumb in my mouth, stuffed animals in my lap.
We finish the movie, and Tyler doesn't make any moves to leave.
"Do you want to stay?" I ask quietly. "Not for…I mean, just to sleep. If you want."
"I'd love to stay. But I should warn you, I snore."
"Mr. Snuggles snores too. I'm used to it."
He laughs, and the sound fills my small apartment with warmth. "Then I'll stay. Let me just grab my go-bag from the truck."
While he's gone, I change into pajamas, choosing pink cotton shorts and a matching tank top with little clouds on them.
When Tyler returns, he takes one look at me and groans.
"What?" I ask, suddenly self-conscious.
"Nothing. You're just... adorable. Too adorable for my sanity." He sets his bag down. "Mind if I use your bathroom to change?"
"Go ahead."
He emerges a few minutes later in gray sweatpants and a black t-shirt, and oh my God.
How is it possible for a man to look that good in something so simple?
"You're staring," he says, amused.
