I let out a long yawn, stretching my arms over my head. The exhaustion is hitting hard tonight, and my body is starting to ache more and more every day.
“Bedtime?” Fletcher asks with a laugh.
“Yeah, I think so.”
He helps me off the couch and leads me down the hallway.
“Thanks for another great date,” I say as we stop in front of my door. I want to invite him in. “I still can’t believe you were able to get access to the arena for us.”
“I’m glad you had fun. I had a great time, too.”
Fletcher leans forward, cupping my cheeks in his massive palms and kissing me gently. “Good night, Lydia.”
I don’t want to say good night, but I do. Maybe he needs rest. I mean, he does have a game tomorrow, after all. I shouldn’t assume he wants me in his room because we’re dating. Space is okay, right?
I watch him close the door behind him and head into my room, changing and getting ready for bed. But I can’t sleep. All previous exhaustion is gone, leaving me wired and my brain running. I toss and turn for an hour, watching each tick of the clock in irritation.
Fletcher wants me; he’s proven that without question, but this is going to be a huge change. I can’t deny that I’m worried. What if it’s all too much? He has a career to think about.
The thoughts in my head are getting worse with each passing second, and I know that only one thing will stop them. I throw my sheets off and roll out of bed. Crossing the hall, I hesitate for only a moment before I knock gently on his door.
“Fletch?” I whisper. There’s rustling behind the door.
“Come in.”
I open the door, stepping into his space. It smells familiar, like him.
“Are you okay?” Fletcher sits up in bed, rubbing his eyes.
He’s shirtless, and the soft light from outside illuminates his bare chest. How is he this attractive?
“I couldn’t sleep.” I shrug, still standing in his doorway.
“Come here, beautiful.” He reaches out an arm to me and opens the sheets next to him.
I rush to the other side of the bed, crawling under the sheets and cuddling up next to him.
“Sorry I woke you,” I say, curling into his warmth. His bare skin against me feels like heaven.
“You didn’t.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders, squeezing me.
“Liar. You were rubbing your eyes.”
“You didn’t. I was lying here with my eyes closed. I had to make sure it wasn’t a dream that you were in my room.”
“It’s not a dream.” I press a kiss to his collarbone. “I’m here.”
“Right where I wanted you.” His voice is soft. “I should have brought you in here right away.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I wasn’t sure if you wanted it.”
“I do,” I say quickly.
“I’m glad you came in here. I probably would have snuck into your room if you hadn’t. I was five seconds away from getting up.”
My heart is pounding. “Maybe we should be better about telling each other what we want, then.”
