If only life could stay this simple.
The last thing I expected was to fall asleep, but that’s exactly what happened.
I blame Mark and the blanket he suggested I curl up with. Between the two of them and getting very little sleep the night before, it was the perfect trifecta to completely crash harder than I have in years.
I’m not even sure how long I’ve been asleep, but I’m certain it’s been a while. My limbs feel like lead weights, and it takes everything in me not to fall back into my peaceful slumber as I listen to the steady beat of Mark’s heart. His comforting arms hold me in place, and if I didn’t have to go to the bathroom so bad, I’d stay wrapped around him like this for an eternity.
When I force myself to move, I feel him startle below me. “Everything okay?”
“Just need to pee,” I admit groggily, as I pry my eyes open. When I spot light from the early morning sun filling the room, I bolt upright. “Holy shit. What time is it?”
“Zero five hundred,” Mark says on a yawn.
“Mark,” I whisper-shout. “How could you let me sleep like this?”
“Let you?” Mark laughs quietly. “I didn’t let you do anything. You were out like a light just as fast as the boys were.”
“You could’ve woken me.” I push against his chest to get him to let go. “I should’ve gone home last night.”
“Sweetheart, if it makes you feel any better, I fell asleep, too. Besides… I’ll take this kink in my neck if it means waking up with you in my arms.”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” I swat playfully at his chest.
Pulling me back to lie against him, he whispers, “Maybe next time you stay over, we’ll actually get good sleep.”
“Now, what would be the fun in that?” I tease. “Are you turning into an old man on me?”
This earns me a playful eye roll as he shakes his head. “You may be the death of me yet.”
“Hey now…” I hiss in warning.
“Just five more minutes,” he pleads.
“Let me up to use the bathroom first, and I’ll consider it.”
He squeezes me quickly, then pats my hip. “Go. If we’re lucky, the boys will be asleep for another hour or so.”
By the time I return, Mark is nowhere to be found.
Not knowing what to do, I fold the blanket I used last night.
Maybe I should go?
I’d hate for the boys to wake up and get the wrong impression.
Just as I place the blanket in the hall closet, I feel Mark’s arms snake around my waist. “Uh… Where do you think you’re going? I thought you said we’d snuggle some more.”
Turning around, I wrap my arms around his neck. “You were gone, and well, it felt weird standing there. I’d hate for the boys to get the wrong impression.”
“Hmmm…” he murmurs into my neck. “You smell good.”
“Mark,” I chastise. “What are you doing?”
“Wishing you a good morning.” I hear the smile in his voice, even though I can’t see it. “Will you stay for breakfast? I’m making blueberry pancakes… Are those still your favorite?”
“What will the boys think if they find me in the same clothes?” I point out.
Sighing heavily, he states, “They’re five. I doubt they’ll notice.”
