“Wh—?” She shrieks as I lift her from the counter. She immediately wraps her arms and legs around me.
“Grab our waters, baby.”
Without question or complaint, she snags the two bottles of water and holds them in one hand while the other grips the back of my neck. I carry us into the living room and sit on the couch. She tries to move, but I don’t let her. I take the waters from her grip, opening one and handing it to her. She’s straddling my hips, a bewildered expression on her face. “Drink.” Twisting the cap off the second bottle, I place it to my lips and drain the contents. When she’s had enough, I take hers and place it on the end table.
“What are we doing?” she asks, making no effort to move from her spot on my lap.
“I thought we could watch some TV,” I tell her. I’m not sure if it’s surprise or disappointment that crosses her face; it’s gone before I can decipher it.
“I can’t see the TV,” she sasses.
“That’s because I need to do this first.” Just like in the kitchen, I cradle her face in my hands and fuse my lips to hers. This time I keep it short, but the result is still the same. I ache for her. Pulling out of the kiss, I tap her leg. “Stand.” She does as I ask, and I lie down on the couch. I pat the spot in front of me, but she doesn’t move. “Just let me hold you, Gabs.”
“Chase, this is a bad idea.” There is no conviction in her voice; in fact, it wavers, telling me all I need to know. She wants this. She just thinks that she shouldn’t.
“Come here.” I reach for her hand and give a slight tug. That’s all it takes for her to relent and lie down in front of me. Her body is stiff as I pull her back to my chest and wrap my arms around her. “Breathe,” I whisper next to her ear. She sucks in a deep breath and slowly exhales, but it does nothing to relax her. Reaching behind me, I feel for the remote on the table and hand it to her. “Watch whatever you want.”
“What do you want to watch?” she asks softly.
“I don’t care. Hell, you don’t even have to turn it on. I just want to hold you.” She hesitates and then hits the Power button. Some sitcom is playing and she makes no move to change it. Her body still lies rigid next to mine. That won’t do. Sliding my hand under her shirt, she gasps but doesn’t try to stop me. I rest my hand on her stomach and draw slow, lazy circles with my thumb. Gradually, her body begins to respond to my touch as she settles in next to me. Her shoulders fall, and the tension leaves her body.
My eyes fall closed as I relish the feel of her in my arms—the softness of her smooth skin and the way her hair tickles my nose. I’ve fought this for far too long. The rightness of this moment is more than enough validation for me to know I’m a dumbass. I should have made a move sooner. No matter how many times I imagined this moment, it doesn’t compare to real life.
I’m not sure how much time passes, but I can tell from how relaxed her breathing is that she’s asleep. In my arms. I’m half tempted to let us both stay here all night, but I have a king-size bed calling my name. Carefully, I climb out from behind her. She doesn’t move a muscle.
My girl is tired.
Making my way through the house, I check the doors ensuring they’re locked. In the kitchen, I toss our trash from dinner and turn off the lights. My feet carry me back to the couch, back to Gabby. Bending, I scoop her up in my arms and she mumbles something I can’t understand. “I got you,” I murmur, kissing her temple. I carry her upstairs and stop just outside her room. I hesitate before my feet carry me a few more steps to my door. To my room. Using my foot, I push open the door and carry her to my bed. I set her in the middle and take in the sight before me. The moonlight gives the room a soft glow, and I’m thankful tonight is a full moon. The light is enough for me to make out her soft features as she sleeps peacefully. In my bed. Working at a gym is nice considering I’m already in gym shorts and a T-shirt. I’d love to strip us both down and crawl under the covers with her, but she’s not ready for that. For now, I remain how I am and slide under the covers.