Page 77 of Yours, Forever

A soft smile appeared on her face. "Thank you for keeping her entertained through the night. It made things easier for me."

"You're very welcome. Now let's get in bed."

"Are you sleeping in your robe?"

"I wasn’t planning to, but I wanted to ask you if you're more comfortable with me finding the one pair of pajama pants I have… somewhere."

A little smile appeared on her lips. "I thought you slept in your underwear."

"I do, but I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"Why would I be? I've seen you in your boxers before." She shrugged the shoulder under my hand.

My hand stilled, but remained on her. "Yes, but we're sleeping together now."

"So? We're adults. It doesn't have to matter. It's just bodies."

"Oh, I see how you're going to play this." I arched a playful eyebrow and removed my hand. "What happens if we end up snuggling, darling?"

"We stop, simple as that." She shrugged again.

"Will you be able to detangle yourself from me? You might not be able to resist my warmth. And with all my skin at your disposal, the temptation might be too strong."

She chuckled. "Wow. Another cocky joke by my husband. I totally expected you to go there. You always do. I think it's on purpose."

I pulled the corner of my lips down. If I didn't make a big deal of it, maybe she would let it go. My coaches didn't teach me this one strategy, and I loved it dearly because of it. Making jokes like this was my own discovery.

I lifted a confident shoulder. "I just know what I have to offer, and how tempted you must be by having all of me within reach through the night."

This time, she laughed. "Oh yeah, ha-ha. So tempted."

"There it is." A hint of pride feathered across my chest. "Your laugh. Did you know this is the only way I can make you laugh?"

Reason number one why I liked joking around with her.

Eva's humor dissolved; the smile melted on her face until it was gone, replaced by soft vulnerability… a sweet something in her eyes.

It was even better than her laugh. This may be the first time she willingly showed me a more delicate part of her soul.

I wanted to grab it, coddle it softly in my hands, and protect it from harm in the walls of my heart.

Her eyes stayed on me, open and clear. "For whatever reason you like telling me these jokes… Thank you, Max. Thanks for wanting to make me laugh."

"It's my favorite part of the day."

We got into bed, she in her small pajamas and me in my underwear. We pretended it meant nothing, no matter the tender moment we'd just shared.

"Good night, darling. Try to resist me, all right?"

"Good night, darling."

Eva

I woke up with Max wrapped around me. Soft sunlight came through the window, mostly blocked by the curtains. I moved carefully to check my phone. It was barely past six am.

With my mom visiting, Ale and Lily would open the café and, for once, I'd have the morning off. I went back into the covers and tried to go back to sleep, but failed miserably. I was too used to early mornings.

Max continued to breathe deep and constant behind me. It surprised me that he slept in. Maybe being in a proper bed for once had him catching up on rest. I didn't have the heart to wake him up; besides, I found I enjoyed his proximity, his warmth, and the coziness of the moment.