Page 41 of Obeying the Owner

“You’re right. Funny it is.”

After a brief search, he settles on the movie Blockers, which is about three parents who try to foil their teenage daughters’ plans to have sex on prom night.

I lean my head on his shoulder. “I love this movie.”

He shifts his position, wrapping his arm around me. “This movie makes me nervous about the upcoming teenage years.”

“Then why are we watching it?”

“Because it’s also hilarious.”

Tipping my head back against his arm, I look up at his face. “Are you going to be like this with Gwen?”

“I hope not. I like to think I won’t lose common sense or my ability to think clearly and rationally, but… she’s my daughter.”

I snuggle into his larger frame and slip off my Chucks before putting my bare feet on the ottoman next to his.

Tonight, I’m seeing a different side of James, a more casual one. Wearing shorts and a black t-shirt, with his hair more unruly, he looks younger than the man I’ve come to know. But he’s no less attractive. I’d say he seems more approachable, but even when I met him wearing his wingtips and business wear, he was friendly and unassuming.

He plays with my hair, combing his fingers through the long strands. The motion is so soothing, my eyelids fall shut. Slinging my arm across his stomach, I burrow into his side. I want to be as close to him as possible.

* * *

My eyelids slowly flutter as I fight my way out of a dreamless sleep. My backside is so warm. I wiggle against the heater behind me, wondering how it ended up in my bed. And then the heater groans.

Wait. What?

My eyelids finally snap open and stay that way. I’m surprised to realize I’m lying on James’s couch and in his arms. His tall frame is what’s been providing all the warmth. I don’t even remember falling asleep.

His arm tightens around me. I tap on the back of his hand. “James.”

“Hmm.”

I tap some more. “James,” I say louder.

“What’s going on?” he asks in a groggy tone.

“We fell asleep on the couch.”

“Oh shit.” He raises his arm, checking his watch. “It’s two in the morning.”

“Fuck.” I scamper to a seated position and rub my eyes. “I should’ve left hours ago.”

“It’s okay. You can stay and leave later this morning.”

I stand. “I’ve got to go now.”

He moves to his feet, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Mae, please stay. It’s dangerous for you to drive home at this time of night.”

“I’ll be fine.”

His brows snap together. “Mae, think this through. What if you break down?”

“Are you saying my car is a shitbox?”

“No. Any vehicle can break down. You shouldn’t take a chance on your safety.”

“I’m a big girl.”

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