Page 35 of The Funnel to You

“A couple rom-coms that Sasha mentioned that she loves, the newest Marvel movie, and then a couple classics that I think we have all seen for some background noise if we want to play a card game or something.”

“I’ll go set the plates on the table if you want to pour drinks and we can see what the girls want to do after dinner.”

A little less than an hour later we are all sitting on the porch, watching the stars come out and enjoying the quiet. It may be tourist season in Estes Park, but we are far enough away from the main strip that we don’t hear the noise from the shops. And most things close when it gets dark anyways. I didn’t think to look if they are doing any fireworks or anything this weekend, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. It’s October – not really a fireworks kind of holiday.

“So, do we want to open a bottle of wine and the hot tub?” Kylie asks. We’ve been sipping on coffee and tea to keep us warm out here. It’s not too chilly, but just enough that a blanket on my lap while Sasha snuggles into my side makes sense. And, having her close to me like this is definitely not something I am complaining about.

“I don’t really want to turn that thing on if it isn’t already going. And I didn’t bring a suit with me either.” Sasha responds. Carter makes eye contact with me and I get the hint.

“Why don’t we go inside and pop in a movie or something and these two can hang out in the hot tub. I’m not big on hot tubs that are open to public groups anyway.” I stand and grab the blanket then reach back for her hand. “And I brought up some of the hot cocoa you love too.”

That’s all the encouragement she needs before she is up and telling Kylie and Carter goodnight. I hear her tell them not to stay up too late so we can go exploring tomorrow and then her hand is in mine and we are heading into the cabin.

“Do you want to pick a movie while I get the kettle going?” I ask her. A moment later, I am surprised to feel her body up against my back with her settling into me. Her arms come around my waist and I just take a moment to feel the weight of her against me.

“Can we put the movie on in the bedroom and just cuddle? I liked being in your arms on the porch and wasn’t quite ready to be done, but I know Kylie and Carter needed some quiet time.”

“Absolutely, babe. Do you want the hot cocoa or any snacks or just want to go get in bed?” I turn to face her so she knows she has my full attention. I love having her in my arms like this – close enough that I can see every small variation in her brown eyes and I know she is examining me the same way.

“Hot cocoa is great. And maybe some popcorn?” She waits for me to nod before she steps towards the bedroom. “I’m going to go get changed while you do that. Did you bring any candy with you?”

“I think there’s a few options here – M&M’s or Sour Patch Kids?”

“Both.” She smiles at me then ducks into the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her.

When I go into the bedroom a few minutes later, she has put her bag on one of the beds and is under the covers on the other one.

“You okay getting a little cozy with me?” She asks as she pulls the covers back next to her. She has taken off her makeup and her hair is up in a messy bun. Knowing that I get to see her without any filter on her face is something I don’t take lightly.

“Absolutely. And in case I haven’t told you yet today, you are absolutely gorgeous.” I set the hot cocoa on the nightstand next to the bed along with the snacks and climb onto the bed. “And now I’m going to kiss you like I’ve wanted to all night before I go change and you eat all of the chocolate without me.”

“I’m not going to eat all of the – ,” but her words are cut off because my lips are on hers as I make good on my promise.

An hour later, Kylie and Carter have come back inside so we locked up the house and I am back in bed with Sasha. Her being comfy next to me, cuddled into my side, is one of my favorite things to experience. The movie is playing quietly in the background while I run my hand up and down her arm, feeling her skin under my fingers. Sasha has grown more relaxed in my arms, and since there isn’t a lot of room to spread out, she’s on her side curled up into me as I am propped on the pillows. At least there were plenty of those to use between the two beds.

“Do you want me to go into the other bed before I fall asleep?” Sasha asks me quietly.

“Do you not want to sleep right here?”

“There’s not really a lot of room, and I’m not sure how much I move around in my sleep. And it’s been a long time since I’ve slept in the same bed as someone else, well, except for Kylie on the random sleepovers when we fell asleep watching a movie, but that’s different. And I don’t know if I’m going to be weird while you are sleeping, like, what if my hands wander a bit or I drool on you?” Her voice gets a little faster and the worry in her tone is evident by the time she finishes.

“Take a breath, Sunshine. You’re rambling a bit. Now look at me.” I lower my voice as I raise her chin so she is looking at me. “I want you here, in my arms, while I sleep. I know there’s not a lot of room, and that’s okay, because I fully plan to have you sleep on top of me all night long. And as far as drool goes, that’s a sleep thing and won’t bother me at all. And your hands, well, you can put those wherever you want and I promise I will move them if I don’t like where you are touching me, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. Okay?”

She nods slowly and then smiles softly at me.

“I love that you are comfortable enough to be in my arms while we cuddle, but I would love to sleep here with you just like this too.” I remind her. And I hope she says yes, because I am so gone for this woman already and all I want is to wake up with her in my arms.

“I would like to try. But are you okay if I end up moving to the other bed in the middle of the night?”

“Would it be so that you could sleep better or that I can sleep better?”

“You.”

“Then no, if you move to that bed for my benefit, expect me to carry you right back over to this one so you can sleep in my arms. I’m going to sleep best with your body on mine, with your legs wrapped around me, and the scent of you all over my pillow and my shirt. Don’t think otherwise. Now come here so we can get some sleep.” I pull her close to me and she settles in on my chest. One of her legs sliding between mine and the other coming to rest on the outside of my hip. I can feel all of her against me and she is perfection. This is perfection. And I don’t know how I will sleep unless she is in my arms after this.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sasha

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