Page 52 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“Phlox.” I stroked his long hair, relishing the way it draped over both of us like a silken blanket.

“Hmm,” Phlox responded lightly.

“Apologies for taking too much.” I waited for the guilt to slam into me. That feeling never came.

“’S’okay,” Phlox mumbled. “Sleepy.” His jaw cracked and he widely yawned.

Standing, I felt the weight of the sunrise, my body sluggish and weak. Regardless, I made it to the bed and placed Phlox beneath the covers. Ever careful of his wings, I arranged them so they laid against the bed at a comfortable angle.

“I’m going to get you some water. I want you to drink the whole glass before falling asleep.”

“’Kay,” Phlox muttered, scooting further into the covers.

Making my way to the mini-fridge, I found something better than plain water. There were still a few sports drinks, full of electrolytes and sugar. Quickly grabbing one, I twisted off the cap then helped Phlox sit up enough to safely drink the liquid. He protested a little when I shifted him but nothing terrible.

Phlox managed half the bottle before he pushed it away. Resettling us, before I could pull him closer, Phlox lay half his body over mine and with a contented sigh, he drifted to sleep. I stayed awake as long as the sun allowed, marveling at the magnificent creature willingly cradled within my arms.

* * *

Iwoke before the sunrise, although I knew it wouldn’t be far off. I’d slept a little longer than typical. Phlox was in the same position he’d been when I’d finally succumbed to the sun’s power.

A quick perusal eased any concerns. Phlox’s heart still beat a steady rhythm and his breathing was even and without labor. His warm breath drifted across my skin sending tingly sparks of contented desire all the way to my toes.

With my arm wrapped around his waist, my fingers toyed between his delicate skin and the silky loose pants that drifted a little farther down his rump. Phlox, I quickly concluded, had a very nice rear.

“Are you going to keep fondling my ass?” Phlox sleepily asked.

I started to pull my hand away, but Phlox reached back and held my palm where it was. “I didn’t tell you to stop. I just wanted to know if you were going to keep doing it.”

“I see,” I answered, continuing my earlier ministrations. My answer wasn’t completely truthful. “I was uncertain if my attentions would be welcome.”

“Hmm…” Phlox stretched, laying his palm on my chest and snuggling in closer. “So you were just going to feel me up while you thought I was asleep? Kinky vampire,” Phlox scolded but his snicker told me he wasn’t concerned. Or upset.

Cracking a yawn, Phlox asked, “What time is it?”

I wasn’t certain of the exact time, only that the sun would set soon. “The sun should set within the next fifteen, maybe twenty minutes.” I’d know the instant it did.

“Okay.” Phlox settled down and I thought he might fall asleep again, but his increased heart rate told me that wasn’t the case.

“How do you feel?” I asked, nearly afraid of the answer.

“Fine. A little thirsty and really hungry, but not bad otherwise. I’ll let you know more when I try and get up. We’ll see then if I’m woozy or not.”

I appreciated Phlox’s honest answer. He didn’t sugarcoat things to preserve my feelings. I wasn’t certain if he understood how much I appreciated that.

“Thank you for honestly answering me.”

Phlox shrugged within my arms. “I don’t see a reason to lie. It’s not like I could hide it if I pass out when I stand up. Seems like that would be more alarming than if you knew it was a possibility.”

“A very accurate statement.” Practical. I liked that.

Staring at the ceiling, I wondered if Phlox could see anything in the pitch black of the room. Perhaps I should turn on a light. Unfortunately, that would require me moving from my very agreeable position.

Still, I would do anything for my beloved and asked, “Would you like me to turn on a light?”

“Nah, I shifted my eyes. I can see okay.”

Twisting, I altered my position enough to see Phlox’s eyes. A warm, yellow glow beautifully illuminated them. I offered an appreciative smile and said, “That seems to be a useful ability.”

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