Page 88 of The Summer Arrangement
Who knew a couch would be my kryptonite?
Well, that and the remote being on the counter in the kitchen.
The couch is soft, inviting, and I’ll be honest, I don’t even remember closing my eyes.
The next thing I know, I’m being lifted into Cameron’s arms.
“Wha-what are you doing?” I mutter, still half-asleep.
“Putting you to bed, beautiful,” Cameron says, walking to his room.
“But you just got here,” I protest. “Where’s Milli?”
“She’s resting on the chair in the living room. We’ve been home for a bit, and you haven’t budged.”
“I… I need to talk with you,” I say on a long yawn when he sets me on his bed.
“We haveall of foreverto talk, Elizabeth. For now, let’s get you into some pajamas and into bed. You need sleep more than any conversation.”
Walking to his dresser, he snags a t-shirt and pajama pants for me to wear.
I want to protest, but my body still feels like lead weights have been anchored to each limb. It takes everything in me to just remain seated and stare at the clothes he’s set beside me.
“Here,” he says, helping me lift my shirt. “Let me take care of you for a change.” He grins adorably. “You really are out of it, aren’t you?”
“Mmm-hmmm,” I moan.
In no time at all, he has me changed into pajamas and under the covers. Leaning down, he kisses me softly on the lips.
“I really do… need to talk with you.” I yawn heavily again.
“Get some rest, Elizabeth. Milli won’t be up for long. She’s due for some medicine, and I’ll be back to join you shortly. I’m beat.”
Kissing me once more, he heads for the door and turns off the light.
Just as he’s about to leave, I remember. “The baby monitor is in the kitchen.”
I can hear the laughter in his voice. “You always do think of everything.”
The moment the door shuts, and my head hits the pillow, I’m out for the count.
*****
As I drift into consciousness, I’m vaguely aware of the wall of heat cocooning me. It spreads along my back, over my hip, andup my sternum. I feel safe and protected and never want to break this bubble of bliss.
That is until I feel a light tap on my nose. Instantly, my eyes bulge open, and I’m greeted by two large navy-blue eyes staring at me from the edge of the bed. Her eyes barely reach over the top of the bed.
Seeing me awake, a beautiful smile spreads across her face as she whispers, “Hi, Iz.”
“Hi yourself, Mills,” I whisper back.
She cups her hand over her mouth and attempts to whisper, “There’s no room on Daddy’s side. Can I snuggle with you?”
Shit. This is one of the things I should’ve stayed awake and talked to Cameron about.
When I don’t answer, I suddenly hear, “Climb in, kiddo. Daddy needs five more minutes.” He lifts the blankets and reaches an arm for her.
Within seconds, she’s snuggling into me, and he’s got his arm around both of us.
