Page 84 of Save the Drama for your Mama
MELODY
I awoke to the feeling of movement beneath me and behind me. As I slowly opened my eyes and yawned, I was met with bright morning light filtering in through the windows. I blinked a few times, trying to get my bearings. As my vision came into focus, I realized I was nestled on the couch.
I looked up to see Cooper’s face smiling down at me.
“Good morning,” he said cheerfully.
I stared up at him in confusion.
The last thing I remembered was watchingJane Eyretogether on the couch last night, which meant . . .
“Please don’t tell me I fell asleep on you,” I said.
Cooper grinned. “I won’t say a word.”
“No!” I covered my face with my hands, then shook my head from embarrassment as I got a whiff of my breath. “Ugh. I can’t believe I conked out on you like that all night. Also, I need a Tic Tac.”
“Why do you think that was a problem?” Cooper asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I didn’t mind one bit having my arms wrapped around you all night. And you were facing away from me,” he laughingly added.
His words made my heart flutter, but I was still mortified. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was bored of his company or for him to smell my stank mouth.
“Did you like the movie at least?” I asked.
He nodded. “Actually, I did.”
“That makes me happy,” I said. “I swear I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’m guessing it was all that pasta and wine.”
“Admit it—I make a great pillow.” Cooper grinned.
“Definitely,” I said.
That was an understatement.
It was the best night of sleep I’d had in years.
“Did I snore?” I asked, holding my breath as I waited for his answer.
“Like a truck with a broken muffler.”
“Hey!” I said. “You’re not supposed to say anything.”
Cooper laughed. “I’m kidding. The only thing you did was purr. And just so you know, I had a great time last night.”
“Me, too.” I smiled, relieved how sweet and understanding he was being.
“As for now . . .” Cooper winced and shifted his body as best as he could, considering I was all over him. “I really do need to use the bathroom.”
“Oh gosh, of course!” I said, leaning forward so he could slide his arm out from behind my back.
As soon as he stood up, he hung his arm in front of him and let it swing back and forth like a pendulum. “I think it’s dead. I have no feeling in my arm.”
“Here, Quasimodo—let me help you with that.” I grasped his arm and began massaging it, hoping to restore proper circulation.
“Ooh, yeah, that’s fantastic,” Cooper said wistfully. “Oh! Hey, I have no feeling in my scalp either. You want to get that as well?”
“Keep dreaming.” As I kneaded his arm, Romeo sauntered into the living room, coming in through the doggy door from the backyard. He walked right up to me and licked my ankle, his tail wagging.
“Well, good morning to you, too.” I reached down to scratch him behind the ears. I looked back up at Cooper. “What time is it, anyway?”
