Page 16 of Christmas in July

His face is very close to mine as he places me down, and pulls the blankets over me, tucking me in. For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. My stomach twists in anticipation.

“Sleep tight, little lady,” he says softly, with his lips only inches away from mine. I can almost taste the sweetness of his kiss. I tilt my mouth towards his, craving it so badly. But he pulls away.

He tries to straighten and stand, presumably to head back to the couch, but I grab his tie in my fist, without thinking. “You. Stay.”

“Are you sure?” he asks me.

I nod, confused and tired, emotional and needy, and surely not thinking straight. I can barely communicate. I am only able to articulate monosyllabic words that sound like I’m giving commands to a dog.

“Over there, or over here?” he asks gently, pointing to the other side of the massive bed. I squint, for the other side of the bed looks very, very far away. Like a whole different hemisphere.

I tug on his tie in response. “Here.”

“Okay,” he responds, snuggling down beside me, and wrapping his arms around my waist. “Whatever you want, little lady.”

I sigh with contentment. The hotel room is very nice, don’t get me wrong. But once Teddy wraps me up in his arms—then it really feels perfect. I snuggle back against his body, letting myself melt against him and absorbing his warmth. I know I should have reservations and think about this more before getting attached—a few hours ago I told myself I was never going to see this man again, and now I’m tangled up against him in bed.

But who cares. He feels so cozy, and I feel happier than I have in a long time.

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