Page 43 of By Your Side

As I step away, the power flickers and goes out.

twenty-six

Owen

I close the basement door. “It’s not the breaker.”

In the time I was downstairs, she’s lit several candles giving the room a soft glow.

Adeline is looking out the window. She turns to me, her brows pinched. “The snow is really coming down, it could be why.”

“Could be. Who knows when it will come back on. I would suggest sleeping down here where you have the fire to keep you warm.” Sitting on the couch, I watch as she worries her bottom lip. “I don’t want to overstep, but would you like me to stay?”

She releases her lip and nods, looking both relieved and stressed by the prospect. “Please.”

Adeline bursts into action, running upstairs, the flashlight on her phone lighting the way, her expression a little strained. This isn’t how I pictured my first night with her, it’s definitely too soon, but I’m determined to make the best of it.

Moving some candles to the mantle and the built-in shelving.

Adeline comes down, arms loaded with blankets, pillows, and sheets. She’s also changed and tied her hair up into a bun. “You take the couch bed, I can sleep on the chaise part.”

She moves to pull the cushions off the couch, rolling out the bed.

Shaking my head, I’m firm when I say, “No. You should take the bed.”

Adeline crosses her arms, squaring up. “You’re my guest and staying here for my comfort.”

I stand, grabbing a sheet. “How about this, we share. I am very good at staying on my side of the bed, but this way we both get our way.”

She takes the corner and, after a moment, agrees. “Okay. We can do that.”

We finish making the bed, it now looms in the room. Adeline flushes when we lock eyes before turning to tackle another box of decorations.

Together we finish decorating by candlelight until all but one candle is burnt out and all the boxes are empty and back in storage. The room looks magical. Adeline’s taste in décor is homey but classy.

She takes a deep breath, glancing at me. “Which side do you want?”

Gesturing to the side closest to the door, I ask, “Is it okay if I take this side?”

“Of course.”

She crawls into the bed, tucking the blanket close around her. I slide in next to her, wishing I was wearing something more comfortable than jeans.

“Goodnight,” Adeline whispers.

“Goodnight.”

A body presses into my back from head to toe. Biting back a groan as Adeline presses in closer, she lets off the softest sigh.

I hold perfectly still as she shifts, her breathing changing as she rouses. Adeline lets out a small gasp, shifting back and freezing. Keeping my breathing even, I try to settle the erection I’m sporting before I stretch and roll over, opening my eyes.

Adeline’s eyes are wide as she gives me a small smile. “I hope I didn’t wake you. I think I pushed you right to the edge of the bed.”

Chuckling, I shake my head. “It’s all good. I clung on.”

Winking at her, I laugh when she covers her face.

She sighs, rolling out of bed and padding over to the fireplace. I got up a few times overnight to tend the fire and ensure the screen was still secure. Watching as she adds a log before going into the kitchen to test the lights which turn on.

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