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“Why don’t we sleep on it? I’m tired too. Lots of late nights and I feel like I’ve drunk ten pints. It’s sending me to sleep.”
I closed my eyes, warm in John’s arms, and before long, his rhythmic breathing lulled me into oblivion.
When I woke, John was scrolling through his phone, still naked under the covers. The soreness had eased a little, as I knew it would, and the redness John had panicked over wouldn’t last.
“What time is it?” My voice was croaky. I could do with some more water.
“A little after two. You’ve been asleep a while.”
I’d slept for four hours and was starving.
“I’m so hungry.”
“Me too. Get dressed, and I’ll take you out for Sunday lunch. You deserve a treat, and I need to spoil you after ghosting you, as you put it.”
It was the best suggestion ever.
Again, I admired his body as he dressed. What I wouldn’t give to snuggle up to that each evening. I still didn’t understand why he was single.
I dressed smartly, putting on my best jeans and a shirt I’d bought a while ago, even though I’d thought I’d never go anywhere to wear it.
We went to a local pub that served the best roast dinner. I didn’t miss the way the girl behind the bar flirted with John. Seeing him blush was the highlight of my day, and when he returned to the table, I couldn’t help teasing him.
“You really have no idea, do you?” I gazed at him across the table. Why hadn’t I noticed his long eyelashes before? It seemed like every time I really looked at him, I spotted something else, enticing me further.
His blue eyes sparkled.
“I’m just me.” He shrugged.
Jeez, where had I heard that before?
He was more than that.
I shifted uncomfortably on the cushioned chair. John’s frown showed his concern.
“It’s fine. Stop panicking.” I took his hands in mine, inspecting them.
“Do they still hurt?” I kissed one palm, then the other.
“They tingle a little, but I’ll live.”
“Are you sure this is what you want? It doesn’t have to be like this. We can have a relationship without spanking. We don’t need this extra baggage if you don’t want it.”
He tilted his head. “Do you want it?”
“If you do, then yes. But if it’s too much…”
“Then I’m all in. You’ll have to teach me, but I’m a quick learner.”
“That’s what I like to hear. How about we have a dessert to celebrate?”
John stepped up to the bar and ordered, ignoring the admiring glances thrown his way.
I’d never noticed his smile and was more than happy he only had eyes for me. The fluttering in my stomach surprised me. It had been a while since I’d felt that sensation, and my heart swelled.
How could I have ever doubted him? He’d offered to look after me, and so far, he was doing a pretty good job.
“What’s with the smile?” he asked when he returned.
