Her fingers began tracing little shapes on my bicep. “You say that now, but if you run hot at night, we might not make it ’til morning.”
“Just so you’re warned,” I brushed my nose against her temple, “I’m basically a furnace.”
“Oh, great.” She sighed dramatically. “Love that journey for me.”
“You’re very welcome.”
We went quiet after that, her breathing syncing with mine. Every small shift she made—her fingers curling into my shirt, her nose brushing my throat—knocked something tender loose inside me.
After a long moment, Mazzy murmured, “Benny?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“This is…really nice. I really like being with you.”
I swallowed. “I like it too. So much.”
Another quiet beat passed.
Then, in the softest, sleepiest voice, she added, “If you steal the blankets, I swear to god—”
I smiled into her hair. “I would never.”
“You absolutely would.”
“Okay, but only by accident.”
Her sleepy laugh vibrated against my ribs. “Good night, Benny.”
“Good night, Mazz.”
Her breathing evened out, her body relaxing fully against mine.
And I fell asleep with my pretty girl in my arms.
Chapter Thirty
Mazzy
Iwoketosomethingwarm and wet dragging up the inside of my thigh.
For a second, I didn’t even open my eyes, just sighed and stretched, assuming it was a dream. Then a low, satisfied rumble vibrated against my skin, and my eyes flew open.
Ben was between my legs.
“Good morning, birthday girl.” He nibbled along my inner thigh, going back to kissing each spot his teeth touched. “Didn’t mean to wake you. Couldn’t help myself.”
My fingers slid into his messy, morning-tousled curls, and he groaned like me touching him was exactly what he’d been waiting for.
“You”—I gasped when he licked me again—“definitely meant to wake me.”
“Maybe…” His mouth slipped higher, heat blooming everywhere he touched. “I missed you.”
He said it so simply. Honestly, as if waking up with his face between my thighs was the most normal expression of affection. Maybe it was. With Ben, it was starting to feel that way.
He’d have me used to this before I knew it.
I tilted my hips helplessly, chasing his mouth. He laughed once before wrapping his arms beneath my thighs and dragging me fully into his greedy, sleepy hunger.
