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She looked up at him. “What are you thinking?”
“I was thinking about your last birthday. The scarf I got you before I went away.”
“I still have that. It’s at home with my jacket.”
“I saw you wearing it yesterday.”
“I won’t let anything happen to it. Why did you buy me a scarf, if you don’t mind me asking?”
He stroked her cheek, smiling down at her. “Whenever we went out, and it was fall or winter, you’d snuggle up close, trying to steal my body heat. You’d always be shaking because of the cold. I knew I wasn’t going to be back after what happened, and so I wanted to make sure you were protected.”
“You’ve always been taking care of me, haven’t you? One way or the other.”
“I’d say we’ve been taking care of each other.” He kissed her lips. “Now, go to sleep. Tomorrow you get to wake up a year older.”
“I don’t want to be old. It’s overrated.”
“Sleep.” He pulled her into his arms, relishing the feel of her against him. This was what it was all about to him. Having her in his arms felt right. It was right. There was no mistaking that now.
****
The sound of a cell phone ringing woke Aria up. She opened her eyes, and groaned against the bright light filtering through the curtains.
“Is that your phone or mine?” Eli asked.
His arms were still wrapped around her, and she didn’t want to leave him to venture into the cold of the room.
“I don’t know.”
“It’s a girly sound. It’s yours.”
“I don’t think so. I have mine on vibrate.”
“Saucy.”
Her cheeks heated, but not for that.
He groaned, and climbed out of bed, taking all the warmth with him. She rushed toward her own jacket, grabbing her cell, and seeing a couple of missed calls from home. She saw a few texts from her mom, and placed it on the drawer beside the bed.
Eli answered his cell, and then climbed back in bed.
There on his small screen were their friends, singing for her birthday.
She smiled, and gave them a wave. “Thanks, guys.”
“You do know he’s keeping us all away. It’s not fair. I love the way we hook up for your birthday,” Chris said.
“Maybe Chris and I could take the hood of the car, and you guys take the back seat,” Rachel said.
“Not going to happen,” Eli said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She snuggled against him, stealing more of his warmth. She really didn’t know how he stayed so warm all the time.
“I’m not going to lose my cherry in the backseat of anyone’s car.”
“Spoilsport. It’s a friends thing. We could give you pointers,” Branson said.
“Ew, gross.
I’ve listened to you guys do it enough. Let me have my moment, my way,” she said.
