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What would he wear?
She pulled the blankets up just above her breasts, and as Eric climbed into the full-sized bed beside her, she held her breath.
Boxer shorts and no shirt. That’s what he wore to bed.
Her pulse went into overdrive as she became hyperaware of the warm, hard body just inches from her.
He, too, settled on his back, making no move to touch her.
The silence between them was heavy. Unnatural. And being as awkward as she was, she rushed to fill it.
“Are you comfortable? Are the blankets too hot?”
“No, they’re great. The perfect amount of fluffiness and warmth. I’m comfortable.”
Her lips twitched. “Okay.”
“Yeah.”
So what was she supposed to do? Just close her eyes and fall asleep? Was that how this worked?
There were no rules for this kind of situation. They weren’t a couple. They were friends, with the promise of benefits. But no condom. So, no benefits tonight.
So then did they just act like strangers and fall asleep side by side?
You are totally overthinking this.
“You know,” he cleared his throat. “I can sleep on the couch.”
Oh God, she’d made it weird.
“No. I mean, you can stay here.”
“Are you sure I’m not making you uncomfortable?”
“Eric, I promise I’m not uncomfortable.” She bit her lip and rolled onto her side to face him. “I mean... maybe it’s a little weird having you next to me and not being able to touch you.”
He rolled onto his side, too, and reached out to touch her shoulder. “Where in the rules does it state you can’t touch me?”
“Are there rules between us?”
“I don’t even know at this point. You’re the teacher.” He laughed softly. “Tell me what you want, Hannah.”
The way he said that was so soft and low, and almost a command. Her heart skipped and she licked her lips.
“I don’t want to put you into a situation where you’re left unfulfilled. Again. But...”
It was mostly dark, with just the hint of light coming from a crack in her curtains, but she could still see his nostrils flare.
“But?”
“But it’s been so long since I’ve been held,” she admitted quietly. “And I like the way I feel in your arms. Can we just, um, cuddle tonight?”
“C’mere.”
He scooted closer and before she knew it, he’d slipped his arms around her and tucked her up against his chest, with her head nestled below his chin.
Surrounded by his warmth and cradled in his strong arms, all the uncertainty and tension slipped from her. She gave a murmur of content and listened to the quick thud of his heart.
