“There. Where do you want them?”
“The table is fine.” I point to the center of the kitchen table and then rush to move the bowl of apples and oranges that are currently taking up that space, relocating it to the counter by the stove.
“So, what’s for dinner?” he asks.
“Chicken casserole.”
“It smells delicious.”
“Thanks. It won’t be done for another hour or so.” I glance at the clock and see it’s a few minutes after four.
“Perfect, let’s get you off that ankle.” He places his hand on the small of my back and guides us back to the living room.
The heat from his hand sears through my shirt and warms my skin. It makes me wonder what his calloused hands would feel like as they roam over my body. No, don’t go there, Emma. I take a seat and gather my nest, sliding under the cover and holding the pillows to my chest.
“What’s up with all that?” He points to my lap.
I shrug. “It’s more of a comfort thing. I like to cuddle, and well, when you’re single and live alone, that’s not possible, so this is the next best thing.”
“I’ve never been much of a cuddler.”
“Have you ever tried it?”
“Not really, no.”
“There you go. Don’t knock it until you try it.” He nods and reaches for the pillows in my arms. “Hey, what are you doing? Get your own.” I point to the loveseat that houses two more pillows just like mine.
“You say don’t knock it until I try it,” he reminds me.
“Fine.” I concede and hand him the pillows. I expect him to hold them to his chest like I just did, but instead, he tosses them on the floor and then pulls the blanket off me. I don’t fight him, letting him pull it from my lap. My eyes dart to the blanket on the back of the loveseat, so I stand to grab it. In fact, I think I’ll just start over with my nest there; he can have the couch. He is a lot taller than me.
Carefully, I begin to step over the pillows he tossed on the floor. That’s all I need is to reinjure my ankle, or worse, injure the other one. However, before I have the chance, his hands are on my hips as he pulls me into his lap. “Ahh!” I scream, not expecting this turn of events. “What in the hell are you doing?” I ask, trying to sit up so I can stand.
“I’m trying it out.”
“Trying what out?”
“Cuddling.”
“Not with me. With the blankets and pillows.”
“You said they were second best. I need to try the real thing to know if I’m a cuddler, right?”
“Not with me.” I try again to stand, but his hold is tight.
“Only with you” is his deep whispered reply. His lips next to my ear cause goose bumps to break out across my skin. “Just let me try it.” His thumb slides under my tank top and he begins to trace the skin just above my leggings.
I open my mouth to tell him no, but instead, it closes on its own and I’m nodding. It’s been way too long since I’ve cuddled with a man, or had a man’s hands on me. His are big and warm, and if the pad of his thumb is any indication, surprisingly soft for a man who spends hours a day on the football field.
“How do we do this, Em?”
“W-We uh, should lay down.” I can’t believe I’m encouraging him, but the thought of snuggling up with him is far too tempting. He taps my hip and this time allows me to stand. I could make a mad dash for the loveseat or hell, I could kick him out, but I do neither. Instead, I stand and watch him arrange the pillows. He grabs the throw and tosses it over the back of the couch, and then reaches for the remote. Once he has what he thinks we’ll need, he stretches out on my couch, lying on his side, and pats the small space in front of him.
I hesitate. Am I really going to do this? I mean, sure, it’s just cuddling, but what if he thinks that means I’m willing to have sex with him? Well, I mean, I am willing, but I won’t do it. You know, catching feelings and all that.
“Come here, freckles.” His voice is soft, almost soothing as his eyes capture mine. Taking a deep breath, I lie down in front of him, my body stiff, trying not to melt into his warmth. I really should turn up the thermostat. It’s so hot outside, so I like to keep it cool in here.
Landon pulls the throw blanket from the back of the couch and drapes it over me. Then to my surprise, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. “You good?” he asks, and his hot breath ghosts across my ear.