“I like you on top of me like this.”
Instead of moving, he kisses me sweetly. When I finally let him up, he goes to the attached bathroom and gets a cloth. He cleans me between my legs, then climbs into bed with me. I cuddle against him loving his arms around me.
Sometime later we both manage to pull on some clothes because sleeping naked with Henry around is just not an option. That would make for one awkward morning. It would probably be wise to send Axel home. Having a sleepover is moving things a little fast, but I don’t want him to leave.
So, being the queen of bad decisions, I decide to let him stay and enjoy being wrapped up in his arms as I fall asleep.
I wake up still cuddled in Axel’s arms. I remember how good it feels to be held and to wake up beside someone. A twinge of guilt mars my good feelings. I shouldn’t feel so much for a man that’s not my husband. I push those thoughts away and try to just enjoy the moment.
Axel’s breathing is slow and steady. I relax into his hold and drift back to sleep, feeling cherished and loved.
Loved?
It’s way too soon for that… but it’s possible in the future. For the first time in over three years, I’m looking toward the future and not dwelling on the past.
* * *
I jerkawake and look at the clock. It’s after seven, and Henry didn’t wake me up. My mom instincts have me freaking out for a minute. Then I realize I’m in bed alone. Axel left without saying goodbye. A stab of sadness hits me square in the chest.
I’m ready to have a real pout when I hear laughter from the other room. I hop out of bed and follow the sounds coming from my kitchen. I stand in the doorway, shocked at what I’m seeing. A shirtless Axel is helping a shirtless Henry stir something in an obviously too-small bowl. There is stuff all over the kitchen counter and the floor, and both of my guys.
I look on amused at the mess being made.
“You’re up,” Axel says with a smile.
I can’t hold back my smile. “I am.”
“We’re making you breakfast, mommy!”
“I see that.”
Axel rubs the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable. “He wanted to make you pancakes. He didn’t tell me he’s a little destructacon when it comes to helping.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “He’s three and a half. What did you expect?”
“Less flour everywhere?”
Henry continues to happily stir the batter, slopping it over the sides of the bowl. “How about you let mommy finish breakfast?”
He considers it for a minute, then shrugs and jumps off the stool. I catch him around the waist before he can run through the house dragging flour everywhere. A quick wipe down with a wet dish towel, and I send him on his way.
I toss the towel to Axel, and he wipes the flour from his chest. He drops the towel on the counter, then I’m in his arms, and he’s kissing me. I wrap my arms around his neck and return the kiss.
“Hi,” I say when the kiss ends.
“Hi, doll. Sleep good?”
I nod shyly. “Better than I have in a long time.”
“I’m glad.”
He leans in for another brief kiss. I let out a contented sigh when he pulls away. I could definitely get used to morning kisses.
“Now, let’s make some pancakes before Henry becomes a hangry monster.”
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Axel