Page 43 of Space Oddities

He’s touched my heart.

* * *

Ian

Night’s fallen.We’re back in my bed.

My arms are wrapped around Trish once more, though this time we’re naked. Naked spooning is the best.

After the desperate and intense sex in the living room, my brain came back online, and I carried Trish upstairs where I loved her slowly. Leisurely. Like I should have this morning.

Not once did she pull away. Progress.

I kiss the top of her head, her wild hair tickling my nose. “You should move your stuff into my room.”

Her shoulders tense, creating a half inch of space between us that wasn’t there before.

Shit.

“What do you mean?” The thread of panic in her voice has me backtracking.

“I looked in the guest room, it’s a disaster area.” I squeeze her close, eliminating the small space.

“Hush, you.” She jabs her elbow at me, laughing. “I know I need to straighten up.”

Holding her to me, I tilt my head down to nuzzle her neck, hoping to distract her from the meaning behind my words. “If you need more room for your stuff, I have a lot of empty closet space.” I thought I’d be satisfied with all Trish has given me, but it’s only made me want more of her. Greedy. I wantallof her in my life.

There’s a beat of silence before Trish speaks. “The thing with your parents is tomorrow, right?” she asks, ignoring my closet comment.

The only bad thing about naked spooning is that I can’t see her face, gauge her expression. “Yes.” I keep my tone light. “I have meetings I can’t miss throughout the day, but I’ll pick you up after work so we can drive over together.”

“Mmm. Okay.”

Just when I think she’s fallen asleep, she asks, “I meant to ask, why was me going with you to a black tie event your favor for letting me stay here? Why do you need a date?” Her sleepy voice sounds more awake as she talks.

Sighing, I tell her the truth. “I figured it was the easiest way to get my father off my back about fixing me up with one of his cronies’ daughters.”

She laughs again, the huff of breath blowing across my arm that’s hugging her to me. “I’m your shield, huh?”

I laugh with her. “Yeah. You’re my knight in shining armor.”

Trish turns in my arms, facing me. “I’m your fake girlfriend knight, then?”

I kiss the tip of her nose. “It doesn’t have to be fake.”

Trish angles her head down, staring at my chest, one of her fingers swirling across my pecs. “Why don’t you just tell your father no?” she asks, once again ignoring the things I say that she isn’t ready for.

I sigh, trying to release frustration. Frustration over Trish’s hesitance and over the topic of my father. “My father tends to make everything difficult, so I try not to deal with him head on. It’s easier this way.”

More silence.

Then, in a small voice, she asks, “But why me? You could’ve brought anyone as your date.” Her fingertip stills over my heart. “They probably would’ve been easier to deal with too.”

I tighten my arms around her, unable to get her close enough. “There’s no one else I want by my side.” Trish snuggles in deeper, as if she shares my thoughts. I need to be more patient.

Worry over tomorrow’s event rises. Maybe bringing Trish with me to see my parents isn’t the best idea. Not for me, but for her. We’ve come so far. I don’t want to push now and scare her away. “You don’t have to come if you’re uncomfortable.” Releasing one arm wrapped around her, I tip her head back until she meets my eyes. “You don’t have to feel like you owe me or that you have to go.”

The insecurity leaves her expression as she smiles slow and sexy. “I don’t know. Being Captain America’s shield sounds pretty awesome.” Her hand slides up to the back of my nape, pulling me to her.

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