Page 24 of A Beary Nice View
“I will. I promise. But not until it’s finished.”
“Deal,” he says with a warm smile, sliding the bowl over to me. “Eat up and then you’re going straight to bed.”
I take a big bite. “That sounds divine. I am so fucking sleepy. I don’t know if I’ll even have the strength to make it over to my place.”
“Then don’t,” Alaric says right away. “Stay here with me. Just for tonight.”
Despite the sleepiness that clings to me, my heart skips a beat at his suggestion. Sleeping here sounds amazing. I want to fall asleep in Alaric’s arms. I want to be surrounded by his scent. I want to wake up with him next to me. Every time I have to leave and go up the stairs to my apartment, a little piece of me mournsAlaric. We’re not far but already, I want to spend all my time with him. If it was up to me, I’d never leave his side.
“Okay,” I say softly, smiling up at him. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive. Let me take care of you tonight.”
My head feels like it’s floating in a bed of cotton candy clouds. Being taken care of by Alaric is slowly becoming one of my all time favorite things. He’s so firm yet gentle, sweet yet dominant. It’s one of the many things about him that’s making me fall completely head over heels for him.
“That sounds perfect. Thank you, Alaric.”
“You’re welcome, baby. Now finish eating. Then I’ll take you up to bed.”
I quickly finish my salad. Alaric takes my bowl, setting it in the sink before holding out his hand for me to stand. He places his big hand on my lower back, guiding me up to his bedroom. The smell of him is intoxicating in here. It’s sunk into every nook and cranny. I’m overwhelmed with how good the warm, nutty scent is.
“Would you like something to wear to bed?”
“I can just sleep in my shirt and boxers, is that okay?”
“Whatever you’re most comfortable in, Dell.”
I slide out of my jeans before getting into the bed. I rest my face against his pillow, breathing it in. My mind might be tired, but the smell of Alaric is waking my body up. Or at least, one part of my body.
“None of that,” Alaric says with a chuckle. “You’re too sleepy for that tonight. Rest now, love.”
My heart doubles its pace inside my chest.Love. Alaric just called me love. It takes everything not to blurt something out that I can’t take back. It’s too soon for love, yet he’s just said it and I can’t deny the pull I feel towards that feeling as well.
Love.
I think I could very easily love Alaric. Maybe I already do. But maybe, that’s a thought for future Dell who’s more awake than I am right now.
Alaric gets into bed, turning on his side and pulling me against his body. I shove my butt back until I’m the perfect little spoon against his bigger body. He wraps an arm around my middle and pushes his face against my hair.
“This is perfect,” he whispers and I couldn’t agree more.
“Good night, Daddy.”
Alaric makes a soft, pleased noise. “Good night, Dell.”
Chapter Nine
Alaric
Somehow,mytwoweeksof vacation are officially over. During that time, I actually slowed down. Sure, there was one major renovation but that wasn’t even for me so it doesn’treallycount.
Dell places his hands on my chest, looking up at me with wide eyes. “I’m going to miss you,” he says, batting his lashes at me.
I lean down and steal a quick kiss. “It’s my first day on this new project so I’ll be home early. This will give you time to record without me bothering you.”
“You’re never a bother,” he says right away. Dell turns around, grabbing my lunch box from the kitchen counter. “I packed your lunch for you.”
“You’re so sweet, Dell. Thank you.”
