“Because you have a thing with me and pajamas?” she says as she looks at each pajama onesie I had put into the box. “Really, what is with you and kitties?” She laughs as she notices that three of them are with different patterns of kittens.
“First impressions,” I say jokingly, and she smiles at me. This time the smile touches her eyes and I know it’s real. “Do you understand why I got you this particular kind?” She shakes her head in response. “Well, for the past couple of weeks we have been sleeping together on the couch. Same drill every night.” She nods, and I continue, “So I thought maybe if I got you something that covered most of you that you might feel less worried. Maybe you wouldn’t need to wrap yourself up so snuggly.”
It’s as if a light clicks on and she’s put the pieces together. “Another baby step,” she says with a smile, and I return it. This girl has made me into a damn wimp and I don’t even give a shit.
“So, do you think you could do that?” I ask, hoping I didn’t just set things back for her.
“I think so, maybe every few nights I could wear something with a bit more skin.” She slaps her hands over her mouth, and I break out in a chuckle.
“Well, that sounds good too,” I say jokingly, and she just shakes her head, laughing with me.
“What I meant is maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal for me if I did it in stages. Does that make sense?” I can’t help the feeling of knowing this could lead me to have more access to her and be able to touch her more. She needs this, for that reason I don’t have a problem being with her the way it is. I already know I’m wrecked for the rest of the world. Fate is it for me.
“I know what you mean, Fate. Baby steps,” I say to her with a wink, and she giggles. She grabs one of the kitty onesies and quickly gives me a kiss, then takes off to her room to get changed, I presume. When she walks out, I can see she’s trying to not laugh at her appearance. There is my beautiful girl, standing in the pajamas I got her and they even have those funny feet parts too. She is covered everywhere, except her hands and face, her safe zones that she has no issues with. I have noticed I can touch her in other areas but when it comes to sleeping, it’s a different game plan. It’s as if this is her most stressful time and she reverts back to that shit we were dealing with weeks ago.
“I look like an idiot,” she says, kicking her covered foot against the floor. Getting up, I walk over to her and slide my hand in hers.
“You look like someone who’s going to keep me warm,” I say with a smirk on my face. “I get to sleep with you without you being wrapped up like a little bug. I get to feel your hands and touch your face. You could be wearing anything and I’d be thankful because tonight I get to touch you,” I say as I start leading her to the couch that I’d made up while she was getting changed.
Quickly, I lie down and she follows me without hesitation. I wait for her to turn around but tonight she doesn’t. “What is it?” I ask because she just keeps staring at me.
“I want to try something since I’m covered.” My interested is piqued and I wait for her to continue. “Take off your shirt,” she says, and I hesitate.
“Fate, what are you doing?”
“Just do it, McAlister,” she says with such attitude it’s hard not to laugh at her. She isn’t usually one to be this way and when she is, I’m either fighting back laughter or turned on. Tonight I have to admit it’s a bit of both. Damn. Sitting up slowly, I begin lifting my shirt because I’m scared she’s going to change her mind and it will become too much for her, but she doesn’t stop me.
She just continues to look at me, and I can’t help but love the way she is staring at my bare chest. I know she’s attracted to me. I love when she enjoys the view, as she should. It’s for her fucking eyes only.
Chapter Fifteen
When Clarissa called and said she couldn’t come for Thanksgiving I was heartbroken at the thought of not getting to see her. Then she told me she had gotten me a ticket to come to Orlando, to my home. I felt torn. I wanted to ask Cameron to come with me, but I know Clarissa isn’t going to be thrilled with that arrangement. That’s what got me to this moment and now I’m wishing I would have said I couldn’t come home.
“I hate that you’re leaving,” Cameron says and he can’t even keep a little smile on his face. It’s as if someone came and sucked out all his happiness and I am right there with him. “You should stay, we will tell Clarissa you got sick and shouldn’t travel,” he says hopefully and the idea does sound amazing, but I can’t do that to Clarissa.