Morgan
More than once throughout the night I woke to Xavier pulling my body in tight to his own. Each time I thought it was a start to something sexual, but each time he surprised me. He would curl his body around mine, burying his face against my neck as if breathing me in. It was the sweetest movement.
I’d held back for so long, avoiding any real commitment with a guy, but I was glad it was him I finally gave in to. He made every day a new adventure.
I lay awake in his bed, the sun barely peeking in through the single window. My back was tucked securely to his chest and his arms wrapped around my waist, holding me captive. It felt good to be caught. No, it felt more than good.
The soothing sound of his breathing filled my ear as his warm breath covered my neck and shoulder. I had never felt more at peace. It was in that moment I realized I was truly falling for Xavier. That was both scary and liberating at the same time.
I turned in his arms, needing to see his face, desperate to feel even closer to him than I already was. The realization hit me when I had turned in his arms that even that wasn’t close enough.
Reaching out, I ran my fingertips along his jaw and felt the coarse stubble beneath them. It was something I had grown to love. Whenever he’d hug me, that same roughness would press against my cheek, or those nights he stayed over and he’d lay his head on my lap, the bristles would tickle my legs.
I skimmed the pad of my thumb over his lips, and the softness of them reminded me of just why I loved kissing him. His kisses were something I felt throughout my entire body. Each kiss from Xavier meant more than the last because he put so much into them.
Arching my neck upward, I softly pressed my lips to his and closed my eyes for only a moment before pulling back. I wanted more, but I also wanted to have just a little longer to watch him sleep.
He was so handsome.
Lowering my hand, I pressed my palm to his chest and felt the soft beat of his heart beneath. Again I closed my eyes.
A deep ache settled in my own chest as I carefully took in one breath after another.
“You are so beautiful.” I opened my eyes and was met with the deepest blue, sleep-filled but still mesmerizing eyes. “I don’t think I’ve told you that today.”
I smiled when he moved in closer and kissed my nose.
Each time he said things like that I felt my cheeks heat, not because I was embarrassed, but because he made me feel so many things all at once. He not only told me often that I was beautiful but he treated me like I was. Each time he held me or even looked at me, I felt like I was the most precious thing to him. I never thought I’d like that type of attention, but I loved it.
“I know it’s been barely a month, but at this point I can’t imagine not having you in my life.” His confession made my heart race. “You’re the best part of my days.”
My eyes remained locked with his as I slid my hand around his torso and brought it to rest on his side. I moved in closer, my chest now pressed to his. “I don’t think I want to ever remember what it was like before I met you.”
At my words, he smiled just before rolling over to tuck my body beneath his. His hips pressed firmly between my parted thighs, still watching me as if he and I were the only two people in the world. I wanted to say the three words that were rolling around in my mind, but instead I pressed my lips to his. For now I’d save that confession and instead show him just how much he meant to me, using my body instead of words.
***
“Toby, you got your hair cut,” Xavier said as he stepped up to my brother’s chair, holding his hand out before him indicating he wanted a high five. When Toby grew excited and thrust his hand toward Xavier, I laughed. “Looks bad ass, buddy.”
“Xavier,” I said, rolling my eyes at his choice of words.
“What?” he said with a shrug. “He does.”
Toby was fascinated by Xavier. You could see it in his eyes and the way he watched Xavier’s every move. He did the same things with Marcus, but with Xavier, it was more like some hero fantasy than the brotherly one he gave my best friend. The idea that not only did Toby have Marcus and me, but he now had Xavier was reassuring. He was so good to my brother, and I adored him even more for it.
“We still on for tomorrow?” I gave Xavier a curious glance, only he was too busy looking at Toby to notice. “Turtle time, and your favorite ice cream.”
Toby bounced happily in his chair, regaining my attention. His excitement was something I truly loved to witness.
I had to work the afternoon shift the next day, but I was off by four. I had no recollection of any plans being made. “What’s tomorrow?” I finally asked.
“Guys’ day,” Xavier said proudly. “Just me and my boy T here.”
T? Apparently Toby now had a nickname.
“We’re gonna watch Ninja Turtles and chow on some ice cream.” Xavier clarified just what this guys’ day was going to consist of. When he looked back at me with a cheesy grin on his face, I couldn’t help myself from offering one equally silly.
“Should I just meet you here?” I asked and he looked to Toby for the answer, which I found adorable. The even funnier part was Toby shaking his head no. I guess he didn’t like the idea of me interrupting his guy time.
“Sorry, babe,” Xavier gave me a weak frown. “No girls allowed.”
“What if I brought home a cheese pizza just for you?” Toby looked at me, finally taking his eyes from Xavier. “You want pizza?” He slowly nodded his head, making me laugh.
“I guess there is one girl allowed.” I thrust my tongue out at Xavier and Toby laughed. Guys’ night had just gained a plus one.