Page 106 of Because of Blake
I slide to my side, putting my back against his chest, and melt into him. Wrapped in Blake’s embrace, with his chin on top of my head, I allow my heart to rest. His torso expands as I feel his heartbeat return to normal. All is right again.
“Maggie?”
Wouldn’t be completely right if he didn’t say something, though.“Hm?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m perfect, Blake. How are you?”
“Oh, I’m fine. More than fine, actually.” I feel his Adam’s apple bob against the back of my head. “But can you tell me what made you want to do this?”
“I need a reason to want to have sex with my boyfriend?”
His fingers start drawing circles on my hip. “No, you don’t, but you’ve been so distant lately. This kind of came out of left field. What’s been going on?”
Tears well in my eyes, but I blink them away and run my hand up his forearm. “I had to feel you. Had to know you were still here.”
“I’m here, Maggie.” He tightens his grip. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I sniffle and pull away, rolling over to face him and splaying my hands across his chest. “But what if it’s the last time?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Before I texted you, I was talking to Michelle about how annoying your messages were.”
“Ouch.”
“Sorry, but I’ve been listening to that chime every day for almost a month, knowing exactly what the message will say, knowing exactly what my response will be, and it became tedious.”
“So, you being annoyed with me led to you wanting some afternoon delight?”
“Yeah, I guess.” I chuckle, but close my eyes. “When you texted today, I placated myself with the idea that in a week, they’ll stop. Then, I was reminded of what happens in a week.” I open my eyes to meet Blake’s and watch realization wash over him.
“Next week is when–”
“Yes. It is.” I choke on the tears rolling down my face. “And I started thinking about how, if I knew five years ago what was going to happen, I would’ve relished every minute with Charlie, and I should be doing that with you now.”
Blake reaches up, wrapping a hand around mine and pressing our hands to his chest.
“I should be over the moon you even take the time out of your day to check on me. You’ve been so patient these last few weeks, and a lesser man would’ve left me by now. But not you. You’re still here, and I should cherish the moments we have.”
Blake runs his hand over my head before pulling me into his chest. “Maggie, can I stay tonight?”
I bite my lip and my toes wiggle under the sheet.
“It’s just… I want to hold you. It’s been killing me being apart from you. I haven’t slept very well, to be honest, and all I want is to fall asleep with you in my arms.”
“Blake, I don’t–”
“Before you protest, I know the kids will be here. You don’t have to worry, though. I just unleashed two months of pent-up, um, tension, so I’m good. For a day or two.”
I laugh, my toes going still.
“But seriously, Maggie, all I want is to have you next to me. Honest.”
“Okay.”
“Really?”