Don't Give Up On Me - Unedited

Chapter 20

The gentle swaying in warm arms woke me from the slumber I was consumed in. Without having to open an eye, I knew it was Hunter from his musky woody scent. His mesmerizing cologne.

"Hunter." I mumbled.

"Ssh, I'm here. You fell asleep during the movie. I'm just carrying you to bed, go back to sleep."

I mumble something incoherent still under the drowsy state.. The soft reflexive bounce beneath, made me aware i was laying on my bed. I could feel Hunter tugging the blanket before draping it up to cover my bare shoulders. Like an instinctive reaction, my hand shot out to grasp onto his forearm.

"Stay with me tonight. Please." I pleaded.

"Charley." He says in a sigh. "I can't do that."

"Why? I want you too. I feel safer when your around."

"I don't want you to wake up during the night and freak out not realising who I am or that you asked me to stay."

"I won't Hunter, please. I'll beg if I have too."

"Okay." He says with resignation.

He pulls the covers back again and gingerly climbs under. Playing it safe, he lays by the edge. A gentle push in his direction would have him falling to the floor. I appreciate the thoughtfulness however much it is not needed. Instead of asking him to move over, I roll closer and lift my head to place upon his chest. He stiffens slightly before wrapping his arm around my torso. The rocking motion and sounds of his breathing are the perfect lullaby to lure me back into dreamland.

<3

I woke up to a feather light kiss on my forehead and the movements of what I gathered as Hunter climbing out of the bed. A light gush of cool air covers the bare skin not hidden from the blanket.

"What time is it?" I ask him.

"It's just after six am. Go back to sleep if you like. Take the day off work."

"No. Work is distracting. I'll grab a quick shower and make us breakfast."

"I'll make the breakfast while you take a shower."

"But you made it yesterday."

"So? It's not tit for tat. Just take your shower and I'll do the breakfast. Any preferences?"

"Just a fruit salad, please."

"Fruit salad?" He questions with a brow raised. "Not very fulfilling but the lady gets what she wants."

"I'm in the mood for something juicy. Seems like the perfect thing." I climb out of bed and make my way to the shower.

After drying and dressing I make my way downstairs to the sound of Hunter singing to the radio.

"Your completely off key."

He grins.

"And there was me thinking I had an excellent voice."

"For talking yes, singing on the other hand, no." I deadpan.

"You wound me Charley. Harsh insult." He gasps.

"Would you rather I lie to you?"

"Good point."

"I know." I grin back.

"Fruit salad and some granola and yogurt and before you even think of arguing, I would advise you to close that trap of yours. You can't expect to run on fruit salad until lunchtime."