I Hate You But I Love You More

Chapter 24

My eyes flutter open and the first thing I see is Darson's arm around me. I slowly look up at him to see him fast asleep. He's so warm. I don't even have the urge to bolt the second I see him which is weird because it seems as though my desire to stay in his arms a little longer overpowers my embarrassment.

I never thought I'd see the day I would be cuddling with Darson much less like it. Yes, I admit. I like being in Darson's arms. It's weird but I have this thing I'm exploring in my head and it doesn't make me sick of the idea of staying a little longer in Darson's arms. What? The guy cuddles well. Sue me.

His eyes flutter open and I shut mine close. Shoot! Please tell me he didn't catch me staring. He'll never let me live it down.

So after seeing a softer and vulnerable side of Darson last night, I'm suddenly simping over his cuddles? I remember Mrs. Alexander's words. Sometimes after seeing the good in people, it really does change things. Ahhh. So that's what she meant. Darson has been a good boy for the past few weeks.

Then I remember his tongue down what's her face throat. Good boy, my ass. I forget that I am pretending to be asleep and end up glaring directly at Darson. An intrigued, lopsided grin forms on his lips as he stares back at me. "What? Did I kiss another girl in your dreams or something so now you're mad at me?" He brushes his nose against mine and I pull back as I eye him.

You jerk! You kissed another girl in real life! Suddenly I don't feel like cuddling anymore. I've lost my interest. I don't intend to cuddle with a man who has a girl on both his hands. And no, I'm not jealous. It's just weird and I'm still mad at him for doing his acts in public. Look at him grinning at me now with those doe eyes. This is how he ties them in, isn't it? A player indeed.

I retreat from his hands and swiftly make my way off the bed. My feet hit the ground with a thud and I swing for the door. "Why are you running away? This feels like a one night stand." I turn around to get a look at him. He's propping himself up with his left hand and I can't help but look. The sheet is almost off the bed so I get to see a full display of Darson's muscles, abs and a little hint at his v-line.

"You wish." I state. Darson nods slowly with puppy eyes. This surprises me. He's acting weird. And cute. "Although I rather it be an all night stand."

"There's no such saying."

"There is too." He sits up. "People in marriages usually do it. And what are the odds? We're married." I give him a look before turning on my heels.

The ruffling of sheets is heard before light footsteps. Darson hugs me from the back and I stop in my tracks. I am surprise at this so my hands stay rooted to my side. His embrace feels so good. Why do I lose all common sense when his arms are wrapped around me? I'm supposed to be mad.

"How do you feel?" I'm afraid to ask. I don't want him to fall into a mood.

"I don't want to talk about it." His head moves from side to side in the crook of my neck. He has no idea the effect this has on me. Cute Darson is another story. I don't know if I can handle all this cuteness. I never thought he had it in him. I had a feeling he had that side to him ever since his mom paid a visit but it's on full display now. "Thank you though. For last night." I finally turn around and wrap my hands around him.

"I'm glad I was there."

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Darson joins me in the kitchen. I am peeling potatoes for a potato salad I'm thinking about doing.

Darson comes up behind me and puts his hands on either side of me. As I am caged in, I try keeping a straight face. He smells good. He always smells good and it's starting to annoy me. He's not pressing up against me so I'm not going to punch him or anything.