Lies That Bind (on hold temporarily)

Chapter Eleven

J A M E S

"Go on a date with me," I blurt out before I could stop myself.

What the fuck am I doing? I probably seem like an asshole asking her on a date after everything she's been through tonight.

"James..." she whispers, her body going stiff on top of me.

Shit.

"It doesn't have to be right away," I quickly say, trying to make up for being an insensitive prick. "You can even pick the place," I add, bringing the cookie down and within reach.

My eyes search hers, my jaw clenching as I curse myself for being a dick.

She leans forward and slowly takes a bite, the crumbs falling onto my shirt, causing a smile to creep onto my face.

"I'll take that as a yes," I smirk, squeezing her hip.

She places her hands on my chest and nods, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth before taking another bite of the cookie.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to think-"

"James, it's a yes," she assures me, draping her arms over my shoulders and playing with the hair on my nape. "I need to stop letting my past dictate my future."

She leans in, her lips just barely brushing over mine when her stomach growls loudly.

Fuck, how could I forget she said she hasn't eaten anything?

"You should eat," I whisper against her lips, "We can pick this up some other time."

She sighs and rests her forehead against mine for a second before giving me a quick kiss and climbing off my lap.

In a matter of minutes she scarfs down her plate of food and grabs another, while I finish up my mine.

When was the last time she ate?

"I'm stuffed," she says leaning back against the cushions while rubbing her stomach.

I laugh. "Me too."

I kick my legs up onto the chaise lounge of the couch, leaning back and resting my head in my crossed hands.

A few seconds later I feel her head fall to my chest and her body curl up next to mine. My one arm drops from behind my head and hooks around her shoulder, pulling her in closer.

"Want to watch a movie or something?" I ask.

She nods, "That sounds perfect."

I click on the TV and start scrolling, unsure of what to watch. I look down at Sara, her eyes fluttering closed. "You sure you want to watch something? You're already half asleep."

"I don't care what you put on, I just want to stay like this for a while longer," she says lowly, placing a hand on my chest.

I tilt my head, letting my cheek rest on the top of her head, and letting my hand move from her shoulder to her waist. "We can stay like this as long as you want," I whisper, drawing circles on her thigh just below the t-shirt.

She cuddles in closer, draping her arm over my stomach, my abs flexing at the contact.

Five minutes into the pilot of The Office she is out cold, snoring lightly against my chest, her hand clutching my t-shirt.

You're safe now, Sara. I won't let anything happen to you.

I watch about two episodes, trying my best to stifle my laughs so I don't wake her, and then decide I should bring her to bed.