The Virginia Threat

21. Relationship Developments

Stephanie's POV

After Marsden and I eventually separated from our very long hug, I told her that I was going to take a shower. For the entirety of my shower I could not stop smiling, overwhelmingly happy that the brunette and I seem to be on good terms with one another. When I finished with my shower I changed into a pair of my silk pajamas before walking back into our shared bedroom.

As I make my way into our bedroom I notice that Marsden has turned the lamp off. I glance over to her side of the room, being able to make out her body in her bed within the dim room. Assuming that she is asleep, I quietly close the door before making my way over to my side of the room.

It is when I place my dirty clothes in a laundry bin at the end of my bed that I hear the brunette shift in her bed. I ignore her as I assume that she is just trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep in. It is only when I hear her low voice fill the quiet bedroom that I realize that I may have judged incorrectly.

"Steph?"

I try my best to force away the butterflies in my chest from the simple nickname.

"Yeah?" I answer, my voice coming out more breathless than intended.

I turn to face the girl. Due to how dark her room is I am unable to make out any of her facial features. However, I can tell that the front of her body is facing my direction.

"Can you sleep in my bed tonight?" My breathing falters at this otherwise random request. "You don't have to if you don't want to." I hear her rush out when I do not immediately give her an answer.

Though I am surprised by this odd request, I am also entirely confused by it.

"With you?" I ask.

"With me." She confirms.

I do not give the question much thought before I begin to make my way over to her side of the room. I mean, if she wanted to harm me then she would have done it by now. Marsden is not one to conceal her hatred for someone—Believe me, I would know.

"What? Scared that I'm going to runaway again?" I tease as I stop in front of her bed.

Now standing directly in front of the girl I am able to vaguely make out her facial features. More specifically, the amused grin that rests on her lips.

The brunette holds the duvet up, allowing me to easily slide underneath it. I carefully slide into the warm bed. I do not miss the way that Marsden waits until I stop moving to rest the duvet over my body.

"Something like that." She mutters.

Feeling her body heat rolling off of her and onto me forces me to take note of how close the two of us are. Our bodies are mere inches away from each other, our faces as well. I am far enough that I am able to see her face, but close enough that I can hear her clearly even when she whispers. With this newfound silence, I take a moment to look at her. I mean, really look at her.

Marsden's long brunette hair is flowing freely behind her. Her hair is wavier than usual which I presume is from the bun that she had it in earlier. Her skin is completely bare and blemish-free, making me envy her perfect skin. Her eyebrows are perfectly trimmed and arched, resting above her relaxed eyes. The brunette's emerald green eyes appear almost black in the dark bedroom. Her upturned nose rests delicately above her naturally pouty, pink lips.

I find myself becoming jealous of her. Jealous of her ability to look good in any form of lighting. I have seen her look perfectly fine after walking through a literal thunderstorm! Like, how is that even possible?!

My breath gets caught in my throat when I feel the brunette bring her hand up to lightly rest on my cheek. Surprised by the action, I remain frozen with anticipation.