Why Don't You STAY

THE UNEXPECTED COMFORT

CATHERINE:

As I descended the stairs, I spotted Olivia cozied up on the floor, surrounded by all the essentials: a plush mattress, soft blanket, comfy pillow, and a cuddly plushy. Snacks were neatly arranged beside her, and she was scrolling through Netflix, getting ready for a movie night. "Heyy, you're back! What took you so long?" Olivia asked, turning around with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

I stuttered, feeling a bit flustered, "I-I was speaking to my father... that's why I'm late." Olivia's face lit up with a warm smile. "Ohhh, it's okay! I turned off the lights to set the mood, you know what I mean?" She winked, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

As I approached her, Olivia continued, "I'll sleep on the mattress, and you can share the couch with my mom. It's pretty comfy, and since you're our guest, you get the royal treatment!" My heart skipped a beat at the thought of sharing the couch with Victoria. The room suddenly felt warmer, and I couldn't shake off the nervousness in me .

Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, I heard the door close upstairs, snapping me back to reality. "Can't I sleep on the mattress instead, and you take the couch?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Olivia's expression turned stern, and she said, "No, you can't. I've made up my mind."

It seemed I was stuck sharing the couch with Victoria, and my emotions were doing the rollercoaster. On one hand, I was excited to spend more time with her; on the other, I was nervous about being so close. "Well, I guess I'm stuck on the couch today," I thought to myself, "and I won't be alone... Victoria's going to be right there beside me.

As I settled into the cloud-soft couch, I felt like I was melting into its comfy goodness. We were just about to start the movie when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. "Heyy, girls!" Victoria chimed, her voice warm and inviting.

Olivia responded with a cheerful "Heyy, mom!" and I turned to my side to see Victoria standing by the coffee table, placing her phone down. My gaze wandered over her, taking in the adorable contrast lace tie-front Cami PJ set she was wearing. The soft lighting from the TV highlighted her toned thighs, and my eyes lingered for a moment before traveling back up to her chest. I felt a flutter in my chest as our eyes met, even in the dim light.

"Mom, I'll sleep on the mattress," Olivia said, "you and Catherine can have the couch." Victoria's gaze snapped back to her daughter, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Hmm, are you sure?" Olivia nodded, her eyes fixed on the TV. "Yup, I'm perfect. Besides, you get to cuddle with Catherine for once. She does give very good hugs!" Olivia added with a sly grin.

Victoria chuckled, an amused glint in her eye. "Ohhh, Victoria said, "well then, I'm lucky!" Olivia had given up her spot, and I couldn't help but feel grateful. Usually, Olivia preferred sleeping with someone cuddly during movie nights, but tonight, I was the lucky one.

Victoria snuggled into the couch beside me, her voice low and teasing. "Well, I guess I'm lucky today. I get to cuddle with Catherine!" As she settled in, her arm brushed against mine, sending a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the night had in store.

As the movie played on, my mind began to wander. I couldn't focus on the screen, my thoughts drifting to the person sitting beside me. Victoria's presence was distracting, to say the least. I was so caught up in my own nervous energy that I hadn't even paid attention to the movie's plot.

Every so often, Victoria's arm would brush against mine, sending shivers down my spine. We were sitting closer than I remembered, her warmth radiating towards me. I recalled her sitting further away initially, but somehow, she'd inched closer. The gentle touch of her skin against mine left me breathless.