1 Night, 5 Hearts

Chapter 17 || No Big Deal It's Just A Shirt

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After Ethan left to see Celsey, I began my battle with sleep. Unfortunately, sleep won.

"Anna," I heard Ethan whisper, lightly tapping my arm. I groan in response and turn, so I'm facing him.

Refusing to open my eyes, I say,"How'd it go?"

He chuckled at me, "Really well, actually. Thank you, A." I yawned and nodded.

"Anytime," I sighed, snuggling deeper into my warm pillow. I hear his deep chuckle coursing through my ears allowing me to further relax.

"Okay, bedtime," he finally says and it's like music to my ears. Thank goodness. He shifts on to the bed, until I feel him next to me from head to toe. I lean into him, placing my hand on his chest only to find it's completely bare. That wakes me up.

"Um, where is your shirt?" I question, preparing to pull away from him. Sensing my hesitation, he snuggles in closer to me.

"A, I can't sleep with my shirt on, but remember nothing more, nothing less," he finished before bringing his face close to mine. "Why does it bother you?" He smirks.

"As a matter of fact it does, maybe you should sleep on the ground," I suggest again.

"Not happening. I held up my end. Now, all you have to do is lye there and go to sleep," he reminds me. "Besides it's no big deal it's just a shirt," he shrugs.

"Oh, it's no big deal," I say, thinking of something wicked.

I have shorts under my dress, so because it's no big deal, I thought. I sat up and took off my dress tossing it over by his shirt. "Now, you stay on that side of the bed and I'll stay over here," I told his shocked face.

"That is not the same. I-um-Anna!" He stuttered.

"What?" I questioned innocently. "It's just a top. I'm wearing shorts," I said pulling down the covers, so he could see. His eyes roamed over my body taking me in. I pulled the covers back up effectively hiding myself under the duvet. But not before he lightly touched my waist sending a shiver up my spine from his cold touch. I looked up to him wide eyed.

He cleared his throat and left the bed. When he got to the door he bent down and picked up his shirt. He brought it back over and handed it to me. "Okay, you're right, it's not just a shirt, but I am not a fan of wearing mine to bed. Here." I took it and put it over my head.

"Thanks, I really didn't want to wear only my bra and a pair of shorts to bed," I confessed, sheepishly.

He laughed, "I know, Anna, you wear a whole outfit to sleep. That's why I was so shocked when you stated you were going without. Well, that's not the only reason," he said and I watched as Mr. Player had a bit of blush rise up his neck. He looked so adorable like that.

He was still standing next to the bed looking at me and I sat up to meet his eyes. After he's display of wandering eyes I was less embarrassed to take him in as well. I have seen him without his shirt before because of our countless beach escapades and pool lounging, but I never really looked. He has a really well defined torso. He actually has the washboard abs, which is impressive. I'm no idiot in thinking they come naturally. He's favorite place in the world is the gym.

"Are you done yet, A," he says with a subtle smirk.

"Hmmm, not yet," I laugh, winking at him.

He shakes his head and chuckles deeply. I feel content, so I begin to sit back into bed, but he grabs my wrist. "Wait, Anna." I turn to look at him and the second I do his hand leaves my wrist to cup my face gently. He looks down at my lips and my eyes wander to his. He begins to lean towards me, so I close my eyes and feel his lips come in contact with mine slowly. The kiss is broken when I start smiling. I look up too see him smiling too. Not smirking or trying to be charming just his big genuine smile. Then, the most unromantic thing happens.

I yawn.

"I guess it's really time for bed, uh?" he says, nodding towards our waiting pillows. I nod in agreement and lay down. He scoots in under the covers. I turn over, so I'm facing the window because I can't face the door it freaks me out. Personal preference. Then, I feel two strong arms wrap around my waist and bring me into his chest. "Good night, Anna," he whispers into my ear and kisses my cheek.

"Night, Ethan," I sigh, snuggling closer to his chest and relaxing into sleep.

♡ < < - - - - - - - - A n n a - - - - - - - - - > > ♡