Unbidden

Chapter 11

The details of her dream drifted into vague impressions as Robin’s eyes opened and she stared at the room, disoriented.  She knew she wasn’t at home, as nothing looked like it was supposed to.  It took a moment for her mind to catch up and then she remembered she was at the Sanders’ house.

She lay on her stomach, the top of her head tucked under Todd’s chin. One of his arms stretched under her pillow, the other draped across her back as his body curled around her.  Whether he had snuggled her overnight or she had curled herself into him, she couldn’t remember.  But she smiled, loving the protective cocoon he made even when they slept.  This was something she’d never had with David.  He hadn’t been a snuggler, hadn’t seemed to take any pleasure in holding her.  He’d been very much about himself.

Robin held still for a moment, wanting to enjoy the warmth of his body and the feelings his embrace evoked.  With Todd she felt safe, cherished, and . . . .wanted.  With David that’s all she’d longed for - to feel wanted.  Not just when he needed something or when it was convenient for him, but all the time, just because.

The sound of little feet running back the hall, accompanied by childish squeals, caught her attention and her eyes flickered to the bedroom door.  The low tones of an adult soon followed, probably admonishing the kids.  Robin smiled.  Todd’s sister and nieces had arrived.

He must have heard the commotion as well because he stirred, drawing in a deep breath as his arm tightened around her, squeezing her. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before his voice, still thick with sleep, rumbled in her ear.  “Morning Dove.”

She lifted her head to look at him, resting her chin on her hands.  “Good morning.  Sounds like breakfast will soon be served.”

Todd gave her a sleepy smile.  “No sleeping in around here.”

“That’s okay.  I was awake anyhow.  I just didn’t want to get up yet.  I was too busy enjoying your snuggles.”

Todd’s smile widened.  “Did you sleep okay?"

Robin nodded.  “Yes.  Thank you for staying.”

“You’re welcome, though I had no intentions of sleeping on the couch.  Not when I had the chance to curl up next to you all night.”

“I don’t even remember you coming to bed.  The last thing I remember is hearing you turn on the shower and then I was out.”

“Yeah, you didn’t so much as flinch when I crawled under the covers.  But it didn’t take me long to fall asleep either, so it’s all good.”

They both glanced at the door as more childish laughter floated down the hall.  Todd grinned.  “I’m sure that’s courtesy of one or both of my brothers.  They love to torture those girls.”

Robin looked back at him, one eyebrow raised.  “And you don’t?”

Todd did his best to look offended.  “A man of my mature age always minds his manners.”

Robin snorted.  “Whatever.  You may be old but no one ever said anything about mature.”

The words were barely out of her mouth before Todd’s hands were on her, finding every ticklish spot she had.  Robin squealed, wondering briefly if everyone else could now hear her, but Todd didn’t let up until she was out of breath and begging for mercy.

She lay on the bed, panting and scowling, watching him roll away and sit up.  “That was not fair!”

Todd just laughed.  “You deserved it!”

Robin reached for a pillow, tossing it in his direction.  “I did not!  I shouldn’t be punished for speaking the truth!”

Todd easily deflected the pillow.  “You shouldn’t be so mean to me when I’m your only ride home.”