Cookie

32

As sleep gradually fades and reality settles in, I become aware of the warmth of Liam’s body lying next to me. My entire right side is pressed against him, using his chest as my personal pillow. My first instinct is to move, but then I feel Liam's hand gently caressing my back, and for a moment, I wonder if I’m still dreaming.

I open my eyes and smile as I take in Liam’s morning face—his sleepy eyes glowing in a way that only he can manage, plump lips still carrying traces of last night’s kisses, rosy cheeks, and messy dark hair that beckons me to run my fingers through it.

“Morning, beautiful,” he murmurs in a husky voice, just as I reach up to brush his curls off his forehead. He wraps both hands around my waist, pulling me closer as I sit up, but the moment I realize that my chest is now only inches away from his face, I blush, realizing I’m not wearing a shirt. My exposed breasts are practically in his face.

In a panic, I grab for the blanket to cover myself, but just as I do, Liam places a sweet kiss on my sensitive skin, causing me to shiver. His laughter fills the air as I blush furiously, clutching the blanket as though it’s my lifeline, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. With a swift motion, Liam yanks the blanket out of my hands, tossing it aside, leaving me standing almost completely naked before him, while his hungry eyes scan me shamelessly.

Trying to cover myself with my hands only makes Liam laugh harder. He gets off the bed and walks a few steps before turning toward me with my blue tank top in his hand.

I quickly try to snatch it from him, but Liam places one hand on my chest, forcing me to face him. He pulls my arms down, exposing me once again. My cheeks are on fire, but something stirs deep within me when I meet his dark gaze as it travels from my body to my eyes and back, his lips parting slightly as he licks them.

“Baby, didn’t I see you just like this last night?” He grins, and I freeze, unable to move or speak. “Weren’t my lips kissing your skin, making you moan with pleasure? Tell me, Nataly, was I dreaming, or was that real?”

I don’t respond, but his raised eyebrows let me know that he’s waiting for me to answer. His eyes travel down my body again, and I feel the heat rise in my cheeks.

“You weren’t dreaming,” I manage to whisper, my voice barely audible.

“Then care to explain why you’re trying so desperately to cover yourself up?” He smirks, raising an eyebrow as he steps closer. “You’re not exactly the shy type. You love a lazy morning, so why aren’t we still in bed, cuddling right now?”

“I’m naked…” I mumble, trying to justify my embarrassment.

“Yeah, you are,” he says, his voice low, “and you look delicious.”

He sighs, handing me my shirt, and as I put it on, I can’t help but feel the truth in his words. Maybe I shouldn’t feel so shy, but standing naked in front of him in the morning is a whole different thing than kissing him while naked at night. I’m just not ready for this level of exposure… yet.

Once I’m dressed, Liam pulls me closer, his hands resting on my waist. He presses a soft kiss to my lips, and when he pulls away, he lifts my chin so I can look into his eyes as he speaks.

“One day, Nat, you’ll walk around this room naked all day long, and you won’t even care.”

I kiss him again quickly before smiling, realizing he’s probably right. With time, I’ll become more comfortable with my body around him. But that day hasn’t come yet.

“Maybe one day,” I say, looking into his eyes as I get up to change into more comfortable clothes before heading to the bathroom.

After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I pull on a pair of black leggings and a burgundy oversized sweater with a high neck. When I come out of the bathroom, I find Liam sitting on the bed, wearing black sweatpants and a simple gray t-shirt, looking down at his phone with a frown, not even noticing me.