Eighteen ~ Evelyn

I stretch out my limbs as I open my eyes.

Getting adjusted to my new position, I realise my head is now in Adrian's lap.

"Good morning." Adrian coos, stroking my head tenderly.

"Hey." I lean into the soothing contact.

A soft weight draped over me brings my attention to the sudden appearance of a fluffy blanket.

"Where did this come from? Are you magic?" I give Adrian an accusing side-eye.

"There's a drawer in the base of the sofa." He laughs before holding up a kindle. "I keep a few handy things in there."

"Sounds like a sugar coated way of saying you're too lazy to move to get things."

"Maybe."

I roll my eyes at him with a half smile.

Looking out of the windows, I try to gauge the time.

The magenta sun has started its descent behind the buildings touching the sky.

"I should head home." I've probably bothered him enough for a lifetime and it's getting dark.

"Why don't you stay?" He's looking directly into my eyes, not an ounce of humour in his face.

"I don't want to intrude and all of my stuff is at home." To be fair the only thing I really need is my laptop, but I don't want to overstay my welcome.

"You're not intruding, I'd like you to stay." A large hand cups my face. "Besides, we have dinner with Liz tomorrow night."

My heart starts to hum like a bee with a flower.

My literature review could wait, and it would save me from having to go back and forth.

"Are you sure?" I'm surprised by my timid tone.

"Yes." Ade doesn't break the intense eye contact until I nod my agreement.

He folds to kiss my forehead and the bee buzzes out of control at the spark of heat.

After more indecisiveness, we agree on a film to watch.

I meld into his side, spreading the blanket across us.

I feel so secure in his arms, basking in his warmth.

This is a feeling that I could definitely become addicted to.

Halfway through the film, my stomach reminds me of its presence with a short rumble.

Giggling I look up at Adrian and we decide on a takeaway.

We're both startled by the receptionist, who I've now learnt to be George, calling about the food's arrival.

Adrian runs down to fetch it and checks if I mind eating on the sofa to continue watching the film.

The big juicy burger in my hands is exactly what I was craving.

A smile spreads across my face in anticipation of the tasty meal.

All of the flavours dance on my tongue, but the cheese!

Cheese, especially melted, was one of my greatest weaknesses.

I close my eyes, savouring the taste and thanking myself for ordering extra cheese.

A laugh invades my happy place.

I turn to a grinning Ade with a burger about the size of my head.

The burger has two beef patties, pulled pork, bacon and onion rings on top.

I bet the poor cheese gets lost amongst all of that.

"You know watching me eat won't automatically teleport your burger into your tummy!" I tease under his unyielding gaze.

"That's a shame, you look damn delectable." He punctuates his point with a devilish wink.

I playfully smack his solid shoulder and go back to my burger bliss.

Happily sated, I sink into the sofa resting my hands on my stomach.

Ade ploughed through his burger, fries and wings before joining the food coma club.

I wouldn't even be able to tell you how the film ended, I was too preoccupied in cheese heaven.

But Adrian's rise from the sofa alerted me to the rolling credits.

Getting up, I help him carry the rubbish to the bin in the kitchen.

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

It's Heidi raving about the Easter holidays with dozens of confetti emojis.

I text her back a "Whoop whoop" before noticing the time.

"I'm gunna head up and try to regain a normal sleeping pattern."

"Okay." Adrian walks over, draping his arms around my neck. "I'll be in the office if you need anything."

He bends down, pressing a delicious kiss to my lips.

I lean up onto my toes to press myself against him, deepening the kiss.

My pulse is erratic along with my shallow breaths by the time he pulls away.

I bite my lip, trying to hold onto the lingering sensation.

Adrian traces the bite mark with his thumb before tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Goodnight Evie.", he releases me with a forehead kiss.

"Goodnight." I breathe before wondering upstairs.

The bee seems to have invited several friends over.

My chest buzzes with a new energy.

That was exhilarating.

I hang my dress up and float into the shower.

I don't how long it takes the water to pull me back down to earth, but once it does I lather my hair in shampoo.

Rinsing it out, I apply conditioner to the lengths of my hair before using it sparingly on my roots.

I twist it into a bun secured with a clip.

The claw clip I use would be oversized for most hair types, yet it barely holds the weight of mine in place.

I shave and wash with my favourite peach and strawberry body wash to give the conditioner time to soak in.

The smell reminds me of fresh macaroons.

Maybe I could pop to that cafe to pick up breakfast tomorrow.

Rinsing off, I wrap myself in the soft cloud.

I put some music on whilst I finish getting ready for bed.

Bobbing around the room until I snuggle between the weightless sheets.

I'm a night owl, so I struggle to fall asleep at a normal time, especially after a string of night shifts.

I escape into an alternative written universe in an attempt to coax myself to sleep.

The door being flung open startles me so much I scream.

Adrian pays no mind to my flustered flailing and throws me over his shoulder.

"Mr Adrian Carter, what are you doing?" I ask sternly.

"My teddy bear sleeps with me!" There's a possessive growl to his tone that shoots straight to my core.

"Ade, put me down." I'm only wearing his t-shirt and a lace thong, which is probably completely exposed.

"No."

Adrian's refusal is reinforced with a slap on my ass. Sending another lightning bolt to my core.

I cross my ankles in an attempt to squeeze my legs together and maintain my last shred of dignity.

Accepting the situation, I admire how the toned muscles in his back tense as he carries me to his bed.

Of their own accord, my fingers reach out to trace the prominent outlines.

I'm so out of practice in the relationship department, it hadn't even crossed my mind that Adrian might want to share a bed.

Now I just feel stupid for not thinking of it myself.

Ade folds at the waist and releases his hold.

With a short shriek and giggle, I fall onto the emerald sheets.

I finally have a full view of my handsome captor.

And what a view it is.

My eyes trail down his muscular physique, halting when they reach his boxers.

I bite my lip.

His large length strains against the material, sending bolts to my core.

It's both intimidating and instigating at the same time.

I glance upwards to find the same animalistic heat reflected in his eyes.