Chapter 19

As we sit there wrapped around each other, rain starts falling. It’s drumming lightly against the windows, the perfect soundtrack to the happy crackle of the video fireplace. David sighs and cuddles deeper into my arms until he’s plastered against me.

The moment is pure magic. Having David so close warms me up from the inside, and I don’t even miss the heat of a real fire. Lovely smells waft from the pot simmering away on the stove, adding to the cozy atmosphere. The rise and fall of David’s chest is so steady, so dependable, I let my eyelids fall closed.

He hums and buries his nose in my neck. “This okay?”

“Mmm. Perfect.”

“You’re a great cuddler.”

“I haven’t had a lot of practice, so I must be a natural,” I say.

That makes him snort. “Funny.”

“Thanks. I try.”

He slides his hand up my chest, and rests it on my neck, his thumb stroking my jawline. “Look at me.”

I pull back just enough so I can meet his eyes.