Stalking His Bride - Lucy Darling Page 0,16

my knees as Bear runs over and jumps into my lap. I pick him up and hug him, relieved not only to see my baby puppy but that James is still here.

“I missed you.” I look up at James, who is watching us. “I missed you too,” I tease him.

“Good, I’d hate to be jealous over a puppy.” I stand with Bear in my arms. “Why don’t you go get ready for bed?” He takes Bear from my hands. I yawn, still tired.

“I’m not that tired. We can watch another movie or something. I’ll let you pick.” He steps closer to me, bending down to drop a quick kiss on my mouth.

“You’re worn out, sweetness. Go get ready for bed. I’ll move Bear’s water bowl and crate into the bedroom.”

“Thanks.” I give my best smile, not wanting him to know I’m disappointed the night is over. I turn, heading back down the hallway into my bathroom to do my nightly routine. I stare at the ten-step skin regimen my mom swears by and made me start doing in middle school, not wanting to do it tonight. I mean, would anyone really know if I skipped one night? These last couple of days have been so freeing for me. I want to continue to live in the moment and forget about everything else for as long as I can.

I grab the small waste basket and sweep my arm across the shelf, knocking all of it into the trash can. That’s going to save me twenty minutes every night. Time I can use to do other things. Especially ones that include James. I brush my teeth and hair before washing my face like a normal human. I flip off the light, making my way into my bedroom. James is sitting on the side of the bed with Bear jumping around like a wild man.

“He does not look tired.” I walk over to the bed and fall over onto it, making Bear bounce. James leans over, giving me a kiss. This is interrupted with Bear kisses that make me giggle.

“I'm going to make sure all the food and stuff is put away.” I watch as he leaves the bedroom. I slip under the covers. Bear walks in circles before he plops down at the end of the bed. I try and listen to hear what James is doing. I should probably get up. I’m going to have to lock the door behind him.

I stop when James comes strolling back into the room. My eyes drop to his bare chest and travel down to the perfect V that I’ve only ever seen on men in magazines. I’m sad that I can’t see any further because his gray sweatpants are in the way.

He makes his way to the other side of the bed, getting in. He drops his phone on the nightstand and then flips the light off. I lie there, not sure what to say.

“Come here.” James' arm wraps around my waist as he pulls me across the bed until my back is pressed against his chest. He wraps his arm around me before he buries his face in my neck. I smile.

“You’re staying?”

“Yep.” That makes me smile even bigger. “Goodnight, sweetness.”

“Goodnight, James.” I snuggle in deeper to him. It’s only a matter of seconds before sleep takes me.

11

James

I put Bear down, giving him a fresh bowl of water and some food. I give him one last small pet on the head. He slept through most of the night. He started to get a little restless at some point, at which I’d creeped out of bed and took him down for a walk so that he didn’t wake Carly.

We haven't had the pup long and he already looks a few pounds bigger. He definitely isn’t going to make it long in an apartment of this size. The bed is a tight fit already with only Carly and me. By the look of Bear’s paws, he’s going to be a giant.

I’m in no way, shape or form complaining about how small the bed is. It works out in my favor. My girl is a cuddler and I’ve had to listen all night while she made these tiny moans in her sleep. I’m not sure if they were comforting or torture. If you ask me I would say they were the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard, but I don’t think my dick would agree with that.

I look up from Bear when I hear a vibrating sound