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"Do you want someone to...be with you eventually?" I asked while surveying her face for any micro expressions that might hint toward her truth.

"Eventually. For the last few years, sex has become more of a…" She furrowed her brow while searching for the word. "Hobby, in a way? I can't explain it."

"Hobby?" I tilted my head, confused by the label. "I don't think I'm following what you're trying to tell me."

"I've spent time in the BDSM scene. Do you know what that is?"

"Of course. Yeah." I nodded and settled down once I understood what she avoided saying. "I kind of guessed you were into kinky things."

"What gave that away?" She laughed a little and returned to stroking my legs. I imagined my lack of freaked out response settled her concern.

"The way you play with me…"

"How do you feel about how I play with you?" She nudged my chin up so that I met her gaze rather than staring at the lock of her hair that I continued to stroke.

"Amazing, of course." I drew in a deep breath. "How does it feel for you?"

"Amazing." She leaned her forehead against mine and let out a soft sigh. "You're the first person I met who wasn't from the scene since hooking up with the nurse, Rosie."

"Is that why you wanted to know if I was into kinky things?"

"Somewhat." She nodded and ran her fingers through my hair.

"Well, I'm into you. Not just physically, Sam. I like talking to you and spending time with you. I hope you feel the same."

"I do feel the same. I'm not used to regular relationships, so I might suck at this a little. Okay?" she said, and offered me a smile that melted my insides to goo.

"Well, to be fair, I've never been in a long-term relationship, so I might suck, too."

"Good. We can learn together. Why don't we start with going on a hike again, just the two of us. Nothing shady about it. Just us."

"Okay." I chuckled at her presentation. "I'm up for that."

"Good." She pressed her lips to mine before taking my hands. "Come back to bed with me?"

"Yes, but I can't tolerate it if you let go of me. Is that pathetic?" I bit my bottom lip and she shook her head.

"Not at all." She stood, urging me with her and back toward the silky sheets. We climbed in together, and she pulled the covers up over us. "I'll cuddle you all night."

I scooted closer to her, our legs tangling as she wrapped me in her arms. I held her around the middle and let out a soft breath.

"Better?" she asked and I nodded. "If you wake up and I'm not holding you because we've shifted in our sleep, wake me a little, okay?"

"Okay." I kissed her chin and she smiled. "Promise to tell me if I'm too needy?"

"I promise. Promise to tell me if I'm too needy or too distant?"

"I promise."

"Good." She kissed me sweetly and this time, I tucked her hair behind her ear. "G'night, Rosie."

"Night, Sam."

***

"So," began Alex as she crunched on some corn chips. "Are you coming to Ainsley's?"

"I don't know." I glanced between her and the sandwich in my lap while we sat together on the sofa at my place.