Chapter 41

Our break had begun - and I was loving it.  The next day was spent sleeping in after agreeing I could take that day off (reluctantly too since I've missed so much).  I mean, I wanted to go to catch up, get that shit over with but Luke argued I should stay home with him and just rest for one more day.  Because even though our 'break' would go on for who knows who long, school didn't count.  I didn't need a break from school, I needed a break from all the bodies falling, the drama, the danger and so did Luke.  So I was staying home one more day.  It was well spent, I will add.  We woke at 11:30, rested, and spent the afternoon watching TV, listening to country music (shut up), and playing board games we found in the back of a closet that were once Luke's.  Another thing though I can't leave out is the phone call we got... my god.  Luke spoke to Jan, clarifying that all was good, that everyone was okay.  After all, she found out what happened through the news, that we were attacked at the station.  Yeah, so she and Mike were pretty pissed off.  I would be too though if you have to find out through the news that their son and I almost died and not through him himself. 

Yes, hours were literally spent with Luke talking with Jan over the phone, reassuring her... then reassuring Mike when he spoke to him over the phone.  I could hear them through the phone yelling at Luke and demanding to know why he couldn't call them and tell them what happened.  And, as I listened more, I would hear their voices go soft over the phone and turn worried.  I felt terrible for them... I couldn't imagine seeing that on the news about me and him getting attacked and not knowing before.  I was surprised though when they wanted to talk with me, make sure I was okay.  They kept asking if I needed anything, wanted anything at all, if I was okay, needed help in any way, and would be able to deal with all this.  Other than those calls between us though, all was very... lazy.  It was just a relaxing day, just fooling around.  A good day.

Of course, the next day was school I knew.  It would be a different story than the previous day.  I dreaded it the moment I woke up.  I've been out of school for so long that I wasn't ready to go back, get loaded with homework, and get thrown question after question - either concerning the mental hospital or the attack in the woods; both of which were widespread, all over the TV.  I knew very well just how bad it would be when I get back.  I was not looking forward to it at all.  At all, fuckers, you got that?  At.  All.  I would happily go back though if it meant kicking everyone's ass that bothers me about it (but the consequences of that weren't exactly what I needed to deal with either right now).

I woke in Luke's arms; you'd figure my day started off well.  But oh no my dear folks, you're wrong.  Yesterday was gone, unfortunately.  And after I saw he was already awake and laying in bed, I got up and began to get ready as he continued to lay there.  It sucked too because the moment I woke up, I groaned, so warm and comfortable... so tired.  But nope.  Had to get ready; it was like a blur too the first couple minutes, I was so tired.

I grabbed my clothes from my closet, went to the bathroom, and got dressed for school.  Nothing wrong with just a hoodie and jeans as I put them on.  Then, once looking myself over once in the bathroom mirror, I went back into my room, lit by the lamp I turned on when I got up.  It lit up the room where the sun couldn't since it wasn't up yet.  And lit up what was already a very wide awake officer.  He was resting his back against my headboard, his body managing to do so without a grunt. 

Luke could walk fine now.  He was actually feeling better, really.  The only thing he was still dealing with was a little bit of the soreness, which I knew would be gone in no time.  If he was able to heal like he already has, it wont be long until he is all better.  However, his work didn't seem to think so.  The lucky little bitch was given the rest of the week off from work because they knew how hurt he was!  I mean god damn!  Did I need to go back to school?  Yeah, I did.  And was Luke hurt, yeah... but that still doesn't mean it's fucking fair.  You can blame his teasing mood over it that was making me angry over it. 

His hair curled around his ears, the top of his head held locks that were parted unnaturally almost in response to how he slept.  In all honesty, I liked how he looked when he woke up.  Just... free in a sense.  Relaxed as he was now.  A big grey shirt with a faded Pepsi logo across it, his arms were crossed as he just watched me from where he was sitting in my bed, the covers still covering his lap where his legs were stretched out before him.  Jack sat along side him, watching me as well like the curious pup he was.  However, Luke's presence was getting the best of me.  He wore a smirk that I wasn't sure about, yet a smile in it too that showed his admiration as he watched me get ready.  I could feel his eyes on me as I applied a little make up at my dresser and in front of my mirror.  It made it hard not to smile myself because I felt he was playing with me.  In reality, I knew he was also just enjoying watching me get ready, as if it interested him.  He was silent most of the time, just smiling and I had a feeling he was up to something. 

I met his eyes in the mirror after I ran my brush through my hair.  I couldn't help it any longer but scoff and turn around to face him, setting the brush down after I ran it through my black hair one more time.  Narrowing my eyes on him, his lips seemed to have tilted up even more.  And as I watched him carefully... I felt a part of my humor reach me at taking in his features.  His eyes teased and he rolled his eyebrows up and down as I just watched him.

"You want to tell me what you're looking at?" I demanded, crossing my arms myself.

"You," he answered simply, expression not faltering.

I rolled my eyes.  "Okay, I'll try a better question.  Is there something stuck in your ass... but your maybe enjoying it?  A little smug maybe that you don't have to do anything today but sit on your ass?"

His eyebrows dipping this time at my strange accusation at what I first said, his face showed confusion and a little disgust.  "What the hell is that suppose to mean?"

"Why are you still up and awake when you don't have to work and when Francis is talking me to school?  And why are you smiling?"

"I'm not allowed to smile?" he asked in a small and overly sad voice.

"No, you are not," I remarked, keeping a stone face with it all.  Soon enough, and after he dropped his smile dramatically to a frown, I hid my own smile and turned back to my dresser, looking over the surface for what I needed next.  Make up was done, my hair was brushed....  not much more left to do until I go to that shit-hole.  Glancing to the clock on my dresser too, I noticed I had enough time.  So I grabbed the hair tie on my dresser and wrapped my hair up in a bun.  Despite him liking it down, I still put my hair up sometimes - always when I head to school.  Wrapping my hair up with my hands over my head, when I was done I dropped my hands and took notice of him through the mirror again I was facing.  He was still holding that needy frown aimed straight at me and making me want to laugh.

I watched him look down to Jack and unfold his arms, petting my dog and I could hear him mutter something, just under his breath, in a pitiful voice.  "Looks like you're my only friend Jack...."

Laughing under my breath at his childish playful remark, I grabbed my phone from where I set it next to my to my jewelry box.  Then I turned to where my bag rested on the floor against the bedside table,  took the few steps it took and I bent down and opened it, sliding my phone in a little pouch.  After that, I took a deep breath, stood up and glanced over to the bed where my two lovely guys were - cutie pie Jack and a pouting Luke, both staring up at me as I stood near the door now after picking up my bag.  All ready to go now.  Fucking joy.  At least Francis said we'd be stopping for breakfast somewhere first before he drops me off at school.

"Do you promise to behave while I'm gone?" I smirked between them, who looked too innocent at the moment.

"Where are you going?" Luke asked, his smirk coming back, his eyes teasing in mine more and dropping his frowning act..

God, he was really enjoying fucking with me today.  And not a great one to start with.  After being gone from school for so long, the last thing I want is to go back, with more to face besides homework.  Plus, when you have to wake up early like I did, it made it worse since I've been up late days prior too.  Yet, nope, he enjoys my pain.  "To face hell in school right now," I said, taking notice of his smirk. 

"No you're not," he shook his head once, stating simply.  Jeez. 

"Oh yeah?" I crossed my arms, looking to my clock, sure Francis would be hear any minute now.  "And why am I not going to school? I can't skip another day for rest like you convinced me to do yesterday."  I said, explaining more seriously since I knew that he truly wanted me to stay home, despite his teasing.  But I really needed to catch up. 

"It's a snow day," he said, that smile turning into a full out grin.

I wasn't sure... what the hell I expected.  But it was not that.  I didn't really understand at first either though because I figured he was making it up just to get me to stay home.  At the same time, it of course was possible.  Either way, it sounded like he was trying to fuck with me though since he now just tells me, right before I'm ready to walk out the door.  Ha!  No, he had to be fucking with me.

However, after a couple of minutes of him continuing to defend himself from me calling him a liar a few times, it started to sink in... that he was telling the truth.  That's why he was laughing, because he tricked me into getting up and ready when I had such a hard time with how tired I was.  And once it sunk in... all it took was one more time, repeating and asking and just needed to clarify.

"You're telling me... it's a snow day?" I asked.  "And you waited until I was about to walk out the fucking door to tell me?!  You ass!"  I saw the honesty in his eyes, saw that he was telling the truth and that's why he was laughing... ugh.  I wasn't a happy camper.  Not because I was missing school again if that's true; no, glory fucking hallelujah if I don't get to go to school for a snow day.  That's just awesome, another free day off and I wouldn't miss anything either.  But what made me one unhappy camper... was that Luke knew it the whole time.  

His teeth gleamed towards me, his eyes squinting as he released busts of rich laughter that wrapped around my heart.  Looking at him, he leaned forward slightly, letting his body support himself as he just continued laughing, eyes still on mine. 

"What do you want me to say, Albany?" His laughter filled the air at just how funny he thought this was.  "I wanted to watch my sexy woman get ready in the morning," he chuckled in fits of high laughter, which made me want to laugh but I wouldn't for his benefit.  He fooled me.  Ha. Freaking. Ha. However, I will admit it was funny and his words made me want to smile.  But I wouldn't show him that.  No sir, he deserved to be punished! He made me get up, get dressed, wake up when I didn't want to.

I cracked a smile at him that I purposefully made not welcoming.  Dropping my bag on the floor beside me, I walked towards where he was in bed, staring him down.  Trying to win in this game he created.  I mean, my god.  The bastard knew this whole time it was a snow day and he decided to tell me just as I was about to leave.  Not when I first woke, not even when I started getting ready, no... but when I was finished getting ready.  That little bitch... I'm going to own his ass after this.

He however didn't seem to care.  He was drowning in laughter soon enough, staring up at me as he rest back into the headboard and let that support his chuckling fits over what he did.  Then, he leaned forward and rested his head in his hands as he continued laughing hard, as if rocking back and forth in laughter.

"It's not funny," I said, hiding my smile though it was hard.  God, what can I say?  He got me.

"Oh it's hilarious," he said, eyes wide and teasing.  I stared down at him, teeth clenching and I kept my smile shaded.  "Awe, poor baby," he pouted, giving me a sad face. "Did I make you mad?"

"Fuck yeah you did!  Wow, way to show how much you care," I mumbled. However, I was still a little skeptical of him.  I mean, he could be joking me. I scoffed as I eyed the window on the other side of my bed.  "You better not be lying.  I'll kick your ass.  Hell, your ass is getting kicked either way."  I climbed up onto the bed and scooted over towards the wall on my knees, avoiding his outstretched ones as I smacked his legs as I went. 

"I'll be happily awaiting the ass kicking session," he teased from behind me as I reached the window.  Kneeling up in front of the bars, I reached beside the bars where the string was to open my blinds.  And when I opened them, pulling the string and seeing the new day before me, I raised an eyebrow at the sight.

The roof was covered in snow - which was no surprise.  But as I looked over the yard, trees, and how much was piled up against my window, I realized he couldn't be lying.  There was so much snow....  there was a little against my window but a few feet out on the roof and it was stacked high up, to the point where I could just barely see past it.  Of what I could see, the trunks of the trees were covered from the ground up quite a bit too.  I didn't want to bother checking the news to see if it was closed; this kind of proved so, especially when our streets around here aren't exactly primary roads and don't get plowed often.  So I believed him, even though I'm still surprised he would trick me like that.  No worries though.  Nothing wrong with a little pay back later on, right guys?

Sighing, I turned slightly around to see his dumb smirk on his face as he just sat there in that same spot, looking at me.  "Do you believe me?"

I nodded.  "I believe you.  Just be prepared for retaliation, mister," I put calmly.  "And that doesn't include the snow ball I'm about to throw at you," I smirked, slipping my arm through the huge open spaces of the bars that covered the window and undid the latch on the window.  That's right.  I mean, the guy apparently had a hard time recalling it was a snow day earlier since he just told me... so I figured throwing some at him would be helpful. 

By the time I unlatched the window through the bars, and by the time he said, "You wont throw anything at me," as if sure I was bluffing, I had access to the snow out my window.  I reached out with both hands and packed a big ball of snow together.  The icy pricks of snow chilling my skin, I smirked as I moved my hands back in and shut the window with a free hand, the other holding the snowball.

He didn't think I was serious.  But I showed him I was when I spun towards where Luke was leaning against the headboard and at seeing the snowball, he instantly reacted.  Eyes wider, with realization and excitement, I heard him belt out, "Oh shit!"  Then he moved, swiftly sliding his entire body back under the covers, just as I made my move to throw it at him, laughing with him now. 

Once I knew he felt it hit the covers, he peaked out from under the covers.  And this time, his smile was bright and wide.  "You're wild.  Who throws a snowball at a helpless man this early in the morning?  Inside!"  A moment later though, he sat up a bit more again.  And when he did, he let his eyes fall to the covers and take in the remains of the snowball, where it began soaking in my bed.  That second, I watched him swiftly pick up the snow remains.  And before I knew it, he chucked the freezing pieces towards me, making me squeal just slightly, as shaming as that is. 

It hit my shoulder through my clothes and I felt the chilly influence over my body.  Other than that, the rest hit the floor and I was laughing again when I came to face him.  My laughter, I forced out, and I gave him a disgusted face mixed with my amusement. Oh... such an interesting morning.  "You are such an asshole!" I yelled at him, happy Clare was gone by now and unable to hear this strange exchange.  I began to climb back over toward the other side of the bed to stand up but he managed to grab me, stop me, and sit up even more until he himself was on his knees.  He grabbed my arm and held me still in place, making me meet his playful eyes.

"But..." he whispered.  "I'm your asshole right?"

"You're my ass's asshole?  I guess," I shrugged, smirking.  And with that, I broke out into laughter too.  God... nothing will ever become tiring with him.  

***

We laid together in bed for a couple hours, just talking and joking and staying warm under the covers and against each other (and of course, playing with sweet little Jack).  But eventually, we needed to get up.  Our stomachs were growling and I wanted to check on Luke's cuts, just to be safe.  Plus, Jack was getting antsy and wanted to go outside - and I let him out after we went downstairs.  But I wont lie, the temptation was there to put him on Clare's bed and let him piss all over it. 

After I let him inside and went into the kitchen where Luke was, I watched him begin to pull out some bread.  Then he tried getting the toaster out of the cupboard.  But upon seeing him wince when craning to reach it in a cupboard, it reminded me of what else needed to happen that made me anxious.  I mean, I knew the dude was fine, he was okay.  I knew that... but after changing his dressing so many times, I felt my need to continue at least checking.

"Hey, I should check your cuts before you make breakfast," I said, also indicating his wince.  His eyes, moved from where his hands were reaching over to where I was standing in the middle of the kitchen.  His eyebrows raising, he pursed his lips... but not without a small tilt of them up. 

Abandoning the toaster for now, he turned towards me, smiling as he reached one hand behind him, scratching the back of his neck.  "Albany, you know I'm fine."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I groaned, turning towards the table and pulling the chair closest to me at the table, and turned it around to face out, towards where he was.  "Still though, I want to check."

"Alright," he smiled, putting his arms up in surrender as he walked closer to me and then turned, sitting down in the chair I pulled out for him (I found it's more difficult checking when standing when you take our differences in height into consideration).  Moving to stand before him where he was now sitting in the chair, he sighed and grabbed the fabric of his shirt, moving it up and over his head.  

Standing in front of him, I looked down and over his body.  Taking in the sight of the cuts, now turning into scabs, some still needing some dressing, it looked all well.  So did his stitches.  Bending forward to look closely, I first put my attention on the cut along his stomach before glancing to another one... still honestly very worried.  I wasn't stupid, scabs are scabs and cuts are cuts.  I just get paranoid about it now so shut the hell up about it. 

Luke didn't seem to mind.  Bending as closely as I was, I noticed his body sit forward more and as I was looking him over, I felt his arms wrap up around my waist, pulling me forward until my legs couldn't support me and his lap did.  Feeling his hands on my hips pulling me into his lap, forcing my legs to straddle each side of him.  Laughing, my attention went to his shining eyes that were closer to mine and now on the same level since he pulled me down to him.  I was sitting in his lap in the chair, and though I laughed, I partially gasped at the same time.

"Nutcase," I hissed through my smile, looking down to where his stitches on his thigh would be.  "The stitches!"  My body must be be putting pressure on it - and probably wasn't helping his sore body to begin with.  Looking back up though into his humorous and adoring eyes, he didn't seem to care as I felt his arms circle around my entire back now and hold me there.

His white teeth smiling, he let out a light chuckle.  "Girl, no matter how hurt I am, you are always welcome to sit on my lap," he said, winking at me and raising an eyebrow in suggestion. 

I shook my head, trying to act disgusted and knowing I failed with my laughter.  "Pervert alert," I whispered, raising my arms and resting them on his warm bare chest.  Though of course, I am more of a pervert probably.  I always get this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I am close in contact with his groin.  I swear, his thingy must have compelling powers or something.

My attention though returned to where his cuts were.  And though a lot of people would find it maybe gross, I didn't.  I ran my hands slightly over his chest, rubbing my thumb against a deeper cut that was still bandaged before looking up at his observing expression.  Lips pressed, his eyes held excitement when they found mine and curiosity, wonder too.    "Do I pass this imaginary or crazy test you made?" he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes and smiled.  "Shut up.  And yeah.  You ought to be thanking me, I'm the only one that cares about you."

He let out an over dramatic hiss and with his widening, teasing eyes, he said, "Ouch, man that stung."

"Good," I said, moving one hand to rest around his neck.  But as I stared more into his eyes, as they stared back, I noticed that flirting nature we share was soon fading. He let out a more uneasy chuckle and knew he was hesitant to what he was about to say next.  "Um, I need to probably tell you something," he said, suppressing a smile that looked cautious.  Great.  It doesn't sound like he has good news for me, whatever this is by the look of his expression.

I sighed, my smiling widening and I shook my head (the only reason I was smiling was because I saw he was afraid to ask but didn't seem that serious). "Oh god," I groaned.  "What is it?"

"Well, I actually meant to tell you this yesterday but... kind of forgot," he said, looking down and embarrassed by that fact.  Glancing back up to me in his lap, his green eyes searched mine and gave off a comfortable vibe that didn't make me too worried.  "Actually, it would have been a not so pleasant surprise for you if it wasn't a snow day."

My eyebrows lowered in confusion.  I mean, what the hell did that mean?  "What is it?" I repeated through a light scoff.

Sighing himself, he told me, with no more sign of a smile on his  face what he was talking about.  "You see, since all this shit happened with the mental hospital... and now, with this attack, I'm afraid of leaving your side even more.  I think at this point and with how dangerous and deadly this is getting, I need to be at your side at all times.  And that includes during school."

I smiled at his words... just the idea of him going to school with me, acting on the job too.  That would be so awesome.... it would be hard to stay focused, that's for sure, but it would make school so much better.  Even more important than that though, was how obvious this all was.  I mean, they ambushed the shit out of us when we least expected it - and they knew Luke was with me!  They are smart enough to realize I go to school and it would be easy too.  After all, what the hell is the school doing to protect me?  And even in general.  Anyone that looks like they can go to the school can just walk in without question. The people after me probably looked young enough not to look suspicious.  I was wide open for everyone in school.  So it made a lot of sense if he came to school with me.  But I don't understand why he seemed cautious to tell me about it. 

I smiled brightly to him.  "That's good.  It would help; it's almost like it's needed at this point."

Looking more into his eyes, I saw him give me a small smile but not one that agreed with me.  Because as it turns out, that wasn't what was going to happen.  "Exactly, it needs to happen.  The only issue is... I proposed it and was denied.  I'm not allowed at the moment to... well, do any of the fun stuff," he said, pursing his lips and shrugging.  "I'm on desk duty for a while after my little 'stunt' and they wont allow it.  Plus, they made the relevant argument that since I'm personally connected to you, I would be distracted.  However," he paused, smiling slightly.  "They have recognized how much this threat extends after the attack and the police decided it was acceptable if someone accompany you in school.  But someone that's just not me."

My eyes widened as I took all that he told me in.  Everything seemed to hit me a little differently.  First being that it pissed me off that he was stuck at a desk for his 'stunt' that he pulled.  Another being that they actually acknowledged as a whole force that this is an issue with what is happening with me.  That they decided to assign an officer to be with me during school hours.  However, though that was relieving, I didn't like the fact at all that it wasn't Luke.   Which officer did pick to do the job?  Most hate my ass, I'm sure to begin with.  I wont know them to begin with so I wont be able to trust them right away.  Of course though, I know Luke wouldn't leave me alone with some incapable bastard who wouldn't be able to protect me.  But lord, I can only imagine how irritated he is that he can't be the one to do it.

I saw it in his eyes, not only that caution.  The worry, the paranoia already there... You people already know how protective he is of me.  To have another officer protect me at school, where I'm pretty much almost wide open, must be driving him crazy.  Taking in his eyes, I knew he could see I was accepting it all - including what it meant for him not being able to do it.  He nodded slowly.  "It... sucks," he said, scoffing without humor.  "I don't want to leave you alone.  But it was either that or nothing for help.  I tried so hard to get myself in that position.  I offered money, a cut of my pay, extra and overtime later... like I tried but they were strict.  But, to reassure me, they had me assign a few officers to the job.  Two of which are to patrol the exterior of the school grounds.  One will be with you the whole time.  With telling me they will have a live feed from the station to the school thanks to some equipment they set up, they made me accept it.  I'm still not happy with not being there... but it's better than nothing and better than it being just and only me."

I sighed, looking off to the side and onto the kitchen tile, letting my thoughts go for a moment. I mean, considering I was about to walk out the door today with no thought, no clue, no protection I was feeling quite secure now.  Of course, I knew Luke must have already had this set up to happen, even today if it wasn't a snow day.  It just sucked he couldn't be there.  And not because I like being around him or anything like that.  But because I don't trust anyone else.   Looking back up to him, I spoke.

Nodding, accepting this, I sighed.  "Okay....  Yeah, okay this-this could work," with every nod, I tried pushing it through.  Taking a deep breath and pressing my lips together, giving him a small smile, I asked, "So two cops on the outside; whose the lucky guy stuck with me in school all day?"  My small smile folks on my face... gone. 

He searched my eyes and just the look he gave me - just that sorry ass and almost humorous look he gave me - told me enough.  I mean, seriously, I only knew a couple from the station; I figured it would have been people I haven't met.  Or if it was, people I actually liked.  From that look... his eyebrows raising, lips pursed tightly, his expression showed sympathy which was not the best sign.  I could just feel it then, who it was.  "Who is it Luke?" I pushed, wanting to hear him say the son of a bitch's name.  The one son of a bitch in the whole station I had issues with in the past.

"Well," he said in a higher voice.  "You know... I mean, Ramper was up for grabs."

"He was up for grabs?" I asked louder.  Nobody else was 'up for grabs?'  I narrowed my eyes.  On yeah, this is going to be great. 

"I'm concerned about your safety, not your issues with the man himself.  I know he comes across as--"

"A dumbass?  A stupid idiot?  An ignorant almost childish loser?"

"Well yeah but... I mean, I'm looking for the best man capable.  And with most of the other officers schedules tight, even with money, most don't like moving around.  I managed to get Ramper though.  He's actually one of the better officers I've worked with when it comes to this type of thing.

I stared at Luke.  Because everything I knew with that man... screamed that he sucked in every aspect of being a cop.  Every encounter... just screamed idiot.  Of course, the last one was anything but, I will admit.  Of course, I still had my doubts.  "Ramper is good?  Like you feel better with him protecting me?" I asked, truly curious.  All I can say was that was just unexpected. 

Luke nodded.  "He's an ass.  I'll give you that.  But he's good.  And though I'd rather be there, I'm happy it's Ramper than any of the other officers really."

Jesus.  Well... I mean, it sucked it was him but I was still thankful for what he did last time I saw him.  He really saved me from a lot of guilt and if what Luke said about the rarity of cops killing... I'm sure it was weighing down on him when he shot that guy instead of having me kill him.  So, all rapist jokes were out the window from that.  Having him protect me now in school... will be just wow.  It wont be the best duo around but I'll feel safe and safer knowing Luke wont be there incase something does happen.  I'd rather him not be the one protecting me since it puts him in danger like that, even if I would love him around me in school.

Sighing, I finally took my eyes off his and looked down to where my left hand rested against the tight skin of his chest.   My fingers were resting slightly against a bandage and with my other slowly sliding down, came to rest  between the small hairs on his chest.  Focusing on the texture of his chest, his smooth skin, I ran my hands up and down slowly in comfort, smiling slightly when I looked up at him.  I noticed his breath picked up just slightly as he smiled himself, looking into my eyes.  I chuckled softly.  "One of us is going to get bitch slapped the first day we get to school together. Either by one of my teachers or us."

"Which is tomorrow now," he nodded, his hands on my back coming to tighten and brought me close to him.  The insides of my thighs pressing against his hips in his lap, I came to rest my hands still on his muscular arms, looking into those deep greens close to mine. 

We stayed that way for a long moment, just staring into each others eyes - as dumb as that sounds and probably is - until Luke broke the silence a moment later.  "You know..." he said in a lower voice, looking down and with his tone, I heard the teasing come back. "I'm hungry.  Is my woman ready to make me a sandwich?"

I knew he was trying to play with me - so I started to do something he wouldn't expect.  I moved my arms back to my side and started to move my body back, trying to get up from where my legs are on either side of his lap.  But just before I could stand up, 'to go make his sandwich,' his arms tightened again and pulled me right fully back against him, making me chuckle.  "Wait, wait..." he laughed with me.

"Why, you bluffer?  Didn't think I'd get up, did you?" I asked, smiling brightly.

"Well no," he whined.  "You were suppose to stay put and bitch me out!"

I chuckled, shaking my head.  God, he is so much fun when we don't have to deal with all this bullshit in our lives.  "I was going to get up and make a sandwich... then eat it right in front of you."

He nodded, considering it.  "Hmm... I don't think you'd make a good housewife.  Just a good wife," he said softly, smiling up at me and it made my heart jump at the words and I felt my throat want to close.  I mean, we were teasing but him complimenting almost in that way, was something I haven't experienced before.  He laughed softly after that.  "You'd make any man with his eyes open happy," he whispered.

"Do I make you happy?" I asked, that sweet swelling feeling in my stomach turning in circles.  Staring into his nice caressing eyes, I felt one hand that was on my back move up to my neck and to the back of my head, cupping just below where my bun was. 

Such a beautiful smile he gave me.  He nodded.  "Yes.  You do," he said quietly, smiling so brightly to me as he searched my eyes.  And I can only imagine my big dumb smile in response.  "You make me very happy and all I want is to do that same for you."