TANGLED HEARTS

by Hartley, Jennifer

"Mmm, you smell good," she murmured.

  Adam had got out the blanket, and he tucked it around her, covering them both.

  “You warm enough?” he asked.

  “I’m nice and warm,” Kimberly assured him.

  “Good,” smiled Adam.

  He got distracted as she looked up at him and softly kissed her. Kimberly melted against him.

  “This is nice,” she whispered in a brief moment between kisses.

  “Very nice,” agreed Adam against her lips.

  He kissed her once more, then swiftly pressed play, clearly deciding it was safer to start the movie.

  At the end of the movie, Kimberly moved, having spent the majority of the movie snuggled against Adam. She stretched, covering a yawn.

  “Looks like it’s time for bed,” said Adam, seeing she was sleepy.

  “Let’s go,” said Kimberly, reaching out to take his hand.

  “I could sleep on the couch?” he offered.

  “If you sleep on the couch, then I’m sleeping on the couch too,” said Kimberly with a smirk.

  “Alright, let’s go to bed then,” said Adam, having smiled.

  Kimberly settled in his bed, facing him as he got in too. He took a moment to admire the sight before him. She had no idea how perfect she looked as she lay just inches away from him. Kimberly was watching him in the low light of the room; her thoughts were mirroring his.

  “Adam, can I cuddle with you?” she asked, suddenly shy.

  Adam opened his arms in response, and she scooted closer, settling in his arms and swiftly kissing his cheek.

  “Goodnight, love you,” she murmured.

  “Goodnight, love you too,” said Adam, holding her closer.

  Chapter 5

  The next morning, Kimberly woke up, blinking against the morning light.

  She grinned as she saw her comfortable pillow was actually Adam’s chest. She was still tucked in his arms, Adam asleep beside her.

  She thought they might have overslept and moved slightly to peer at the clock on the bedside table.

  They had, but she wasn’t surprised. It had been the best night of sleep. Sometimes restless, she didn’t always sleep well, but last night, she didn’t think she’d even moved in her sleep. She was still exactly where she’d been when she fell asleep. Adam’s arms were her place of comfort. She always relaxed in his embrace.

  She studied Adam, he was relaxed, and she took the opportunity to really take him in. She’d seen him practically every day for over ten years, yet the love she felt when she looked at him was like nothing she’d ever felt before. It had been growing steadily over the past two years, and it was amazing to think that she was now his and he was hers.

  Adam woke up slowly. There was a warmth in his arms that felt just like Kimberly. Her warmth, her weight, and her scent were all things he was intimately acquainted with all these years. He moved his arm slightly, grazing her shoulder as she snuggled against his side. He suddenly opened his eyes, realizing it was not a dream and remembering the events from the night before.

  “Good morning,” came Kimberly’s soft greeting.

  Adam moved slightly to better see her face and smiled.

  “Hey, good morning,” he said, lightly caressing her cheek.

  “I could get used to this,” he added with a grin.

  “I could too. Waking up with you is the best,” said Kimberly with a soft smile.

  “It is the best,” agreed Adam.

  “We overslept…I still don’t want to get up though,” murmured Kimberly, moving to kiss his cheek and tightening her hold on him.

  “We did? We don’t really have anything on anyway, but we probably should have got up to practice,” said Adam.

  “Let’s try to get at least an hour or two in later,” said Kimberly, nodding. “Want breakfast?” she asked.

  “Poached eggs?” asked Adam with a smile.

  “Of course,” smiled Kimberly.

  “Sure, I’ll make you some of my special French toast too,” said Adam.

  “Oh, I want that!” said Kimberly, her eyes widening.

  Adam chuckled; her love of food he knew well. Now that the Championship was over, their dietary restrictions had relaxed a bit, just a little bit though as they still needed to be in top condition for the season.

  “How are you feeling?” he murmured, studying her.

  “I feel fine, better,” said Kimberly.

  “I’m glad,” said Adam. “Breakfast time,” he added.

  Kimberly let go of him only slightly, and he smiled.

  “Come on Kim. I’m sure you’ll be wide awake with some coffee and breakfast. I’ll make you breakfast today, okay? You get ready for later, and breakfast will be waiting for you,” said Adam.

  “You look after me so well,” smiled Kimberly.

  Adam grinned. “I like looking after you.”

  Kimberly placed a soft kiss onto his cheek with a smile and disappeared into the bathroom.

  Adam went downstairs and started on breakfast. Kimberly came into the kitchen looking beautiful in a soft royal blue jumper and jeans. Her hair was spilling over her shoulders, and he tried not to stare. Instead, he turned to pour her a cup of coffee and placed it on the counter next to her.

  “Thank you,” smiled Kimberly as she had a sip. “Mmm, good as always,” she said.

  “I’m going to go get ready and then finish up breakfast, you relax,” said Adam, kissing her cheek softly as he passed.

  “Alright,” smiled Kimberly.

  Kimberly reached for another slice of French toast, laughing at something Adam had said. It was comfortable. It was like nothing had changed, though everything had.

  After a leisurely morning relaxing together, they prepared to go to Adam’s parents' house for lunch.

  “I apologize in advance,” said Adam before they left the house.

  “Why?” asked Kimberly.

  “My mum is a bit excited as you know,” said Adam, raising his eyebrows.

  “I love your mom. I don’t mind. I’m glad she’s excited,” said Kimberly.

  “You’re the best,” said Adam, with a smile.

  Kimberly laughed, settling into the car for the short drive.

  “Kimberly!” said Penelope, enveloping her in a hug the moment she saw them arrive.

  “Nice to see you too, mom,” joked Adam.

  He knew his mother and his entire family had always loved and accepted Kimberly, and now that they knew he and Kimberly were a couple, his parents were thrilled. His brothers had teased him mercilessly about how long it had taken him to ‘get the girl,’ but Adam just laughed it off and warned them not to tease Kimberly.

  Kimberly beamed, happy to be there with Adam’s family. They had been in each other’s lives so long that Adam’s family was hers and her family was his. It was natural; their families had been through all the ups and downs of their careers along with them, and a special bond had been forged. Penelope had always adored Kimberly, and the feeling was mutual.

  “It’s so good to see you. Adam and I were so happy you were there for us at the Championship. We always knew we had support from both our families,” said Kimberly.

  “We witnessed the best!” said Penelope with a grin.

  She pulled Kimberly further into the house, not letting go of her, and Kimberly looked back at Adam with a smile as he followed with a chuckle.

  “Did you get more beautiful? I think you did,” said Penelope fondly.

  “I’ve been sick, so if anything, I got worse looking,” joked Kimberly.

  “Nonsense,” laughed Penelope, busily fixing Kimberly some tea, not even asking her if she wanted it.

  Kimberly was the main event at lunch; Adam’s family did not let her have a moment to herself. Adam was a little uncomfortable, not wanting Kimberly to feel the pressure, but she seemed at ease. It was Adam that breathed a sigh of relief as they left, Penelope and Joe waving from the door.

  “I think I’ve filled my quota of the family for th
e day. Quick, let’s escape,” he said.

  Kimberly giggled. “It was fun and a really good lunch,” she said.

  “Glad you’re okay,” said Adam, taking a hand off the wheel to quickly squeeze her hand.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” asked Kimberly.

  “I don’t know, my family can be…overwhelming,” said Adam.

  “It wasn’t, it was nice. Really nice,” said Kimberly with a smile.

  She moved to place a swift kiss on his cheek and then settled in her seat again.

  They wandered around, enjoying the afternoon and before they knew it, it was time for more food and relatives at Kimberly’s mother’s house.

  Kimberly had the same fear that Adam would be overwhelmed, but he enjoyed himself. Jennifer put on quite a spread, having made Adam’s favorite meal for the occasion.

  Much like Penelope had monopolized Kimberly’s time, Jennifer monopolized Adam’s, almost forgetting that Kimberly was there as she chatted and laughed with Adam. He took all the attention in stride, relaxed with her family. They had known each other for so long that their families merged and became one.

  “I am so full,” moaned Adam as they left, Jennifer beaming as she waved at them.

  “Can you drive?” asked Kimberly with a laugh as they stopped by the car.

  “No, I’m dying here,” said Adam, tossing her the keys.

  Kimberly caught them and got in the driver’s side.

  “Dramatic,” she teased as they settled in the car.

  Adam buckled his seatbelt, holding his stomach.

  “Sorry, mom doesn’t understand the word ‘no’ when she wants to feed you,” smiled Kimberly.

  “It was so good. I am just so full,” smiled Adam.

  “Home?” asked Kimberly.

  “Yes, let’s go,” said Adam.

  Back at Adam’s, they both changed into sweats and settled on the couch.

  Kimberly moved into his embrace, and his arms automatically went around her, holding her against his side. He dropped a kiss onto her hair.

  “Want to watch something?” he asked.

  “Sure. A comedy?” asked Kimberly.

  “Why not,” said Adam.

  Kimberly fell asleep on him a few episodes in, and Adam smiled. It was early, but she’d had a long day, still recovering from the cold she’d had, and he let her sleep, trying not to move so as not to wake her.

  At some point, he fell asleep too, and Kimberly woke later to find herself in Adam’s arms on the couch. She was basically laying on him, and she moved slightly, wanting him to be more comfortable. She wondered if she should wake him to go to bed and was still pondering that when she drifted off to sleep again.

  It was Adam that woke first in the morning, realizing he was on the couch and that Kimberly was snuggled in his arms.

  He looked down at Kimberly. She was fast asleep, her head on his chest, one arm across his body.

  He felt so much happiness as he looked at her, he thought he could burst.

  They’d always had a special relationship, but now, it felt like things were well on the way to perfect.

  Getting her up to practice was a dilemma though, and it was only with a fresh brew of coffee practically under her nose that she reluctantly opened her eyes. She’d groaned in her sleep as he’d got up from the couch and he worried he’d woken her, but she kept sleeping.

  “Rise and shine,” he greeted.

  “No rising, no shining,” grumbled Kimberly.

  Adam laughed, and she slowly sat up, stretching, as she did so.

  “I fell asleep on you again, didn’t I?” she asked.

  “Yes, but I fell asleep, too,” said Adam.

  Kimberly took the proffered coffee mug, taking a deep sip.

  “Mmm,” she said, looking up at him over the mug.

  “Thank you for making coffee. I’m sorry I fell asleep on you,” she said.

  “I didn’t mind,” said Adam.

  “You must be sore, though, sleeping on the couch, I hope I wasn’t too heavy on you,” said Kimberly.

  “I’m fine, I swear. The couch is comfortable, particularly when there’s a certain beauty in my arms,” smiled Adam.

  Kimberly blushed, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. “You’re sweet,” she said shyly.

  “Want to go to the courts early to get some practice in?” asked Adam.

  “Sure,” said Kimberly, taking another long drink of the coffee, feeling it warm her up and slowly energize her.

  A bran muffin and a banana later, they headed to the court for some practice.

  It was during the second half of practice that Kimberly felt a sharp part of her racket land on Adam’s thigh. Ever attuned to her movement, Adam quickly moved back.

  “I’m so sorry,” began Kimberly immediately.

  “It’s okay. I’m sorry, I don’t know what happened,” said Adam, running a hand through his hair.

  “Are you okay?” asked Kimberly, worriedly looking down at his upper leg.

  Adam looked confused for a moment. He had felt nothing so wasn’t sure what she meant. His only concern had been making sure they didn’t collide.

  “Oh,” she said, gasping as she saw that her racket had sliced through Adam’s pants.

  “It’s nothing,” said Adam quickly. He could feel the slight sting now, but without looking, he knew it was minimal.

  “Let me see,” said Kimberly, having a better look at the hole. There was a small cut on his skin, but it wasn’t deep. It was bleeding a little, but Adam didn’t appear bothered by it.

  “Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” said Kimberly.

  “It’s tiny, don’t worry,” said Adam.

  “I hurt you, I’m so sorry,” said Kimberly, still upset.

  “Kim, it’s fine, really,” said Adam.

  “I’ll just go change into another pair of sweatpants, okay?” he said, touching her cheek lightly to calm her.

  “Alright,” said Kimberly, nodding.

  She followed him off the court and was waiting with plaster and antiseptic when he came out of the change room.

  “Come on, put this on too,” said Kimberly.

  “Kim,” whined Adam. “It’ll sting.”

  “It’ll clean it,” said Kimberly.

  She gave him a look that this was non-negotiable and he complied, turning to go back into the change room, Kimberly following.

  Adam hesitated as he sat down on the bench.

  “Can you turn around?” he asked awkwardly.

  “No, I’m here for the show,” winked Kimberly.

  Adam forgot he didn’t want the antiseptic as he stared at her.

  “Bold,” he said, laughing.

  Kimberly grinned.

  He shrugged, peeling down his sweatpants just enough to let Kimberly dab an antiseptic on the cut on his upper thigh. She could see it was a little larger than what she’d initially seen on inspecting it through the material. It wasn’t deep though, and she stuck the plaster on, making sure it was secure. Not to make Adam uncomfortable, she kept her eyes on the task at hand.

  “Thank you,” said Adam with a smile.

  “It’s my fault. You have a cut because of me,” said Kimberly.

  Adam shook his head, rolling the pants back up and standing.

  “Kim, no. It’s not your fault; it was just an accident,” said Adam.

  Kimberly shook her head though, upset with herself.

  “It’s okay, Kim. I promise I’m fine,” said Adam, reaching for her.

  He pulled her into a hug, and she relaxed in his embrace, automatically syncing her breathing with his. It was second nature now. She’d spent much of her life next to him, as they played, as they hugged and celebrated a victory, or as they synced their breathing and heartbeats. That’s why she was scared of the next step, not because she didn’t want it, but because there was so much to lose if it went wrong. There was also so much to gain, and it was the thought of what they would gain that made her happy and excited for what was to
come.

  Chapter 6

  Adam woke up with the hum of the plane and babble of passengers around him as he blinked sleepily. Kimberly was sleeping on his shoulder. His arm was around her, and he loosened his hold slightly but didn’t let go of her. He let Kimberly continue sleeping against him, not moving so as not to wake her.

  When the plane started to descend a bit, and he could see on the flight tracker that soon they’d be landing in Japan, he gently touched her shoulder.

  “Kim, we’re landing soon,” murmured Adam. His breath ruffled her hair lightly, and she tiredly opened her eyes.

  She raised her eyes to look at him, blushing slightly as their eyes met.

  “Sorry,” she murmured.

  “Why are you apologizing?” asked Adam with a smile.

  “For falling asleep on you…again,” laughed Kimberly.

  “I never mind,” smiled Adam.

  Kimberly looked around, their friends and fellow athletes were sitting nearby, but all seemed occupied reading or preparing for landing.

  She swiftly kissed Adam’s cheek, smiling as he blushed.

  “Love you,” she whispered as she nuzzled his neck lightly.

  “Love you,” he said softly.

  Kimberly leaned closer again, kissing him this time on the corner of his mouth.

  He gave her a warning look, and she giggled.

  She started to gather her things innocently, and Adam got up, ruffling her hair as he passed to go to the bathroom before the seatbelt sign came on.

  Kimberly smoothed her hair back with a chuckle and prepared for landing, freshening up a bit. Adam sat down again beside her, fastening his seat belt.

  Kimberly did the same, laying her head back against the seat.

  “Short practice, dinner, and then sleep,” listed Kimberly.

  “We will just get a feel for the arena tonight; it won’t be long, I think,” said Adam.

  “Hopefully,” said Kimberly.

  At the airport, they got their bags, the team tired from the flight but exuberant to be in Japan again. They were picked up by bus and taken to the hotel where they all piled out, chatting excitedly.

  Adam took Kimberly’s suitcase handle and started rolling her suitcase through to the foyer. She opened her mouth to protest, but Brianna fell into step beside her. Adam took that opportunity to move ahead of them, wheeling both suitcases behind him.